Speech by Stuart Cockram

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Stuart Cockram
Speech Date: oct 2004

Well, well think I will buy 5 lottery tickets tonight, after all you don't get much luckier than getting shot of two liabilities on one day, and to top it off I‘ve just discovered that we are not in the room next to Ian and Nicola tonight ..!

Before I say a few words I would just like to clear up a misunderstanding , I know some of you were surprised when Nicola's wedding present list included a Perky Copulator, Ian especially is relieved to realise that she actually meant a coffee perculator.

I had some difficulty in writing this speech. As both the brother of the Groom and step father of the bride to welcome and thank guests as mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters etc is just a little confusing. I was then going to begin with ladies and gentlemen but on looking around I'm glad I didn't do that either. So I'll start by simply saying to you all, on behalf of Nicola and Ian, thank you for coming here today and helping to make this a memorable occasion. A particular thanks to the pageboys, ushers and bridesmaids, who managed to do a sterling job and looked fantastic.

For those of you who don't know I have had the privilege of watching Nicola blossom to this beautiful young woman over the last 15 years or so. Today more than ever I am particularly proud of her, she looks stunning. As somebody that knows her very well. I can vouch for the fact that my brother has yet again been extremely lucky in finding and marrying Nicola. She is a loving, warm, considerate, fun person and Ian could not have done better.

After years of practise Ian and Nicola are extremely well suited, both easy going… (except Nicola), both respectful to their parents… (except Ian), both able to deal with disaster and triumph in the same way… (except Nicola). What is important and clear is that they love and indeed some would say deserve one another.
Apparently I am supposed to offer some advice at this point to the happy couple, so here goes, Ian stick with the therapy, Nicola stick with the diet..! That's that done.

Seriously though one look at these two, especially when Jade their gorgeous daughter is around, and you just know that they must be doing something right, long may it continue.

Finally before I hand over to Mark, whom I know is dying to ridicule my brother in public, I would like to propose a toast, to the bride and groom, health, wealth and happiness. The bride and Groom