Speech by Bryan Daines

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Bryan Daines
Speech Date: Dec2007
Good afternoon everyone. As the father of the bride I have the pleasure of making the first speech and paving the way for the star speakers, the groom and best men. I'm sure they are itching to get up!

LADIES and GENTLEMEN,for those of you who do not know me, I'm Bryan.Hayleys dad.And on behalf of Janice and myself, I would like to welcome you here today to celebrate the marriage of our beautiful daughter Hayley to Mark.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Janice for being a beautiful and wonderful mother and the guiding influence in the upbringing of our daughter Hayley.

I was walking past her handbag last night when I heard a small pleading voice crying &quotHelp me! Help me!&quot in style of the Fly movie…it was my CREDIT CARD !!!

I must admit that standing here, speaking as the father of the bride today, is a much more daunting prospect than I am used to.

At this point I would like to mention some Important people who are not here today.

First of all:

My mother and Hayleys Nana Margaret.She is unable to attend due to her health needs.She has doted on Hayley for 27 years,she may not be In this hall, but she will always be in our hearts.

Then there is my Father Brian who passed away some years ago.He would be very proud today.

There is also Janice's parents Johnny and Alice who will both be watching from the stars.

They are all here in spirit, and they will all be very proud of the way the happy couple have turned out on this their special day.

LADIES and GENTLEMEN I would like to make the first toast of the day The toast is Absent Friends!

HAYLEY.

You are the daughter every parent dreams of having, beautiful, Intelligent and Hard Working.

You came into this world on March 29 1980..I remember shortly after you where born the midwife said to me..&quotShe looks just like you Mr Daines&quot.then she realized her mistake, and turned her the right way up !!!!

She has really grown up quickly it doesn't seem long ago that Hayley was running around the garden with no knickers on – eating mud . I'm glad to say – that she””s – stopped eating mud.

I am the proudest man in the world, seeing your daughter looking so happy and radiant is a truly amazing experience.

Hayley has been a wonderful daughter to Janice and I, and we thank her for 27 unbroken years of joy.

She has brightened up our lives for 27 years…She never turned the lights off.

Hayley has never once disappointed us and throughout her school years she never failed to surprise us.She attended English Martyrs School where she gained the necessary qualifications to go on to University and gain a 2,1 Degree In Business Management.

This is not to say that she does not have her &quotFunny &quot moments.

I once asked her What was Ghandis first name?..she said Goosey Goosey !!!

What would you find in Ancient Greece?…she said Ancient Chips !!!

Who was Joan of Arc?…she said Noah's Wife !!!

Last week I was getting a little sentimental and decided to get out a few old photos albums.Tears welled up in my eyes as I turned the pages and the one that really stood out was the photograph of Hayley lying on the rug, as nature intended.Breaking wind and gurgling at the lens what a little poppet she looked kicking her little legs in the air.YES it was her 21st Birthday !!!

Hayley is very choosey when it comes to men.she has taken her time to find the love of her life , and its no small feat that Mark has achieved in winning her love.

I asked Hayley what she was looking for in marriage,she said..Love, Happiness and Compannionship.Later I asked Mark the same question, after a little hesitation he said he would like a new tennis racket !!!

Hayley is a lovely girl and deserves a good husband.Mark..Your,e very lucky that she's married you, before she could find one !!!

MARK..

I heard that prior to you meeting Hayley.you sent your Photo to the Lonely Hearts Club , but they sent it back saying..Were not that lonely !!!!

During the time we have known Mark, we have come to realize how special he is .And anyone can see that they are made for each other.He is likeable and easy going and we are very happy to welcome him as our new son-in-law.It may seem condescending but if I had searched the whole world..I could not have found a better person to marry my daughter.

At this point I would like to formally welcome Mark Into the family, even though you have been part of it for a while now.

I think you have been with Hayley long enough now, to know what you are letting yourself in for.

So to be honest I have no sympathy for you !!!

Marriage in this day and age is far from easy.You will need to grow together in mutual trust and understanding, whilst not forgetting what first brought you together.In other words

May your love be modern enough to survive the times yet old fashioned enough to last forever.

Hayley and Mark.There is no challenge in a marriage that cannot be overcome by the following three word sentences.

I was wrong
You where right
I love you.

LADIES and GENTLEMEN.Please raise your glasses.

The toast is HAYLEY and MARK.Mr and Mrs Hughes