Speech by Mike Mallin

Speech Type: Groom
Speech Creator: Mike Mallin
Speech Date: oct 2004
Wedding Speech

Folks, I don't want to take up too much of your valuable drinking time, but I do know there are a few things a bride and groom should share on their big day, so on behalf of Gabi and myself, here we go.
Someone once said that a good speech has a good beginning and a good ending, and a great speech keeps both of those close together!! So tonight I promise to keep this speech as short as possible. However just in case I ramble on a bit too long, I want to point out that there are two emergency exits in the room, which are located at the back of the room and to my (left/right). And remember, no pushing and shoving.
(Thank You – Guests)
Both Gabi and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone for being here tonight to share this special occasion with us. We know many of you have traveled a long way to be here to celebrate with us so we hope that the night is enjoyable for you as it is special to us. Thank you all very much for all your many cards and presents which are very much appreciated. As a token of our appreciation, we have contacted each of your bosses to inform them that you will be calling in sick from work tomorrow.

(Thank You – Gabi's Family)
First off, I want to thank all of Gabi's family for welcoming me into your family and treating me like another son, brother, cousin, and nephew. I was especially touched by the moment (a little over a year ago) when Gabi's brother Seth, put his arm around my neck, squeezed ever so gently as to cut off the supply of oxygen, and uttered those brotherly words, “now don't be taking my sister for a test drive.” (pause) Seth, I promise I'll take good care of her.

Gabi asked me to also thank the Mallin and Levinthal family for their overwhelming love and acceptance, especially the special relationship that has been planted and continues to blossom with Samantha.

(Thank You – Gentleman of Honor)
Both Gabi and I would like to give a big thanks for a job well done, to Jon, our Gentleman of Honor. “Jon, through the years, you have been a dear and best friend to Gabi and your involvement and assistance in planning this wedding has made it an evening to remember.” Thanks for being a great friend, confidant, and most importantly … stress manager.

(Thank You Wedding Party)
We would also like to thank everyone's help in planning, organizing, and participating in the wedding: Gabi's mother Sandy, sisters (Rona, Sheryl and Julie), cousin Georgia, and Aunt Meryl; my sister Diana, brother-in-law Arturo, little niece Maya, and of course our daughter Samantha. Their support and love for us has been overwhelming. Please take a moment throughout the evening to examine the beautiful Chuppah cover that was designed by Sheryl and hand made for us by our family and friends.
Well I see that nobody has made a break for the exits yet so with your patients we have a couple more thank you's to make.

(Thank You – Dad and Mom)
At this time, I wish to express my appreciation to my mom, dad, and grandmother for their unconditional love, support and patience through the years. A special thanks to my best man, “Dad, thanks for being there through the years to experience together both the triumphs and the disappointments. My only hope is that I can provide the same love and guidance to my children that you have given to me.” May there be many years ahead to share and celebrate life together (lechyim).

(To Gabi)
Finally, to my beautiful bride Gabi. Over the course of the last year, I watched in amazement as you carefully detailed, planned and “project managed” every aspect of this wedding. From your beautiful handcrafted invitations to your artistic enhancement of our Kettubah, your countless hours of work (while I watched countless hours of SportsCenter) will be a remembrance of our wedding day for years to come. But that is all just material compared to my appreciation of you.

It is not hard for me to express how I feel about you. In fact, there is more to say than there is time tonight. So I guess I will have to spend the next 60 years showing you. And I plan on doing exactly that. Thank you for your honesty, your openness, and your love for Samantha, my family, and me.

One of your friends once said that I am a genius for marrying you. Well, I prefer to consider it my good fortune. I am extremely lucky today to be your husband – and I look forward to many happy years together. To my wife (lechyim).