Speech by John Mullins

Speech Type: Groom
Speech Creator: John Mullins
Speech Date: oct 2004
Ladies and Gentlemen, you are about to witness a unique event in history. This is the very first and very last time that Megan is going to let me speak on behalf of both of us and It is a both a privilege and an honour to do so.

I have been told that a good speech should be like a miniskirt..…
Short enough to be interesting but long enough to cover the essentials.

With this in mind I will try to be brief. However, I do have one or two things I'd like to say and many people to thank, so please sit back, relax Loosen your clothing if it helps – but don't start trying to loosen anybody else's – I'm afraid it's not that kind of party.

So, I finally decided to start my speech by saying, On behalf of my wife and I………..… We would like to welcome you all here today, thank you for coming; we are both very happy that you could be with us to help celebrate our big day.

Today, so far has been a day beyond my wildest dreams. They say you don't marry someone you can live with – you marry the person who you can't live without, which is very true with Megan.
So my first thank you goes to Megan, my friend, my love and my bride. You look absolutely gorgeous. Even though you know everything about me and yet you still said "I do", thank you.

I realize that I'm getting the best of this deal, because I get you while all you get is me, so I would like to drink my own private toast to you and to our future together. I know that today is the result of the best decision I have ever made, and I'll try my best to make sure that you can say the same thing.

It has to be said, Megan has been rather more involved than I have in planning today, and I'd like to congratulate her on a fine job…..…

Just once in a lifetime, you get the opportunity to say exactly how you feel to the people you really care about. I would like to take a few moments to express my feelings towards a few very special people.

Firstly I would like to thank my mum. She has been an inspiration to me all my life. She has proven to me that if you put your mind to it, you can actually accomplish anything. For all the times you went without for us, for all that you taught me, for all the times I kept you awake worrying and for your never ending loyalty and love, I thank you mum.

Dad, well what can I say…My father has always been a pillar of strength and consistency, from Sunday night roasts and a nice glass of port to getting me out of trouble in London many years ago. Dad has always been there when I needed him. I'd also like to think he passed on his business genes to me, but I have a way to go to prove that. Thanks Dad for all that you have done for me.

I would next like to thank my in-laws David & Wilma for their warmth and generosity and a special thanks for helping Megan with all of her preparations. I think we can all agree that their relationship is one to be admired and you know I really do think of them as my 2nd parents. They welcomed me into their family from day one, and have fed me ever since and for this I thank you.

We have had many people come a long way to share our day today, Pauline & Mike from France, Jen & Cruz from Arizona, Jane and Nick from New York, Amy and Bill from Singapore and Ran and Lisa from Sydney (or is that Queensland now). Thanks to you all for putting aside your own lives to be a part of our special day.

We would also like to acknowledge all of those who aren't with us today…….… but we wish they were……..my Brothers’ Anthony & Stephen, Megan's Grandfathers’ Fred and George, and our beloved Auntie Jo. I want to point out that our Wedding cake is sitting on a tablecloth from the Terminus, Point Lonsdale and that through this symbol we know that they are sharing this day with us.

On a lighter note, tradition dictates that I now tell you an amusing story or two about Megan; unfortunately she dictates that I do no such thing. But I will say, that we've been living together now for nearly 4 Years, and in that time I've learned a very valuable lesson,
Whenever you're Wrong – Admit It!!
Whenever you're Right – Keep Quiet!!

For those of you that don't know too much about Megan and I, you might be surprised to know that we met at a Pub in Prahran a little over a seven years ago. I have to thank Michael Piper for this, because if it wasn't for him, then Megan would not have gone to that pub on that fateful night, and we would not be here with all our friends celebrating this special day. So to Michael, wherever you are, you have my utmost……… thanks.

Seriously though, Megan, my wife………you have made today the best day of my life. You're my best friend and I love you with all that I have. I hope that I can make you as happy as you make me.

To Megan's bridesmaids (and sisters) Jane & Amy, this is the only time I am going to say this so you better listen….… You both look particularly lovely….… A special thanks to you both for giving Megan all the support that you have in the run up to the wedding.

We would also like to thank Kath (Big Sister) and Jane (Donahue) for their readings; I hope you all enjoyed them as much as we did. And also thanks to our beautiful flower girls Ella and Sofia.

Thanks also to all of our friends for coming. I never knew you could brush up so well. Whilst it's amazing the lengths some people will go to for a free party, it's really great to see you all here.

Which brings me; reluctantly to the subject I've been putting off – my Best Man. Every Bridegroom needs a Best Man he can totally rely on, somebody organised who can take charge and make the day run smoothly – a person who is both serious and responsible. But what do you do if you don't know anybody like that? Well in my case I picked Michael.

Michael has been a great friend to me for many years and despite my previous remarks, can always be relied on, be it helping to move house, picking up the pieces for me in an hour of need or responding to a 2am call out for “Michaels roadside assist”……thank you Michael you are a true friend and will always be so.

And my Groomsman Freddy, Freddy and I have been friends for about 20 years now and that gives you a good idea of how old Freddy really is. Seriously Freddy is my proxy older brother and has been for many years. You mean a lot to me, and have done a lot for me, I love you Fred, thanks.

For some strange reason, custom says that the Groom has to present his defence before he's had the opportunity of hearing the Best Man making the case for the prosecution. I have no idea what stories he is planning on telling you about me, and frankly I'm worried. As my character is so unblemished he might have to resort to making something up. So please take anything he tells you with the appropriate pinch of salt.

Well, I'm just about done; we thank you again for being here today, for the wonderful gifts, for your good wishes and most of all for your friendship to us both, now and in the future. We hope you all have a wonderful evening.…

In conclusion would you all be upstanding and join me in a toast to my beautiful bride, the love of my life….to Megan.