Speech by Dave 186

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Dave 186
Speech Date: 30/03/2013 13:13:18

Step father of the bride.

Distinguished guests, those of dubious distinction and those of no distinction, family, relatives, in-laws and outlaws, young and old, friends, friends of friends, freeloaders and hangers-on – let me extend a warm welcome to N…… & K…….s wedding reception.

I'm Dave and I have the undoubted honour of being the step father of the bride and as such it is my privilege to make the first speech. However, I'm fully aware that my main function this afternoon is to warm you up for the star performers who will speak later.

You may notice I've dispensed with the traditional reams of paper or stack of cards in favour of my ipad. Not to worry you but this thing has 64 GB storage and for those of you not in the know that's around 12 Billion words.

Today is not only a celebration of the Love that has united N…… and K…… in marriage, but also of the families that have created, moulded and influenced the lives of these two special people. So J…… and I would like to extend a very warm welcome to P..… And K…… and to relatives and friends of both families.

A special part of N…… and K……s union arrived a 9 months ago and I know that A…… is already an ever growing part of their lives. She joined E…… and M…… to give J…… and I a 3rd grand child, but today we inherit 2 more full grown ones in E…… and A..… .Welcome to you both

One notable absence from the immediate family today is your step brother A…… who has asked me to say a few words on his behalf. K…..… He would like to embrace you his new brother in law, and says it's nothing personal that he's 4000 miles away. Oh and he apologises for not being here today, but he prefers the weather in O..… At the moment. Let's all hope he brings it back with him in a month's time so we can have a summer this year.

A.… isn't the only one that wasn't able to make it today so can I please ask you all to be upstanding and raise your glasses to our absent friends and family, who I am sure will want us to make this the best of all celebrations.

To absent friends and family.

Now a few words about N….. 

J…… tells me that as a young girl N…… liked dressing up and got the nickname Princess L….., which her sister L……uses to this day. I'm sure you will all agree that N…… does look like a princess today.

I first met N…… when she was a young teenager and now she has grown into an independent young woman. I know that when they shared a room L…… wished that N…… could organise their bedroom better, as N…… would always go out looking perfect, but left their room looking like a tornado had hit it, fortunately her organisational skills, which were not yet honed, did improve and she became a very successful PA. It was of course through that role that she first met K….… I'm sure these skills are helping to keep their house in order today.

She was a quite well behaved as a teenager and it was rare that we would get a late call asking to be picked up, unlike L…… and her brother A… She was saving her help call for when we were on holiday abroad. We got a call from her “I've found a flat in London, could you please lend me the deposit and I really need it sort of now so that I don't lose it!” We of course said no, (not really,) we didn't mind, as she had not often used the bank of mum and dad.

N…… loved her time in London, but I think she loves her time in S……… even more.

Now just a couple of interesting facts about the 23rd March

On this day in History:

1840 – The first successful photo of the Moon was taken.

1903 – The Wright brothers obtained an airplane patent.

And no I'm not going to talk about K…… flying N….… to the moon, and I'm certainly not going to sing it as we do want people to stay for a while.

Carrying on:

1929 – Roger Bannister -the first man to run the mile in less than four minutes was born

1987 – N…….s brother A…… was born. Happy birthday A…

Perhaps the most relevant thing I found was that in

1961 – Elvis Presley recorded “Can't Help Falling in Love.”

And on the subject of falling in love you should always remember that a successful marriage requires falling in love many times, but always with the same person.

As we are talking about advice there is a lot out there, here's a few bits I've picked up on the way:

Consider the words of Oscar Wilde, “Women are meant to be loved, not understood.”

Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction

Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate

Marriage is very much like driving along a road, yes a road.

– It can be nice and smooth

– Sometimes it can be slippery

– There can be potholes in the way

– You can go round in circles

– Conditions are sometimes bumpy

– You can't see through the mist 

But think, before you cross the line, be aware of all the signs and most important of all… GIVE WAY

A specific one here for you K…..… Is to remember there is no challenge in a marriage that can't be overcome by one or more of the following:

– Ok, I was wrong

– Ok, You were right

– Yes Dear 

– And the most important – OK love! Just buy it!

But seriously, the best piece of advice I can offer is to just say to each other each and every day these three little words – I Love You.

And now you'll be glad to hear I am approaching the end of my speech and would like to paraphrase Beyoncé and say that we're glad it was K…… who put a ring on it.  (Those ladies that were on N…… hen do will know what I'm talking about).

Just a few final words for N…… and K……

Here's to the past, for all you've learned. Here's to the present for all that you share. Here's to the future for all your plans together. And here's to Love, Laughter and Happy Ever After.

Ladies and Gentlemen would you all please be upstanding.

I GIVE YOU, N….… and K…… THE BRIDE AND GROOM