Speech by John Gallagher
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Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: John Gallagher
Speech Date: Jul2006
Making this speech is like being invited to go to bed with the Queen – It's a great honour but no-one wants to do it!
Distinguished guests, those of lesser distinction and those of no distinction, family, relatives, in-laws and outlaws, friends, friends of friends, freeloaders and hangers-on – on behalf of Pippa, Beth, Jim and myself, we extend a warm welcome to Lucy and Doug's wedding reception.
I'd like to begin by offering my sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who have worked so hard and long to help put this day together, a day I am sure, Lucy and Doug will cherish for the remainder of their lives together.
One special mention for Charlotte Burke who couldn't be here today – she is 111. No, sorry, she is ILL.
I would like to thank Billy Kennedy, for a lovely service. I understand you can find him on the internet at www.god.com. And thanks to his boss for the weather!
When I saw Lucy today for the first time in her bridal gown, I was totally speechless, she looked as she does now, absolutely stunning. I would love to say more but Kleenex doesn't make a box of tissues big enough for me to get through it.
Actually, it took quite a long time for Lucy to find the right man.
She put an advert in the Community Church Free Ads “Husband wanted” and had 93 replies saying “You can have mine”.
Doug also tried hard before he found Lucy. I understand he sent his photo to a Lonely Hearts Club and they sent it back saying “We're not that lonely”.
It is traditional at this point to bring up a mildly embarrassing moment from Lucy's past so that you can have a good giggle at her expense but on the basis that she has got so much more on me than I have on her, I'm just going to skip that!
In fact I was telling Lucy the other day that, because I was worried about choking up, I wouldn't be able to say nice things about her today. She put her hands on her hips and said: "Well somebody had better say something nice!"
We are so proud today, to see Lucy looking so beautiful. She has always brightened up our lives -mostly because she never turned off the lights! She dresses to kill, and cooks the same way.
When they were both staying over once, Lucy made dinner for Doug, but unfortunately the cat got it first. Lucy was quite upset, but Doug told her that we could easily get another cat. And it is not true that she uses the smoke alarm as the timer.
I'm just joking she is so very very special to us.
Doug, I'm sure you know that you have been welcome since the first day I met you.
I've always taken people as I find them. Well Ladies and Gentlemen I have to tell you that I would take this young man ANYTIME, ANY PLACE, ANYWHERE. I think he's great. He is attentive, caring, loving not with me , hard working , intelligent, informed on most subjects except football, he supports Ipswich. I know that, RIGHTFULLY, his parents are very proud of him. I am very pleased and proud to welcome him as a son in law.
Doug actually did the traditional thing and asked me if he could have Lucy's hand in marriage. I immediately agreed, BEFORE he changed his mind – 1 down, 4 to go I thought!
I know that Lucy and Doug will start a family when they are ready. I am a fan of the late great unpolitically correct comedian, Les Dawson – when talking about his marriage he said “ We hadn't been married long when we heard the pitter patter of tiny feet – The mother in law was a midget.” Clearly, in this case neither of the mothers in law could be described in this way so lets hope that when we hear the pitter patter of tiny feet it is the genuine article.
Just a few words of wisdom. Never go to bed on an argument – stay up and fight.
I will now propose a toast to the newly weds
Here is to love and laughter and happiness everafter
I GIVE YOU THE BRIDE AND GROOM, Lucy and Doug.
