Speech by Rodney Ernest Henderson

Speech Type: Groom
Speech Creator: Rodney Ernest Henderson
Speech Date: DEC 2002
INTRO
Well , what can I say, Thankyou for those kind words Alan
and I hope £20 was enough.

I recently read somewhere that a survey had been conducted
of things that
people fear most, and top of the list above things like
spiders and heights, was the fear of standing up and making a speech in public.
I'm no different, suffice to say that this isn't the first time today I've
risen from a warm seat with a piece of paper in my hand.

MANY PEOPLE
Many people thought this day would never come. That I'd be
standing here making the speech of a Newly Married man, myself included.
Many people have also told me how lucky I am to be
marrying Jo, including Jo in fact.

But I would like everybody here, especially my new bride,
to know how lucky and proud I am to be standing here speaking to you
as her husband.

WIFE & I
And so, for the very first time, I'd like to say, ‘On behalf of my Wife and I’
I would like to thank you all for coming today and sharing
Our special day.
I know this is meant to be our day, but of course it
wouldn't be as special a day if it wasn't for our family and friends
being here with us, and I'm sure you'll all agree that we found the ideal
setting for this memorable occasion.

We would also like to thank you all for your cards, kind thoughts and wonderful gifts.

TRADITION
Tradition dictates that I now tell you an amusing story or two about Jo,
unfortunately she dictates that I do no such thing. But I will say, that we've been living together now for nearly 3 years, and in that time I've learned a very valuable lesson:

Whenever you're Wrong – Admit It!!
Whenever you're Right – Keep Quiet!!

That's probably good advice for most men actually!!!

THANK YOU'S
There are a few thankyous I'd like to make tonight.

I'd like to start by thanking everyone that's helped make
this day the
success I'm sure you'll all agree it has been.

Thank Daph
I'd like to say a special thankyou though to Jo's mum Daphne
and her husband Stan for their generosity in helping with today's
events.

Not only that, I'd like to thank Daphne for the fabulous
job she's done in making Jo's Wedding Dress.

When Jo made her entrance at the Ceremony, I can honestly say
I was overwhelmed at how stunning she looked.

I would also like to thank Daphne for the kindness she has
shown me from the first day we met.

Over the years she has given me some lovely gifts, Birthday
presents and Christmas presents, but the gift of your daughter is one I
will cherish forever.

Gift

Thank Mum and Dad
I would like to say a thankyou to my mum and dad, for
everything they have given me during my life and for bringing me up the way they did.

Jo is especially grateful for this as she much prefers that I
do the ironing. I would also like to make a special mention that just a
couple of months ago they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

Just think, if we make it that far I'll be 92, and Jo
.? Well, she'll be getting on a bit too.

Gift

Thank Conrad
I'd like to thank Conrad for agreeing to be my Best Man.
Most of you won't know him, but we've been close now for
around 18
years, and in that time he has proven to be and I hope
will continue to
be a great friend.

But of course that could all change in the next few
minutes when HE
starts speaking.

Gift

Thank Bridesmaids
Finally, Jo and I would like to thank our little
Bridesmaids, Charlotte and
Lucy for doing such a great job today. I'm sure you'll all
agree they look
beautiful, especially in their bridesmaids dresses, which once
again Daphne
was kind enough to make.

Gift

Now, ladies and gentlemen please be upstanding and raise
your glasses in
a toast to Charlotte and Lucy

‘The Bridesmaids’

Finish
Before I sit down I'd like to finish by reading a
quotation I came across a
couple of days ago, that I found very apt.

"Happy marriages begin when we marry the one we love,
And they blossom when we love the one we married"

With that thought in mind, I look forward to a wonderful
married life
together.

Thankyou!!!