Speech by Jon Birks

Speech Type: Groom
Speech Creator: Jon Birks
Speech Date: 25/06/2012 13:25:05

First of all my wife and I would like to thank you all for being here today to help us celebrate our wedding, I know it is supposed to be our day but it would not be the same without you all.

Now, as I am sure most of you are aware, today is not only our wedding day, but it is also Michelle's 30^th Birthday.

I really couldn't pass up the opportunity to have 80 people sing happy birthday to Michelle, so if we could have the cake, everybody…“Happy Birthday to you…”

Thanks!

We must say we've been really overwhelmed by the number of people that have rallied round to help us in preparation for today, if you're not mentioned by name and that's most of you, please be assured that Michelle and I are very grateful.

We would like to give a special thank you to Mike and Karen, and my mom and dad for the significant contributions they made make our special day so perfect. And we would like to thank Shirley and Keith for their contribution towards our few days away we are having next week.

Right then, while I am talking about the in-laws…I would personally like to offer my deepest gratitude to Michelle's parents, not only for accepting me into your family but for raising such a beautiful, caring, intelligent women who I have the pleasure of marrying today.  She is certainly a credit to you.     

And as this is a speech from both of us, Michelle would like to give her thanks to my parents, Quote “you should be very proud to have raised such a handsome, intelligent, dashing son, someone who is athletic and wise, a modest man who…have I already said handsome?” 

In all seriousness, I could stand here all day talking about how much my mom and dad does for us.  My mom really helps us out with Emma's childcare, and my dad has decorated everything single room in our house, some twice. And I know he is dreading us moving soon.

 We would like to present the moms with a small token of our appreciation.

This leads me nicely on to the bridesmaids…Rachael, Melissa and Anna you all look wonderful today and Michelle would like to give her thanks for all the help you have given in the lead up to today. Helping Michelle get ready today and arranging her hen do. Could you all raise your glass as we toast the bridesmaids…To the bridesmaids!

We would also like to give a special mention to our sister-in-law Kay, who could not be a bridesmaid today, as just a few short weeks ago she gave birth to our nephew Charlie. We would like to welcome Charlie to the family. And congratulate Gary and Kay on the new arrival; we are sure you'll make wonderful parents.  

I am very lucky to be able to stand here with two best men, two friends who have been there for me for the last 15 years, who I know would do anything for me.  I only hope they will go easy on me in their speech. So could you all please raise your glasses….to the best men.

Right so this is where the speech gets difficult, so I wrote a poem to ‘hopefully’ make it easier.  You'll have to forgive me in places as I chose sentiment over good poetry.

Michelle, you are beautiful and wonderful as everyone can see So I ask myself what you're doing marrying a guy like me I know you all see me as punching above my weight But when we met at work six years ago, I see this as fate We moved in together and people thought it was a bit fast Yet I knew in my heart that we were going to last The bonus prize of us setting up home together Was gaining Taz, man's best friend forever The household for a time seems to be male dominated Football, wrestling, gaming things you could have hated Yet you indulged my interests which most would see as flaws Became a film critic too, from Buffy to Star Wars The day we had Emma, Michelle you made me a Dad so proud And from the rooftops I wanted to shout it out loud 14 hours of labour you endured so you could give birth To bring our gorgeous girl Emma onto this earth You are a wonderful mother, as everybody can see Just one of the million reasons I got down on one knee As for today, my contribution has been slight Just the colour scheme of Blue and White So after the speeches I want you to all join in Singing ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’, which my family will begin When naming the tables, one idea that Michelle had Was The Runaway Bride, which made me quite sad I was so relieved to see Michelle walk down the aisle She looked so stunning my jaw dropped a mile Today for us is like a movie which everyone of you has viewed Our story is forever, the sequel – married life is to be continued… So to Michelle I say, I have never been so in love in my life I only hope to be as good a husband as you will be a wife My promise is simply this, to always cherish and adore Whatever you expect of me, I will strive to give you more To my fabulous wife – ‘I hope that this final bit works!’ Can you please be upstanding and toast Mrs Michelle Birks!