Speech by John Moriarty

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: John Moriarty
Speech Date: Jun2005
(to the crowd)
As Father of the Bride, I am honored to be the first to speak this evening.
I would like to begin by welcoming each and every one of you on this joyous occasion. It is good to see so many friends and family here today to help celebrate Aoife and Peter's wedding. Lots of thanks especially to those of you who have come from afar (mentioned), and to those whose special help contributed to the day, particularly Peter's Aunt Pat and my old friend Fr.
Jim. I would also like to remember those who have meant so much to our family, but could not be here today.

(to Peter)
At this time, I would like to take this opportunity to formally and
wholeheartedly welcome Peter into our family. I hope that we will get to
know you better in the coming months and years.

(to the crowd)
It is about this time in every wedding that the bride begins thinking, "oh-my-gosh, what is daddy going to say?" "Is he going to talk about my toddler temper tantrums and teen age emotional rollercoasters or is he going to talk about the many exotic cooking smells in my kitchen?"

(to Aoife)
No – I won't be pulling your leg Aoife.. Instead I would like to talk
about how proud I am of you Aoife. As a father, seeing my little girl get
married today has filled me with conflicting emotions. On the one hand, I
am bursting with pride; how beautiful you are, all grown up, mature,
independent, exactly how we hoped you would turn out. But on the other
hand, I feel a sense of loss, because I am saying farewell to that sweet little girl who would spend hours playing with her fancy paper cuttings.
Now those childlike skills later became a real talent you used to cut and
shape your beautiful wedding dress along with your mother. And though I'm
sure you would prefer I didn't dredge up any more of those childhood
memories today, I just want you to know how much I love you. We are all
filled with happiness and joy that you have found someone as terrific as Peter to share the rest of your life with.

(to the crowd)
In my lifetime, I have been blessed with a number of truly "landmark moments." Looking back some were quite small, like the day I first rode my
bicycle. Eventually they gr ew in magnitude and significance. I received
my driver's license, graduation, then got married to Deirdre. Just two months afterwards, we absolutely knew we wanted a child and you Aoife were
the wonderful result. Today is another one of those truly unforgettable
moments in my life. And it is with great pleasure that Deirdre and I ask
you all to stand and lift your glasses in toast.

(to Aoife and Peter)
Aoife and Peter, as you embark on one of life's most exciting, and interesting journeys,

May God abundantly bless you both,
May you always have all that you need,
May the road you choose be smooth and your burdens light,
And may your joys be everlasting.