Speech by David priestley

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: David priestley
Speech Date: 21/06/2015 21:12:25

Natalie's & Steve's Wedding speech.

Good Afternoon everyone.

For those of you that don't know, my name is David and I am the very proud father of this beautiful bride. And on behalf of my wife Beverley, Steve's parents, Pam and Clive, and the happy couple Natalie and Steve, can I say what a pleasure it is to welcome the friends and relatives of both families. I know that many of you have travelled long distances to be here with us today. Thank you all for coming to help celebrate this very special occasion. I hope that you all have a wonderful afternoon and evening.

I hope you will forgive me, therefore if this speech is not as professional as the ones that are to follow as clearly this is a new experience for me.

NATALIE came into this world on the 14th February 1988 and I remember shortly after the birth, the midwife saying to me ‘She looks just like you Mr Priestley. Then she realised her mistake, and turned her the right way round!

Over the last 27 years I've had the privilege of watching Natalie blossom from a gorgeous baby daughter into the beautiful woman we see before us today.

Natalie is a wonderful daughter; she has provided us with so much joy and happiness over the years.  We have always been proud of her, and in everything she does.

(I LOOK AT NATALIE)…………………

When you and I shared our little glance at one another as we were ready to start our walk down the aisle, that will be a moment I cherish for always.

Fathers are naturally biased about their daughters but I'm sure you'll all agree that Natalie looks absolutely stunning.

Natalie has been like a ray of warm sun light on my soul from the day she was born. Now, she begins a new life and there will be another man to whom she will turn to for love and protection. But I want her to know that her father will always be there for her.  

During the time we have known Steve we have come to realise how special he is to Natalie and what a great son-in-law he will be.

I would like to take this opportunity to formally welcome Steve into our family even though you have been part of it for a good while now.

I would like us to take a brief moment to remember those loved ones who are no longer with us. They would be so proud and happy for Natalie & Steve today. So, please raise your glasses to: “Absent family and friends.” Thank you.

It brought tears to my eyes today when for the first time I actually heard Natalie say I WILL with a smile on her face and without arguing or moaning…..That was a first.

When preparing for this speech, I looked through some old photographs of the girls for inspiration. One in particular stood out from the others. It was a picture of our little girl lying on the floor in front of her mother, dribbling, gurgling and trying to take a few wobbly steps ….… it's the only photo we have of Natalie on her hen night, so it's quite special.

Whilst you have each other, don't forget that you'll always have the support of your family and friends. You don't get rid of us that easily.

BRIDEMAIDS,

I would like to say now, how beautiful the bridesmaids are, 

Philippa, Kimberley, Laura, and Liz, what a wonderful choice they were,

Also a big thank you to Andrea the lady who did the flowers.

Here at the crown plaza.

 Laura Simpson and the hotel staff deserve a special mention for all the hard work and effort they have done to make this a wonderful venue.

My final job as father of the bride is to propose a toast to the happy couple. This I do with great pride. !!!!!!!!!! Pause.

Ladies and Gentlemen, will you please be upstanding.    !!!Pause!!!   And raise your glasses to Natalie & Steve and join me in wishing them – long life and good health, – success in all they do, – and may the happiness they have shared be continued for ever. 

To Natalie & Steve