Speech by Ian L

Speech Type: Groom
Speech Creator: Ian L
Speech Date: 23/05/2018 12:31:56

Intro

Thank you for your kind words Kerry. It is good to know how you feel about me and Nic getting married… especially knowing what you witnessed on the stag do! 

I really need to start by thanking every one of you that is here today. Some of you have come a long way… some not so much. It really means the world to both of us that you have made the effort to be here, although it would certainly be a lot less stressful to make this speech to an empty room.

We have been planning this wedding for some time now. Well, I say “we”, really Nicola did all the work. After sharing some of my initial ideas, Nic thought it best I play to my strengths… so, I arranged all the booze, bar snacks and have been practicing my breakdancing moves ready for later!

On a serious note, today would not have been possible without Nic and the support from many people here today.

Not Forgotten

Of course, the biggest thank you of today must go to our parents and newly formed in-laws. We would like to thank you for your help a support in making this day everything we could have dreamt of and more. We also wish to remember those family members who are no longer with us who would have no doubt enjoyed this wonderful occasion. Please raise your glasses to absent family. (toast)

Inlaws

To my new in-laws, Kathryn and Kerry, we thank you both for your help and support to the wedding. 

Kathryn… two words… STUNNING CAKE. You have been an amazing support to Nic during the planning and build up to the wedding. It is good to know that you have unlimited texts on your phone given the many thousands sent over the past few months.   

Kerry, I must say I was relieved that you gave me permission to marry your daughter… I can remember being very nervous as we weren't in the best of moods having spent two days in the rain, without catching a single fish! …In the end, it was worth every minute. Personally, I wish to thank both of you for doing such an incredible job in raising Nic, who is compassionate, funny and loyal, all qualities I see in both you and her.

Parents

Now on to my Mum Margaret and Dad John (aka Big John to the stag contingent). Where to start… Thank you both for all the love and support you have given me over the years. For all the advice, emotional and financial support throughout my life. Mind you there have been some blips along the way, like the first time Dad let me use super glue unsupervised and I stuck both of my hands together.… or the time Mum nearly took my head off with a pair of roller skates after finding my mouldy gym kit! (Ad lib on the day)

On a serious note, thank you both for welcoming Nic into our family. I know that she really loves having you as her new in-laws. I would like you all to raise your glasses to our parents. (toast)

Bridal / Groom Party

To the bridesmaids Laura, Sue and Lacey, who look absolutely stunning today. Thank you for organising an amazing hen party and for bringing Nic back from Liverpool in one piece.

Nic has asked that we all raise our glasses to Colin ….For a blow up doll, lasting two hen parties is not bad going. (toast)

To my nieces, Niamh and Olivia who have taught my sister Becky and Nic a thing or two about fashion! They both look beautiful today a did a great job during the ceremony, so I would like us all to give them a big round of applause!

A huge thank you goes to my entourage of ushers – Chris, Brian, Cooper, Phil and Badger. Throughout all stages of the build up they have supported, run errands and monitored my intake of whiskey this morning.… I have tried my best to get drunk so, thank you. I would like to raise a toast to the bridal and grooms party. (toast)

Other thank

Before I move onto my wife, I would to thank the following people who have helped in various ways to making this day special for me a Nic… I would like to thank Dilys for her generous contribution, Jamie who composed the aisle music and to Becky and Phil who gave lovely readings during the ceremony. I would also like to thank Cooper who agreed to be our MC and Games master for today. We really appreciate everything you have done.

Bride

I would now like to say a few words about the star of the show, and my wife, Nic; who is beautiful, intelligent, funny, caring and I could go on but to be honest I'm struggling to read her writing! …Seriously, you look absolutely gorgeous and I am so lucky to be your husband.

Even though me and Nic both studied at the same Uni in Nottingham, at the same time, we actually met by chance in a pub called the Warwick just off Oxford Street. After much persistence from Nic and us downing way too many Jäeger bombs for a school night we agreed on a second date the following evening. Thankfully Nic had already left the pub before she witnessed ‘BINGATE’… which involved me and a majority of my mates wrestling in the bins outside the bar. I guess a lot of Jäeger will do that to you!  

After sending Nic multiple texts the following morning, with no reply, I thought the worst. It took me until the evening to realise the number I had been texting only had 10 digits! After texting the correct number Nic replied in a flash, literally seconds… What followed can only be described as my first ear bashing which my Dad has warned me, comes with the territory of married life. Sorry mum.

Having bought Nic a McDonalds at the end of our 2nd date – not my finest moment – I knew I had to up the ante. I arranged a day date at Borough market and dinner in the evening. On that day, Borough market was filled with nothing but cheese and coffee stalls. I quickly discovered that Nic hates all cheese and doesn't drink any tea or coffee. With the day date going downhill fast and only midday, we both headed to the pub.

Nic, I will never forget the first time you properly met my mates from Trent. 1. A few of them planned to embarrass me by getting me wasted in front of you… 2. Paul kept saying “Nic is real” as he thought I made you up… a 3. It was the moment I knew you were the one.

6 years on and you still look as stunning as you did the first day I met you. You are my soul mate and my best friend. There is a saying that you don't marry someone you can live with, you marry the person you can't live without and that definitely is the case for me.

If I could ask you all to raise your glasses to my beautiful wife. (toast)

Best Men

Without any further delay – as I know we are all getting hungry – it's on to my two best men Khalid and Dave. I have known both of these upstanding, respectable pillars of society for more than 20 years.

Dave, I cannot thank you enough for looking after me on the stag do and for getting me lost for more than 2 hours in a taxi around Newcastle… and Kal, thank you for taking centre stage during those two hours with the infamous Debbie Dumpling… I really owe you one.

Now onto the main event, Khalid and Dave. Please be kind, it's being recorded.