Speech by Jason Fields

Speech Type: Groom
Speech Creator: Jason Fields
Speech Date: 31/07/2012 09:12:44

Thank you Phil for your kind words.

Distinguished guests, relatives, friends and schnorrers.

Firstly, I'd like to thank you Phil, for giving me your eldest daughters hand in marriage.

On behalf of my new Wife and I, thank you all for joining us today to celebrate our marriage!

It's a privilege to be in the company of so many people that are important in our lives and we're delighted to welcome you here to share our special day with us.

It's great to see you all and I can honestly say it would not have been the same without you, but possibly a little cheaper or even abroad – big family damn it.

I must say, it's been an emotional day so far – even the cake's in tiers!

Events like today don't just happen. Usually weddings are planned some time in advance, but with ours, it has happened a little sooner than we had planned. So to Olivia, our events coordinator Tracey and everyone else who has helped make today happen in the short space of time we've had, I would like to say a BIG thank you.

Now as custom denotes, there will be a few toasts during my speech, so don't go and down your glass of wine at the first toast, not mentioning any names, Mum, Sue, Liv.

To start with, I must take this opportunity to say that unfortunately, my dad Harvey who many of you knew and loved cannot be with us today. Harvey's speech would have been a particularly funny one but I know he's helped me slip some good bits into this one, during the late nights I've had putting it together. To my dad and all other loved ones who cannot be with us today, our thoughts are with them and we know that their thoughts are with us.

Ladies and gentlemen, please be upstanding & raise your glasses to Harvey and ABSENT AND LOST family and friends.

(TO HARVEY)

We would like to say a massive thank you to both our parents for everything they have done to make today happen. Both have been very generous.

I would personally like to thank Sue and Phil for bringing up such a lovely daughter and thank you both for making me feel so welcome in your families. I love Olivia with all of my heart and will do everything in my power to continue to make her happy.

My mum Mandy should undoubtedly receive a medal for what I've put her through over the years – apparently the first few were the worst so I am often reminded. Thank you mum for all your love and support.

You've always been there when I've needed you. I feel extremely lucky to have such a wonderful and beautiful mum. You have taught me so much and have always encouraged me to make the most of every opportunity I have had. Congratulations to you that you raised such a perfect son.

As a token of our appreciation please could I ask Mandy sue and Phil to come up and collect their gifts.

Ladies and gentlemen, please be upstanding & raise your glasses to Mandy, Sue & Phil.

(To Mandy, Sue & Phil.)

At this point I would also like to thank Olivia's sister and our Maid of honour, Loretta. Loretta is the closest thing I have to a sister and has become a very special person in my life. Loretta, thank you for your support over the past few months and helping to make today so special. Please accept this gift as a token of our appreciation.

To my cousin Stephanie – thank you so much for making the cakes, I can't wait to eat one….or two. Please accept this gift as a token of our appreciation.

I just wanted to mention Olivia's uncle Clive who kindly made radiator covers for this room and fitted them in record time! If you would like radiator covers for your house, don't hesitate to contact me for information.

So That leads me on to the star of today, my gorgeous brand new wife Olivia – I can't even begin to tell you how absolutely-stunningly gorgeous you took today.

When I saw you coming up the isle I realised how lucky I am that I have done the best deal of my life.

Olivia, I love you in so many ways and for so many reasons. Not just have you given me the most perfect son our Zac, you know me and understand me like no one else ever could. I'm so proud of the fantastic mother you have become and how it has come so naturally to you. Well done for all the patience you have with Zac and settling him into nursery. I know it hasn't been easy sitting in your car listening to hours of screaming whilst Zac formulates his plot to escape the teachers, but he's finally settled in and you can now look forward to half a day off a week.

Olivia, you make me laugh so hard and smile so often. You have a way of bringing out the very best in me, but mostly because you're my very best friend, my soul mate. I love you with all my heart. The past year has been really tough on both of us and your love, understanding and support has helped me to stay on track.

Thank you for marrying me and making me the happiest man alive and for loving me as much as I love you. And thank you for the beautiful watch you gave me today. I will wear it every day, even in the shower – waterproof! I can't wait to start the beginning of our married life together.

Now you are a Fields and therefore an honorary Jew and the fact that you are a secret petrol head, please accept this gift.

Give gift

Ladies and Gentlemen, please be upstanding, for the most important toast I'm ever likely to make, TO MY WIFE MY BRIDE, TO OLIVIA.

(TO OLIVIA.)

Tradition now dictates that I now tell you an amusing story or two about Olivia.

BETTER NOT. But I will say this. We have been together and lived together for 5 years this month and in that time I've learned 10 very valuable personal lessons.

I strongly believe some of these gems hold the key to long term happiness and mutual respect in the home.

1. Use a plate  2. Hang your clothes up and don't leave wet towels on the bed 3. Always delete your internet history 4. Whenever You're Wrong – hide 5. Whenever You're Right – probably not that often – don't rub it in 6. Toilet seat down 7. No midnight feasts 8. Try not to be heavy handed 9. No DIY and especially no electrics!

And 10. Don't take the iPad to bed

I must now say a big thank you to the prettiest little flower girl, my cousin Sophie. You did a great job today. And also my ushers who include my brothers Ashley and Justin, cousin Jake and dear friends Ben, Daniel, Antony, Jamie and Alex. Thank you all for helping to make today run so smoothly. Olivia and I never had any doubt you could do it.

Please could you all come and accept these gifts of our appreciation.

I'd like to just ask everyone to raise your glasses and join me in a toast to Sophie and our Ushers.

“Sophie and the Ushers”

Finally to my best man Ollie. I met Ollie online in 2003. He just wasn't interested but we remained firm friends. In November 2006, around the time I moved out of the family home, our paths once again crossed and Ollie introduced me to his best friend Olivia. They both came over to my flat and Olivia hasn't left since. So I would like to sincerely thank you for that introduction. If it wasn't for you Ollie we all wouldn't be here today and our gorgeous little boy Zac wouldn't be with us either, so I owe you BIG Time mate.

Thank you for agreeing to be my best man and for organising my stag do.

Please accept this gift which I know you will take great pleasure in using in your new house.

Ollie has told me that he was more nervous about today than me so if you could give him some warm encouragement or even join with him on the journey of pure make believe he will soon take you on I would appreciate it.

That's enough from me.

I would like to thank you all once again and hope you have a great evening

It now gives me great pleasure to hand over to my best man Ollie!!