Speech by Gordon H Berlyne OBE JP

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Gordon H Berlyne OBE JP
Speech Date: Feb2006
Mr Chairman, Ladies & Gentlemen

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. The last talk I gave was hard enough; I was the Guest Speaker at the Annual Dinner of the Gay & Lesbian Society, – believe it or not – so I am absolutely delighted to see so many familiar faces here today !

What I really meant to say was that Xxxxxx & I – and I also speak on behalf of

Xxxxx and Xxxxxxx as well – that we are absolutely delighted to welcome you all to the Wedding of Xxxxxxx and Xxxxxx. You have indeed honoured us by your presence. You have come from Malaya, America and other countries and indeed from all over the United Kingdom. We even have visitors from Esher, which I am assured by my cousin Xxxxx is definitely the poshest place in the UK.

With a Wedding, two whole families also unite. I can only hope that the Xxxxxxes are as happy with us as we are with them. For those on the opposite sides of this Union, let me explain a little about us.

I was an Engineer, and the Bridgegroom is an Architect which reminds

me of the old saying:-

“Sheets of Metal, Cogs and Gears,

Thats the thing for Engineers;

Building Houses, Booze and Sex,

Thats the thing for Architects !!”

Irregardless of that, Xxxxxx is a most charming young man, respectful, considerate and kind and has all the qualities that we could hope for in a son-in-law. He is a highly respected and up-and-coming member of his profession and I am assured that he has most excellent prospects. I fervently hope so.

In any event, the Apple hasn't fallen far from the Tree as, Xxxxx and Xxxxxxx, his mother and father, are the nicest and most generous people we could ever wish to meet.

I understand that Xxxxxx's parents first met at University and also that they lived for quite some years in Malaya. Xxxxxxx is a most gifted and talented artist. Xxxxx does nothing. Well, at least not any more. I understand that he was one of those high flyers in Computers, and IT, and consultancy and business efficiency – which, explained in great detail, leaves you absolutely no wiser. But I do admire him intensely for being so laid back since his recent retirement.

Xxxxxx has different and complementary qualities to Xxxxxxx. She is sparky, single-minded, independent with good initiative. She was the most beautiful baby I have even seen, and has made today an absolutely breathtakingly beautiful Bride. It is quite obvious which one of her parents she gets all that from…

She has already had more experience of real life than most people

get in a life time. After a good degree in Media Studies, she has been

part of a five-girl pop band, ‘temped'in London, called in at a pub & told them that she was going to be their new Bar Maid (didn't ask); then escaped being made Manager and a lifetime in the licensed trade. She was finally persuaded to come back to Manchester – whereupon she promptly enrolled in Catering College to pursue her Number One passion: Food.

She did the three year course in one, became Pastry Chef in a Top Restaurant for a year, and then started her own catering company from home.

From there, as they say, the rest is history. She is now the proud

and very hardworking part-owner, with her two brothers, of a very

thriving Delicatessen and Catering business in Manchester, whose premises

were beautifully designed by Xxxxxxx.

So Xxxxx and Xxxxxxx are obviously quite a team, and we look forward to great things from them. Im sure we won't be disappointed.

Before I make the formal toast to the Bride and Bridegroom, I'm sure

you will allow me to pay a much needed and well-overdue tribute to

my dear wife Xxxxxx.

Always understanding, always tolerant and always smiling. And always

beautiful. She has been by my side from coming up to 42 years now

and I'm grateful for the opportunity to say in public what I have been

only too negligent to say often enough, in private:

“I love you just as much now, as I did when we first met". That

was 22 years ago, when she was only 4.… (That's what it says here….)

But back to business, and let me make a traditional toast to the Bride

and Groom:

“Here's to the Past, for all that you have learned,

Here's to the Present for all that you Share,

And here's to the Future, for all that you look forward to Together”

Ladies & Gentlemen; I give you the Bride and Groom, Xxxxxx and Xxxxxxx.