Speech by Ken Ritchie

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Ken Ritchie
Speech Date: Dec2007
Welcome

On behalf of my wife Jen and myself, we would like to say it's lovely that so many have been able to make it here today. We have guests from so many places. We have guests from the London Russian congregation, a guest from Russia, two from Hertfordshire, another from Italy, my brother and his wife from Salisbury, and not forgetting Juan's parents Edmundo and Sonia from Nicaragua itself. This wedding is being video'ed, so Hol&#225, to those in Nicaragua not able to be here today!

Now, as father of the bride, I have the pleasure of making the first speech, and paving the way for the star speakers, the Groom and the Best man. I won't bore you with a long speech because of my throat. If I talk for too long, Jen says she'll cut it!

Thanks

Jen and I want to say THANKS VERY MUCH to all who have helped to make this a lovely day. It is a mark of the love within our organisation that different ones have helped with the service, provided accommodation for guests, arranged flowers, done hairdo's, taken photos, cooked and prepared food, provided a car, music, and have prepared this venue for the couple.

I hate to quote names as I know I'd miss someone out, and not everyone who has helped is able to be with us here today. We are so thankful for all your kind efforts, and I'm sure you'll now join me in showing our appreciation to all those lovely people!

Today

Wasn't it a lovely wedding? How happy Juan and Michaela look! Most her know they met in Nicaragua, where Michaela was to do the work she's always loved, in a land where there's a great need. Juan's parents Edmondo and Sonia are very hospitable people, and they put up many visitors arriving or departing through the capital, Managua. Michaela stayed there, met Juan, and, as they say, the rest is history!

We realised straight away that Michaela had met someone, as suddenly there was just something in her voice on the phone that was different. After a while, Juan used the traditional method of asking my consent to a marriage, he got Michaela to email me! This is a wedding that joins two families together.

The Bride

Michaela looks so beautiful, doesn't she? Talking of Michaela's qualities, where do I begin? She's intelligent, good-looking, generous, hard-working, popular and witty. Surely, you can tell she's my daughter!

Michaela and Juan have brightened up our lives just lately. And they leave the lights on in the bathroom and everywhere. Talking of the bathroom, they take so many showers, Southern Water will imagine that we have a leak!

Michaela is a loving daughter that we are so proud of. Yes, I know dads can be biased, and, yes, she could never do any wrong in my eyes. She does have a strong mind of her own, which I am sure Juan has already found out for himself!

The Groom

Juan got to know us first over the internet. He's now been living with us for 5 months. He seems to get along with us very well. He has a pleasant, considerate and loving manner and makes a lot of effort to get on with Jen and myself. We're sure he'll look after Michaela very well and make a good son-in-law for us.

Names are fascinating. I looked up the meaning of Juan Vado. Juan, as we all know is John, or in Latin, Dios Misericordioso. This means God is Merciful or God's Gracious Gift. Vado, as in Lake Vado, Mexico, means a body of water or a river crossing. Therefore, his name means &quotGift of God from across the Water&quot Very apt?

Wisdom

With having been married 2/3rds of my life, I believe I can give the couple some practical advice.

Firstly, a Marriage Certificate is not a qualification. It comes with no guarantee, and no expiry date!

Marriage is not about finding a perfect partner, it's about learning to become one.

There are many things that go into making a marriage happy.. Love, faithfulness, trust, someone who will listen, persistence, patience, tolerance, tenacity, stamina, and forgiveness, or failing that, a defective memory is very useful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Thank you all once again for your help and for being here today. Now, I'm finished, so you can enjoy the Groom's and Best Man's speeches, no pressure, Juan, and Michael, and an evening of music and enjoyment!

Once again, we want to show our appreciation for everyone's help to make today perfect for the couple, and of our love for Juan and Michaela Vado Clapping.