Speech by Owen Arnold

Speech Type: Groom
Speech Creator: Owen Arnold
Speech Date: 24/02/2016 14:36:10

Today my WIFE and I would like to welcome you all to our wedding!!

Now that we're married, I would firstly like to thank Bryony for allowing me to speak on behalf of the two of us. No doubt this will be the last!

I would like to begin with a special thank you to my Father-in-law for his kind and thoughtful words. I'll admit Neil, when Bryony first introduced me to you, I was wondering what I had let myself in for, especially when you shared with me your prized possession…a bottle of ‘Old Git’ wine! However, any anxiety I might have had, soon disappeared and I now know you to be sincere, intelligent, charming and funny. I am honoured that you've welcomed me into your family and you will always have my utmost respect. So please could everyone raise a glass to the Father of the Bride!

Of course I would also like to mention Neil's wife Judy, the best Mother-in-Law ever. Not only does she tolerate my banter, but she is blessed with a generous and caring nature, so it is no surprise that both Judy and Neil did a wonderful job raising Bryony. They are always there, ready to help, guide and advise us and I would, in particular, like to thank Judy for helping me to deal with my battle against addiction……to Jaffa cakes. Each time I visit, I know there will be one whole pack waiting for me, so with your on-going support, I have been able to keep this addiction under control.

I certainly could not have asked for better In-Laws, and it fills me with joy to know that I am now a part of your family. As a token of our love and our thanks for hosting this wonderful Wedding, Bryony and I would like to present you both with a gift.  Another thank you must go to my Mum & Dad – Rose & Max. My parents have helped me enormously over the years, and seen me through thick and thin, and I hope that today I have made them proud.

Dad – you taught me to work hard for the things I want, to take the opportunities presented to me and to make the most of them. I've never said this to you, but I've always admired your selflessness. You've been my mentor and have always been there for me and I want you to know how much I appreciate all the things you've done for me over the years.

Mum – I really appreciate all the advice you have given me, for putting up with me, and for pointing me in the right direction, even if that direction was telling me to run as far away from dad as I could, after I'd kicked a football through your window! Your selflessness and dedication helped me to be the man I am now. I love you both and Bryony and I would like to present you with a gift as well.

Now I'm sure you'll agree that the bridesmaids look absolutely stunning. They've done a brilliant job today and over the past few months with organising hen parties, dress fittings, and offering moral support for my blushing bride. So please raise a glass for Bryony's sister Hannah, and friends Phil and Emma.

I would also like to thank Susanna and Faith for their beautiful readings, and Hannah Wilson, with assistance from Cat Asher for making a wedding cake fit for a palace! The craftsmanship that has gone into it is truly outstanding and Bryony and I are so grateful for all the time and effort you put into it. As well as this, Judy has baked one of her legendary fruit cakes, so I'm sure you'll agree we are all spoilt for choice.

A big thank you to my Usher, Mike, for a phenomenal job today. Your friendship and support is something I will cherish forever. And to my nephew and pageboy Samuel, who looks ravishing and was so terrific walking down the aisle that we have a special gift for you. If you'd like to come up?

I also want to raise a glass to my Best Man, Moty, for all his work behind the scenes today. Since he first came to this country, Moty has always been a laid-back sort of a guy, and together at Primary School, we became inseparable. And even though we went to different colleges and universities we still kept in touch – and I'm privileged because you're a really supportive and loyal friend. But before we drink to the Best Man, please be aware that even though Moty migrated here from Israel over 20 years ago, he still gets some words mixed up, so should he say anything embarrassing about me in his speech just blame it on his internal struggle with the English vernacular! Cheers!

Of course, my wife and I greatly appreciate the lengths people have gone to, to join us on this most important of days and we really hope you enjoy this astonishing setting on this glorious day. A special mention has to go to the Grandmas, Betty, Pat and my Booba Jenny, we wanted you to know that we have gifts for you also, which we'll give to you after the wedding. But to you all – our families and our friends, we have been overwhelmed by everyone's kindness and generosity and good wishes and we are honoured that you are here to share in our joy today. So please raise a glass to yourselves.

But I've saved the best ‘til last because all this would not have been possible if it wasn't for my gorgeous Bryony agreeing to marry me.

We first met at Lincoln University in 2002 where we shared the same group in our Media Production class. Bryony was the star pupil, obviously, and I found her to be a warm and highly intelligent woman who I just couldn't help but fancy.

We initially started out as friends, but it was at a nightclub where I saw her across the dance floor and I said to my Usher Mike “I don't know if I should go over and speak to her” – Mike said “Why not?” and I remember this very clearly, I replied “Because once I speak to her here, I don't think I'll ever look back”.

A puzzled Mike questioned how much I had drunk and quite rightly gave me a proverbial kick up the backside, ordering me to just go over and speak to Bryony, which I did, and I never did look back.

Now I told Bryony this story when I asked her to marry me. But Bryony couldn't tell you that because (she says) she was emotional and in a deep state of shock after accepting my proposal, so she told everyone after we announced our engagement – “Owen proposed to me, and there was something about Mike!” (And she says I never listen!).

Bryony, the reason I asked you to marry me is because, on top of all the things we've shared together, from graduation to our careers, to moving in together, your compassion, your love for life, and most importantly your courage is what makes you the most inspirational and perfect woman in my eyes.

Now when I was writing this speech, in between you making all the wonderful wedding stationery and watching far far too many episodes of “Don't Tell the Bride”, I had an epiphany regarding the reality of marriage.

I'm not going to stand here and say everything will always be rosy after the wedding, because we're all wise enough to know that life can be challenging. But when I saw how meticulous you were over the tiniest details of the wedding, it made me realise that all the hard work you and I have put into today means nothing if we don't continue with that passion and determination into our marriage. Thankfully, we've always brought out the best in each other, and today, I hope I've made you the happiest bride in the world and I promise to try and make you feel that way for the rest of our lives together.

From my perspective, this is the happiest I've ever been and even though I think you look gorgeous with messy hair and pyjamas, tonight Bryony, no poem or song is enough to describe your beauty right now. Quite simply you look stunning, and when you came down the aisle you took my breath away and made me feel something I have never felt before, it was as though I was blessed, complete, and I didn't want to let you go. Thank you for marrying me and for loving me as much as I love you. I know this is the start of a lifetime of happiness together, so I'd like to end my speech by proposing a toast to my beautiful Bryony. She is all I have ever dreamed of and together we have made today OUR June 4th.

So please raise a toast TO THE BRIDE!!!

I will now pass you over to the Best Man.