Speech by Rob BLACKWOOD

Speech Type: Groom
Speech Creator: Rob BLACKWOOD
Speech Date: oct 2004
Ladies and gentleman, friends and family, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you all here today on behalf of myself and my wife Tonia. Your presence and your presents (as in gifts) have made today truly an amazing occasion and one that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

In planning for today we did some research about the 13th of March and what other significant events have happened on this day in history. I can now honestly say that bugger all has happened on the 13th of March in the past. Some of the highlights of this day in history would include;
On the 13th of March 1995 at the 9th Soul Train Music Awards: Boyz II Men, won an award.
On the 13th of March 1997 Dennis Lillee takes 6-26 with England all out 95 in Centenary Test
But Tonias favourite is in 1969 when, The Love Bug was released by Walt Disney studio. Directed by Robert Stevenson, the film starred "Herbie," a lovable Volkswagen bug with a personality.
But truly This day will now always be remembered in the hearts if thousands of Hobartian women as the day Robert Blackwood was officially and permanently taken off the market.

Today is a true honour and also a lot more convenient to now be able to refer to Tonia as my wife. As many of you know throughout our 8-month engagement I have refused to refer to Tonia as my fiance. Instead preferring terms such as; little mate, special friend, cobber or TC and occasionally using the term “PARTNER”. Using the term partner as I did recently caused some embarrassment for me. When purchasing Tonias birthday present and being asked if I was a regular shopper at this store. I stated hat no I wasn't but my partner was and the surname was Calvert. Well after looking on the computer the assistant was quick to reply, “Oh is that Keith Clavert”
Needless to say this shop assistant no longer has a drivers licence, I will now always refer to Tonia as my wife and I have stopped seeing Keith.

It's time now to go back to the start when Tonia and I first in September 2000. There are many different versions of this story, and I don't think the truth will ever be known. Except to say there is nothing wrong with meeting over a split savaloy at a Greyhound meeting on a Thursday evening.
But wherever we met we have never looked back.

It was in July 2003 whilst holidaying in Thailand that I proposed to Tonia and kindly handed her a picture of a ring. Tonia being a little disappointed in just a piece of paper did take some time answer me. I explained to Tonia the difficulties involved in insuring such rare an expensive item, and a short time later she said yes. But the end result was great Tonia had said yes and when we returned home from holidays the piece of paper had turned into a real life diamond ring.

We then travelled to the Farm at Broadmarsh where I intended to ask Peter for his permission to marry Tonia. At the time I went to ask he was in the shearing shed crutching the sheep. As I built up the courage to ask I watched the somewhat physical task of crutching. It was at this time that I remembered that I had only brought up light beer and I was thinking to myself how one day this farming business could all be mine. As all these thoughts were racing through my mind I also became a little concerned that my shoes may get dirty.
But then the thought came to me. I could convert the farm into a hostel for injured greyhounds like the late Mr Yandina (God bless his sole). I have since discussed this idea with Peter and unfortunately he wasn't too keen, but I am sure he can be talked around. Needless to say Peter gave his permission and informed us what a year 2004 would be for us. And wasn't he right.

As Tonia I planned for this day and made all the necessary preparations, we were informed that this day would be not only the highlight of 2004, but a day that would be remembered for the rest of our lives. And I must say these people weren't far from the truth. However they did forget about the introduction of digital television into southern Tasmania.
The digital set top box has worked wonders for our relationship especially during the wedding preparations. It has allowed me to not interfere with any of Tonias decisions and I must take this opportunity to thank Mr Thirgood for his generosity and in assisting me with the purchase.

Tonia, you are an amazing, beautiful, caring and loving women and I thank you so much for loving me as much as I love you and for marrying me today. You make me so happy I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you and have a family together. You look totally stunning and as you walked into the gardens today you truly took my breath away. You make me so proud to be your husband

There is no doubt that in the last three years we have both changed, I now like casseroles and hedgehogs and you will listen to late night radio with me. You are an incredible friend and will be an even more amazing wife. Thankyou so much for all the work you have done to make today so perfect.

For making today such a success there are also many people to thank for today. Most importantly, we must thank Sue. She wanted to be here so much today and fought her illness so hard to make it but she was unable beat it.
Sue's generosity, love and support for today was immense. Sue loved the garden and adored the garden location for the ceremony. I can now understand the beauty Sue was talking about when she described seeing Tonia in her dress. I think we all know that today Sue would be extremely proud of Tonia and I am sure its Sue who we have to thank for today's weather. I would now ask you all to be upstanding in proposing a toast to Sue.
“TO SUE”

We would also like to thank Bruce for his continuing support and interest in Today. To Peter for allowing me to marry Tonia and secretly kennel my greyhounds on the farm and not tell Tonia. Pete and Karen thankyou both for you support and contributions for today. I look forward now to being a part of your family and thankyou all for welcoming so much bearing in mind my lack of farming capabilities.

Now to my Family, firstly Mum and Dad. What amazing and loving parents and landlords you are. I have been so lucky to have to have a mum and dad that loved me so much. Its only in the last few years that I have truly understood what sacrifices you both made for me as I was growing up. You have taught me what it is to be a great parent and the upmost importance of family. I love you both dearly and hope one day to be a parent like you both. Thankyou for your generosity for today also.

Mum for you assistance in organising today is something that I and especially Tonia appreciate immensely and it certainly took some pressure off me. Even though Tonia is able to cook a better hedgehogs than you mum you still accepted her like another daughter. I know that wasn't easy for you to hear that I was eating hedgehogs again.

Dad thanks for being such a great dad and friend to me. That is apart from the lack of handy man skills you failed to pass on to me. You have and continue to teach me so much wether it be the importance of a strong work ethic, or not letting your son win an arm wrestle on his own bucks night.
I hope and look forward to one day being a father like you.

I like to think though that I have trained a good replacement for you in Dougal. His ability to do nothing except eat, lay on the couch, watch TV, be disobedient and eat is nothing short of amazing. I must say I did a very good job training him and am sure my presence in your house will live on in dougal.

To Yvette and Fiona. You are both fantastic sisters. I would like to think that living with two girls for so long will make me a more understanding husband for Tonia to live with. You ability to calm me down when we would fight over the remote was nothing short of extraordinary.
Fiona, thanks so much for all 18 Martha Stewert wedding magazines, that have assisted so much today.
Yvette thanks for helping with the place cards and invites.
But to both of you, most importantly thanks for being great sisters and friends to both Tonia and I.

Tonia I would like to thank the readers at today's ceremony, Jayne, Luke and Micheal. In true “Australian Idol’ style they took each piece and gave it a style and pizaz of their own. If they all work on their movement and rhythm, I am sure that can make it to the next round.
To Jess and Matt thanks for the great ushering, but the searching of guests probably wasn't necessary.

To Nathan and epically Rachael thanks so much for doing the photos today. Having you guys there made as so relaxed and the photos such an enjoyable experience.

Another important thankyou is to all the staff at the Strictly Ballroom Dance Academy. From the fitness instructor, skills coach, rhythm master, Dick Jockey and stylist you have done an amazing job. I know Tonia wasn't easy to work with but they have really brought her up to my standard in such a short space of time. Shortly you will all have the pleasure of seeing their handy work
Ladies Geoff will be holding my dance card for the evening and there are still some places available, but be quick as availability is strictly limited.

To Katie, thankyou for your great photography work with the table numbers, but I must say you did have some good talent to work with.
We also must thank Geoff for being such a great MC. His ability to speak so much about himself tonight but still make it relevant to the wedding was nothing short of amazing. In all seriousness though, Geoff we greatly appreciate your amazing effort tonight and thank you very much.
Geoff also asked that he be thanked for the printing of the table numbers. He ask that I mention: “for all you photo printing needs wether it be digital or stills, head to the Elizabeth Hope Pharmacy located on Main Road Glenorchy. Open from 8am to 8pm 7 days a week, expect Christmas Day and Good Friday.”

To the bridesmaids Michaela and Nicole, thankyou both so much for travelling such long distances to be here today and for being such good friends to Tonia. You both look stunning today. I now propose a toast to the bridesmaids:
“The Bridesmaids.”

To Alex Hickton my Groomsman.
Hicko, well I hope the female waiting staff are to your standard tonight. You have been known for cutting others lunches and I must say I do appreciate you keeping your distance from Tonia. I know it couldn't have been easy for you, but it doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated.
In all seriousness mate, thanks for being such a great mate and sometimes bad influence over so many years. I value your friendship very highly and thankyou very much for being my groomsman today.

To Robbie Cameron the best man. Firstly Rob thankyou for such kind words in your speech and leaving out many irrelevant stories
You have been a true best man, for many years, today and throughout all the preparations. You are have been a great friend to me over long time and also to Tonia more recently. I couldn't have asked for a better mate and can't wait to repay the favour at your wedding later in the year.

Once again Tonia thankyou for marrying me, and I love your dearly.
Finally let me thank you all again for coming today. Please drink lots, dance even more and have a great night.