Speech by David Shephard

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: David Shephard
Speech Date: Sep 2000
Goods evening everyone, I am David, the bride's father I will endeavour to keep this as short as possible for the sake of everyone. Especially me. If you hear any strange noises it is only my knees knocking, please take no notice.

Shirley and I, would sincerely like to welcome today all of Stevens family and relatives, my relatives and all the friends of both families to this very happy occasion.

I would like to thank the vicar for a lovely service, the two beautiful bridesmaids, and the vicar's friend for keeping the weather at bay
And my two grandchildren still throughout the ceremony (miracles still do happen)

Tracey did not get the best start in life loosing her natural mother Kathy Wilmore at a very early age and having me as a father did not help. It is thanks to my wife Shirley, MR & MRS Wilmore (Sam and Alice) as our friends know them, Tom and Jill Leydon and my mother and sister Ann. That she has grown into a very sensible young lady, and I would like to extend my thanks to all of them for their support and guidance over the last 29 years helping me to raise Tracey, who I am very proud of, and love dearly

Tracey was born on Christmas eve 1970 the day after the Aston Villa had beaten Manchester United in the semi final of the league cup, I actually left straight from the match to the hospital , she was born in the early hours of the morning, I had a double celebration and got very drunk. I have been told there can be no repeat performance today. (As if) I can't drink any more and the Villa certainly can't beat united.

We are very proud that Tracey has married Steven. Avery special young man with a lot of very good qualities generous, polite, fair, and popular with all of my family and friends, it is a pity he is a West Bromwich Albion supporter. Still we can't all be perfect. Joking apart I really do like Stephen and welcome him into my family.

At this stage I was going to give the newly weds some advise on not going to bed on an argument, but if I know Steven he will probably give way to his wife. Why should he be any different to the rest of us husbands? Any thing for a quiet life. Any way that is enough rambling from me for one day

Ladies and gentleman, please be upstanding, I would like to propose a toast…To the Bride and Groom Mr & Mrs Taylor a long and very happy marriage

Ladies and Gentlemen. I would now like to hand you over, to my son in law, Steven