Speech by Simon Mackay

Speech Type: Groom
Speech Creator: Simon Mackay
Speech Date: Jun2007
‘Ladies and Gentlemen – When I told my new father-in-law a few hours ago that I felt nervous about making this speech, he said: “Don't worry, everyone EXPECTS a groom to make a complete fool of himself, they'll be disappointed if you don't.” And the last thing I want to do today is disappoint anybody!”

Firstly, on behalf of my beautiful wife and I, we would like to thank our minister Gerald for his advice and help before our marriage and for conducting the wedding ceremony today.

I can honestly say I was overwhelmed when I first saw Kathryn today. The word amazing isn't enough to describe how you looked walking down the aisle to meet me.

I would like everyone here, especially my new bride, to know how lucky I feel to be standing here speaking to you as her husband. I have loved the last 7 years we've spent together and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you.

Thank you Robert for your very kind words and welcoming me into the family I feel very fortunate to officially be part of the McFadzean family.

We would also like to thank all our friends for the considerable distances traveled to be with us today, in particular those from Dubai, Turkey, England, Ireland, Aberdeen . . . . and of course the Caithnessians …..… for fuelling up there Morris Minors and venturing across the Great Expanse to be here with us on our special day.

Kathryn and I are truly overwhelmed with all the generous gifts we have received, we really have got everything we possibly could have wanted, I have my wide screen TV and DVD player and Kathryn has her hoover and washing machine. We would also like to thank you for all cards and kind thoughts that we have received over the past few weeks. We truly appreciate everyone's best wishes.

You will notice in front of you on the table is a piece of Caithness stone which has been carefully designed for Kathryn &amp I. We would like to thank Paul Andrews for his patience and hard work over the past few weeks to complete these unique favors for us.

A very special thanks goes to Kathryn's sister Jaclyn for her reading in the church this afternoon.

Well…………the Ushers we are really pleased they all accepted their jobs, I think we can all agree that they worked hard today and performed their duties to the highest standard!! However, Danny and Craig, kept everything under control, but I think that was because they appeared to keep out of the hip flasks more than the auld eons. Both boys look very smart and I am sure they will get a few dances with the ladies this evening.…

And as for Andrew and Willie they ran into a pub here in Ayr last night. They hurriedly ordered 2 nips of Grouse, one of Bells, one of Whyte and Mackays, one of Black Bottle, one of Grants and one of Old Inverness. The Barman set them up and the lads drank them as fast as they appeared on the bar. “My you two are in a hurry,” says the Barman. “You would be in a hurry too if you had what we have”, says the lads. “What's that?” says the Barman. “We have No money”!!!

A massive thanks to my two best men for getting me here today in one piece. Also for there support, guidance and helpful words of advice along the way. I would also like to commend them for organizing a spectacular of the Stag in Newcastle and my blackening and night out in Thurso. Although Gary won't be driving a mini bus to Newcastle with 14 slightly inebriated guys again. Some people may think it is unusual to have two best men, but to be honest I had good reason for being greedy……… Both guys are very good friends of mine and I have known them for many years. But let's just say they have there own little quirks…..…

Gary, what can we say about him, apart from the fact that he is follicly challenged he has been known to be a man, that doesn't like to stick to any one job for more than a few months at any one time!! So when I asked him last summer to be one of my best men, I wasn't sure if he would turn up as a bestman or as a bridesmaid today's!!!!!!!!!!!

Aly, my other best man is known among his friends as bit of a pretty boy. But unfortunately he's also known for not being the sharpest tool in the box. One Friday night I had arranged to meet Aly in a pub in Thurso for a quiet drink to discuss the stag plans. As usual Aly turned up late because he'd spent at least an hour getting ready. When he walked into the pub I noticed he had a brand new brilliant white pair of trainers on, but only one of them was tied and the other had the laces trailing on the ground. When I told him about his lace he said, the instructions on the bottom of the trainers told him to wear them like that. I asked to see the instructions. So he took off his trainer and said, ‘See, Ti–wan’.

Thanks to you both, though, I might regret it when I here your speeches.

My personal thanks goes to both my parents for all the guidance and support over the years and also to my Granny and Granddad for being there for me and helping in every such way. Although I don't always say it, I really do appreciate you all.

A huge thanks goes to Robert and Dianne for all the hard work and extreme effort that you have put in to make this special day possible in particular Dianne for the making of the bridesmaids dresses, I am sure you will all agree the dresses and the models are truly stunning!!!!!!!!!. Kathryn's parents have given us so much help in the run up to this big day. I'd like to thank them personally also for all the kindness they have shown me and, most importantly for giving me your blessing to marry your lovely daughter.

We have some gifts to hand out.

I hope that you don't feel that you've lost a daughter, but have gained another mouth to feed – – – but its not all bad – I don't use hair straighteners and will only occupy the bathroom for 15 minutes maximum and I promise Dianne, I won't steal your tights or Perfume – you have my word.

Another plus for my new In Laws, as Robert has already mentioned are my singing talents, and my availability for Parties, Hogmanys and any family gatherings. I know a wide range of Scottish songs taught to me by my Granddad &amp good friends.

Finally Ladies and Gentleman, Kathryn and I would like to thank you each and everyone of you, for sharing our day with us and making it truly special.