Speech by Dirk Harding

Speech Type: Groom
Speech Creator: Dirk Harding
Speech Date: Sep2006
1.

Anyone who doesn't believe in miracles, I hope today has changed your mind.
Through my 33 years of bachelor hood a few people have said, “Dirk, you're dreaming about something that doesn't exist…” well all I can say is that the living proof is sitting next to me and I give all the glory to God. Welcome everyone, Sian and I are blessed and certainly a little overwhelmed at seeing so many family members and friends here today. Without every one of you today wouldn't be the celebration it is and is still going to be.

2.

I opted on not saying the thank you's because there is too much risk in leaving people out so if you have been left off the list please blame Andre!
I do however want to start by thanking my new mom and dad and brother for welcoming me into their family. Maybe one day you will know how God has answered my prayers to a T. I have two gorgeous sisters but no brother, now I have a brother…Stephen, all I can say is I'm really looking forward to it. And you may drill me on the hockey field but just remember in TKD we used to break hockey sticks on our shines as a warm up so you'd better let me win sometimes!
Mom and Dad Phillips, thank you for this amazing reception. I love you both and look forward to presenting a little Sian and Dirk to you. Just remember I am a perfectionist so they will only come along after a few years of very good practice! I promise to look after Sian and treat her as the priceless jewel she is.
Please stand so we can toast the father and mother of the bride.

3.

My Mom &amp Dad who made me on dad's birthday. Without your brilliant parenting, love, hidings, guidance, support, but mostly your example as Christians and love for each other as husband and wife I wouldn't be standing here married to such a beautiful God fearing woman. I therefore owe this day to you both! I look forward to sharing Christmases, easter egg hunts, birthdays and all the smaller special moments with you as Sian and I build our lives together. I love you both very much very much and I am so proud of you. You have achieved in areas that most people never come close to. The most successful of these is staying married and loving and trusting God. Lisa and Aimee, I could not have asked for better sisters, and Lisa I would never have sold you for 40 camels. You are worth much more. Keep striving and seeking God first girls. Please stand so we can toast the father and mother of the groom.

4.

I have six groomsmen and if I could there would be more standing there which includes Greg, Shaughan and Ryan. God knows I obviously need lots of watching over. Thank you for all your help and support, not just today but over the past 20 years. Each one of you will remember times when I called on you for support and advice, so thank you! If I try make mention of things now as much as I would love to I will never finish and you won't get main course. Nino, as the best man…I am not going to make fun of you, you do that on your own, just kidding. Actually I would like to mention a certain lady and a nurse's outfit or even one occasion, you know which one I mean?.… Don't worry your secrets are safe with me. I couldn't have asked for a better best man. Hand over lighting bolt as in movie “you me and Dupree”. You have helped me through the past 8 odd years and supported me beyond the call of duty. From TKD sparring partner, or should I say punch bag because you were kind enough to not strike back to business partner! It's an honour and we are going to go a long way my friend. To be a humble man is an art…so I guess you are an artist after all! I have trusted you with the task of watching over my most valued gift when I can't, my wife – and I feel safe with that! Thank you for everything!

5.

Well that pretty much covers it, I'm in the clear and can get my well deserved drink!………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…
My wife…I may forget anniversaries but I would forget my speech. The day we met I knew in my heart you were my wife, and when you the left the party because you had a headache I said it out aloud to Nino! Another gentleman who was present at the party made his romantic intensions regarding Sian known to everyone…ignorant guy. All I could think was that if this was going to be a fight for Sian it was pointless even warming up, he wouldn't make it out of the change rooms. Well, I subsequently found out that Sian was in a current relationship with someone else…so I dealt with that swiftly too. The problem came after that. Dealing with her entourage of male followers was easy it was Sian I couldn't beat. She sorted me out fast, put me in my place and before I knew it I was in love and on one knee on the dance floor at Mark and Dens wedding officially proposing. In true Harding fashion everything was done backwards, but then again normal is rather boring!

Sian my love, I said it in the vows and it's there forever. You are so unbelievably gorgeous. Watching you walk down the isle was a dream come true. God has blessed me with more than I could ever imagine. Thank you Jesus! I am over the moon and in love. To me you are the most beautiful and sexy woman in the world! Only God will be able to save the man who tries to take you from me! Knowing we have dated and been married according to God's guidelines and that we now stand in His blessing is perfect. I know life will have its obstacles but we can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us, and the only way now is forward together.

I love you.
Please stand and raise your glasses to the most beautiful woman!