Speech by Mike Southgate

Speech Type: Groom
Speech Creator: Mike Southgate
Speech Date: Oct2006
Ian, thank you very much for your kind words.

Ladies and gentlemen, honoured guests……… and any stray shoppers who may have wandered in from Gateway.

As most of you know I am partial to a light libation, so it should keep you from wondering why there are so many toasts during my speech.

Ladies and Gentlemen you are about to witness a unique event in history. This is the very first and last time my wife is going to let me speak on behalf of the both of us…

Thank guests

So, on behalf of my wife and I… I'd like to start by thanking you all for coming here today and sharing our special day with us…

Even though in some cases it took the promise of a free meal and an open bar to get you here…

There are times when it's good to be surrounded by people who are important to you, and for us this is one of those occasions. We hope that you're enjoying it every bit as much as we are and we'd like to thank you for your kind wishes, cards… presents and support.

I'd like to say a special thank you to some of you who have made a long journey to be with us today.

Not only to those who have come down from around the country, but especially to those of you who have come all the way from the UK… to brave deepest darkest Africa… Thanks Dan, Nick, George, Jill, Scott &amp Emma.

Toast absent friends

Unfortunately, it's not been possible to have everyone we love here with us today, but we know they're here with us in spirit, &amp they're not only in our thoughts today, but more importantly they're with us in our hearts.

So, with them in mind, would you please all stand, raise your glasses, &amp join me in a toast to absent family &amp friends.

Ladies &amp Gentlemen, “Absent Family &amp Friends”

Thank Brides parents

Today I have gained not only a beautiful bride, but two wonderful new parents.

I'd like to thank them personally not only for giving me their daughter, but for all the kindness and generosity they have shown me over the last 5 years. They have welcomed me into their home with open arms.

I will try and be a good son and do what all sons do…

Leave the lights on and the washing on the floor.

Seriously, a very big thank you is in order for all you have done to make today possible.

Jos you have worked tirelessly to get today to be as amazing and memorable as it has been… everything was perfect.

Ian after today, I really will have to get the bill!! …

Thank parents

I also want to say thank you to my parents and Cilla who have put up with me for all these years…

You have been there for me when I've needed you most. Your love has never faltered. You have given me so much love and support over the years and I can never thank you enough. I need to thank you for your guidance, for always pointing me in the right direction… usually only to watch me go and do the exact opposite – but that what sons are for.

You really have given me a wonderful start in life and I'm very fortunate and proud to have you as my parents.

Thank you very much.

Thank best men

I can imagine that the best men, Scott, Shane &amp Justin are getting impatient to make their speeches.

You may be wondering why I chose three best men for today…

Primarily I find that it is always more difficult to get a story straight when there are three different versions… so hopefully you will not believe everything they tell you.

They say that the best defence is a pre-emptive offence, so although I don't want to cause offence, before they lie… I mean speak I'd like to say a few words on each…

Many of you don't know that Shane suffers from a rare medical condition which causes him to invent crazy stories. He really does believe these stories to be true and I'll thank you for humouring him during his speech.

Scott's is a lawyer…

Justin on the other hand claims to be both a scholar and a gentleman but mostly… a philanthropist. Frankly, I think he is mostly just pissed.

With that said, I feel better prepared for my forthcoming character assassination by the three.

Seriously… gentlemen, thank you for agreeing to be at my right hand today. It is most certainly my honour to have you as my best friends.

MC

Dave, unfortunately I knew people would have believed what you said, so thanks for agreeing to be the master of ceremonies, Kate &amp I couldn't think of a man we'd rather have at the helm today…

Kate

Finally, I'd like to say a very special thank you to my ex-girlfriend who has kindly graced me with her presence here today…

I must say she looks more stunning every time I see her and she is certainly looking absolutely incredible today!!…

And I am both grateful and pleased… that she is now my wife.

I thought I had prepared myself quite well for today, but nothing could have prepared me enough for when I saw Kate walk down the aisle. I was absolutely blown away, I have never seen anyone so beautiful

Kate, you have been my saving grace, an angel who makes me want to be a better man. I can honestly say that I am indeed the luckiest man alive to have you as my wife.

They say that you should not marry the person you can live with, but the person you cannot live without. And I could not live without you in my life.

Kate, in you I have found my soul mate… I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you.

Ladies &amp Gentlemen please stand to toast my blushing bride, “To Kate”

Finally – Thank bridesmaids

I was told that the golden rule in giving a speech was to ‘quit while at least some of the audience is still awake,’ and that is exactly what I'm going to do.

So if the person next to you has dropped off, please give them a nudge as I'm sure they'll not want to miss the final toast.

In keeping with tradition I'd like to raise a glass to our beautiful bridesmaids.

Bridesmaids… Kim, Janet, Laura you all look absolutely stunning today and have done an amazing job.

Ladies &amp Gentlemen please be upstanding and raise your glasses to the bridesmaids, “The bridesmaids”

Right that's me done… If you heading to the bar later and are wondering I'm drinking a Windhoek lager.

Thanks very much.