Speech by James Young

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: James Young
Speech Date: 05/10/2012 21:39:03

Ladies and gentlemen…and anyone that might have snuck in for a free  meal…

As father of the Bride…It is my privilege to make the first speech…At least, I thought it was… until I realised that I'm just the warm up act for the groom and best man.

On behalf of Lynn and James…welcome to their special day.

I stand here today an honoured man that Lynn has asked me to do this special thing and give her away at her wedding.

Lynn you make me so proud, when you and I shared our little glance at one another as we were ready to start our walk down the aisle. I want you to know that will be a moment I will cherish always.

Lynn is a wonderful daughter, granddaughter, mum, sister, niece, auntie and friend. She has provided us all with so much joy and laughter over the years. We have always been so proud of her. In everything she does she always gives 100%…..and when she's talking 120%!!!

We are all so happy today to see Lynn looking so beautiful….married to James….the handsome groom.

Since we've known James, we've come to realise just how special he is to her and anyone can see that they are meant for each other.

I was interested in finding out a bit of the family history of the name Raeburn…And translated into a Scottish Place name…meaning “a stream where does drink” – well that suits Lynn?

Another meaning is that of an educated, hard working man…well that must be James.

And to you James senior, I thank you!

James, I would like to welcome you into the family…even though you've been part of it for a good while now. You are a great lad, who clearly loves our Lynn and obviously makes her very happy.

I think you've been with Lynn now long enough to know what you're letting yourself in for by joining the family, so to be honest mate…I haven't got any sympathy for you! Joking aside though, it's great to have you as part of our family and it's great to have you as a son-in-law.

That brings me to another special person in the family…Owen…

Lynn he is a credit to you…a direct result of your effort, sacrifices and dedication. And James, I'm so proud of the relationship you've built with Owen.

Proof of that being…that on the 22nd June 2011 when James proposed to Lynn, all Owen was interested in was how quickly he could take the name Raeburn.

So what advice can I give you about marriage?

Well none…as I've never been married!! But who knows what the future holds. One thing I do know is just how much Caroline and the boys (Lewis & Ewan) adore Lynn, James and Owen. Especially when James taught the boys how to make a bikini top out of a t-shirt and cat walk to “the male stripper”…I knew within those few minutes that he was going to fit into our family just fine.

How could I ask for more!!

But one lesson I have learnt is this…It has been said “that a man is not complete until he is married… and then he well and truly finished!”

It's too late now James!!

Just remember…that a man who gives in when he is wrong…is a wise man! But a man who gives in when he is right…is a married man!!!

Lynn and James have obviously worked really hard at organising everything for today but their hard work has definitely paid off. I'm sure everyone will agree that the ceremony was wonderful!!

I'd like to thank everyone for making this day so special…you know who you are…not to mention the staff here for their superb reception.

I know that Nana & Papa are with us today, watching over this celebration and you know as well as I do that they would be so proud of the happiness that James has brought. Papa would have been urging us to get to the best bit…the party: gin and bitter lemon in one hand and the spoons in the other. He liked a good knees-up.

And so Lynn and James…..

Here's to the past, for all that you've learnt                                Here's to the present, for all that you share Here's to the future, for all that you look forward to together.

Ladies and Gentleman, it gives me immense pleasure to invite you to be upstanding, raise your glass and join me in a toast to the new Mr & Mrs Raeburn, I give you, Lynn and James, the Bride and Groom.