Speech by Capt John D Hess

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Capt John D Hess
Speech Date: oct 2004
(to the crowd)
As Father of the Bride, I am honored to be the first to speak this evening. I would like to begin by welcoming each and every one of you on this joyous occasion. It is good to see so many friends and family here today to help celebrate Sara and Jason's wedding. I would also like to remember those who have meant so much to our family, but could not be here today.

(to Jason)
At this time, I would like to take this opportunity to formally and wholeheartedly welcome Jason into our family. I hope that we will get to know you better in the coming months and years.

(to the crowd)
It is about this time in every wedding that the bride begins thinking, “oh-my-gosh, what is daddy going to say?” “Is he going to talk about my toddler temper tantrums and teen age emotional rollercoasters or is he going to talk about the life expectancy of a smoke alarm in our kitchen?”

(to Sara)
No – I wouldn't dream of stooping so low. Instead I would like to talk about how proud I am of you Sara. As a father, seeing my little girl get married today has filled me with conflicting emotions. On the one hand, I am bursting with pride; how beautiful you are, all grown up, mature, independent, exactly how we hoped you would turn out. But on the other hand, I feel a sense of loss, because I am saying farewell to that sweet little girl who would spend hours giggling in her playhouse in our back yard. And though I'm sure you would prefer I didn't dredge up any more of those childhood memories today, I just want you to know how much I love you. We are all overjoyed that you have found someone as terrific as Jason to share the rest of her life with.

(to the crowd)
In my lifetime, I have been blessed with a number of truly "landmark moments." Looking back some were quite small, like the day my training wheels come off my bicycle. Eventually they grew in magnitude and significance. I received my driver's license, graduation, then…surprise, it's a girl. They may not have occurred in that exact order; however, they were truly landmark moments. Today is another one of those truly unforgettable moments in my life. And it is with great pleasure that I ask you all to stand and lift your glasses in toast.

(to Sara and Jason)
Sara and Jason, as you embark on one of life's most exciting, and interesting journeys,

May God abundantly bless you both,
May you always have all that you need,
May the road you choose be smooth and your burdens light,
And may your joys be everlasting.