Speech by Tim Bowles

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Tim Bowles
Speech Date: 17/10/2012 16:50:42

Good evening everyone, I hope you are enjoying your day so far.

On behalf of Christine and I…I would like to thank you all coming. I would also like to extend a very warm welcome to Deb and Rob and their family, and the relatives and friends of both families. Some of you have come from very long distances and I just want you to know we appreciate the effort to make it here. I would also like to remember all those that are here today in Spirit, especially my dear brother Jeff (Laura's god-father).

Last December, Constance and I were sailing in Mexico when I received a very special message from Mike asking for Laura's hand in marriage…This was obviously very happy and exciting news…and immediately started me thinking about what I had to do for this big occasion…Amongst a few other things…I was expected to make this speech! Sadly I am not a practiced speaker – more use to giving helm orders…so I knew I was going to have to work at it…

Well as luck would have it, I happened to have a book onboard, one of the many books on toasts and quotes that my lovely daughters have given me over the years. One in particular had a whole section on making speeches…I was in luck; I was going to be well prepared…and well in advance…Well…the wind shifted, the sails needed trimming and the book went back on the shelf and of course I completely ignored it…thinking…I could probably just wing it. Now as time went on I kept getting asked if I had my speech prepared, this started wearing on me a bit and I thought maybe I should do something about it…so last week I picked up that book and read…whatever you do, give yourself  plenty of time…and whatever you do, don't ever try and wing it!

So here I am, not quite winging it!

The sunny summer of 1985 brought a new job for me in the arctic and we were very concerned that Laura wouldn't show up during my leave…But after a little prompting with a very bumpy car ride…she arrived right on cue. Being there was truly an emotionally charged day…as is today and it has been a amazing journey filled with love, laughter and many, many happy moments in between.

Laura has grown from that perfect baby to this beautiful woman before you…She has been a most wonderful daughter and has made me very proud from day one.

Laura is kind, caring and thoughtful…and has always looked after our little family…sometimes to the point where I'm sure she was wondering “who was bringing up who?”…But always managed to keep me on track…I love you for that Belle.

She inherits from her mum Christine…Great determination…and when she sets her mind to something, you are wasting your time to try and change it. (I know her sister Jubes would agree there).

Laura has a yearning for travel but is a terrific home maker. She is also a great organizer and along with Mike had very definite ideas on how they wanted today to be, And their efforts along with Christine, Deb, their family and friends have made this a tremendous success.

At this point, I feel I should mention that we had much help in Laura's and Julia's early years, with two wonderful sets of grandparents and the best extended family and friends you could ask for. 

Laura, there are only a couple things I regret over the years, one is that I couldn't afford that Barbie Jeep when you were five, but most of all is when Jubes and I cut you out of the Shrimp lunch in Mazatlan when you were ten. Everything else was minor in comparison and I hope we are finally forgiven!

So my advice to you, Mike……when it comes to Laura, never ever cheap out on the shrimp!

When I first met Mike, I couldn't help but like him. He is responsible, honourable, and always cheerful and has a sense of humour. We also have a lot of shared interests. He likes being on the water, he likes fishing (although he catches them, I don't) he likes a good glass of beer and is a turning out to be a great handyman…but…most of all, I can see that he loves and cherishes Laura.

During the time I have known Mike, I have come to realise how special he is to Laura and what a great son-in-law he will be…And that the two of them are obviously very happy together and whenever you visit you are always made most welcome, with their home a place of love and laughter and you can't do better than that…

When I see Mike here today it reconfirms what I already knew that he is the one for my lovely Belle…I was giving Laura away here today but I know she is in safe hands.

My final duty and very great privilege is to propose a toast to my daughter and new son-in law.

So if you would like to stand…

Laura and Mike….

As you set sail for new horizons my a warm fair wind fill your sails, may the Sun shine warm upon your  faces, may you cheerfully weather the unavoidable storms together and steer clear of all dangers. May God hold you together in the palm of his hand.

To the bride and groom Laura and Mike