The Groom's Speech
Many thanks to Bernie and Teri for their speeches.
Firstly, my wife and I were originally going to leave the presents for everyone on all their seats, but as anyone that was at my brother's wedding about seven weeks ago knows, I was running around being his glamorous assistant so now he's going to hand out the presents! Most people when they get married, are lucky enough to gain a Mother-in-law. However myself, I’m in the envious position of now having two, in Jo and Cheryl. Joking aside, I want to say thank you to both Jo and Rob and Cheryl and Bernie for making me feel extremely welcome into their families. To Jo and Rob I also wanted to say thank you for assisting Teri in looking the most beautiful bride in the world today. I know she's been stressing quite a bit and you've been a very calming influence on her so thank you for all your support in that sense. I’d like to thank Bernie and Cheryl for their kind donation of today's meal and the beautiful flowers. Also I want to say a special thanks to Bernie as I know he's maybe got a few issues about giving away his only daughter. However, as someone who looks like a cross between Phil Mitchell and Alan Sugar, I don’t think he’s got too much to worry about! |
To my Mum and Dad, Martin and Ruth, thank you for making me the person I am. I count myself extremely lucky to have grown up with two parents who gave me such a good grounding in life, plus my Dad chopped down trees for living which was always cool growing up. Mum and Dad I am extremely grateful with your persistence with me, especially when it came to exams! I know you put a lot of effort into me and I want to say thanks for that. Teri and I, or should I say my wife and I, are also grateful for your kind donation of the wine and reception drinks for today as well as the suits. I’m sure you’ll all agree they’ve made us look extremely dapper. So, as a small token of our appreciation to our parents we’ve got you a little something from the day. Jonathan, are you free?!
Thanks to the bridesmaids, Anneka, Jessica, Nicky, Vicky and my new sister in law Hannah, for doing a great job today. All of you have been an absolute rock for Teri so thank you for that. I’ll leave the main compliments to my best man John, I'm sure he'll have a few to say, however I think you’d agree with me that they all look stunning. A special mention to Anneka who organised a perfect hen do for Teri by all accounts. Obviously I wasn't there myself! Besides our parents, you were the only person who knew that I was definitely going to propose, having given me your subtle and helpful advice when it came to choosing an engagement ring.
I know we've already said thanks to Nicky for being the Best Drunk Friend, but I thought I'd fill in the story a little bit more. Basically if it hadn't been for Nicky leaving a nightclub early, some Wednesday evening in 2004, I doubt Teri and I would have ever met. For those who don’t know, Teri and I met whilst I was out looking for road signs with a couple of student friends, as students do. After making an unfruitful collection of road signs, we headed back to our flats and there were these two girls hanging out of a window, obviously Teri and Nicky. We stopped, and as you do with anyone, asked if they had any soup. Unfortunately they had no soup, but Teri and I got chatting from there and as they say the rest is history. So thanks to Nicky - I know you've already had your prize! But if you'd like to be upstanding with me in toasting the bridesmaids...
Now to my part of the bridal party, the ushers and best man. To John, thanks for being a quality mate and organising a spot on stag do. I had a quality time and appreciate you not tying me to a lamp post. I must also say congratulations to Sam and yourself for getting engaged recently, it’ll be an absolute honour to be your Best Man and return the favour next year, however I can’t guarantee that you won’t get tied to a lamp post!
Thanks to Harry. There you are, sorry I was trying to find the beard! Not only have I gained another brother today, I feel like I’ve gained a good mate as well over the past six and half years. You’ve done a lot of little bits and pieces in the background today and Teri and I are extremely grateful for all your help.
To my brother Jonathan. As some of the pictures on the collage show, I got my dress sense from Jonathan! Joking aside though, thanks for all your help over the years. There was one particular occasion where you gave me a good rollicking (that's probably the best way to describe it) when it came to revising for exams. I've never forgotten that since so thank you.
Rob, I know we’ve already thanked you for being a fantastic parent, but I also wanted to say thanks for all your help, not just for the wedding but with everything else you’ve done, in particular with our house. I don't think you've been to our house once and not done some DIY for us! And I will beat you at golf one day!
To Teri’s nan, Jean. I know that you’ve always been there for Teri, you've been a rock for her as well, yourself and Bob have been extra special people in her life. And thanks for making me feel so welcome in your family. To my Grandma and Granddad Duckworth, we wanted to say a big thank for covering the hire of the gardens for our reception drinks today. I’m sure you’ll all agree the gardens looked absolutely stunning! I know we handed out our ‘prize’ earlier for Grandad’s long service award, but I wanted to say that Teri and I really do find you an inspiration. If we go on to lead half the lives you have lived we will be extremely happy!
Also, I wanted to say thanks to my Granddad Owens who helped towards the cost of this evening's BBQ, which you'll all experience later on. I also wanted to say a special mention for my late grandmother, who I’m sure will be smiling down on us all today. We would like both our Nan's to accept these flowers as a token of our appreciation. Sorry Granddad, we didn't think flowers would be your thing!
Thanks to our church readers for today, Sam and Teri’s Auntie Carolyn. Thanks for all your help today, not just doing the reading in the church which was fantastic, but also thanks for your help over the years, it's been immensely appreciated. Thanks again to Sam along with Ems and Helen for helping to set up the room this morning. I know Teri's already thanked you and if Teri trusts you, I trust you!
To Kate and Laurence for being our witnesses today. I know there was quite a big party up there but for anyone that wasn't there was some first class witnessing going on up front. We’ve got you both a little something if Jonathan would like to get a move on with the gifts...
To our master of ceremonies, Katie-Ruth. Ruffio, thanks for bringing your loud voice along. Please accept this picture shaped sized present as a thank you!
Other special mentions go to Rob’s mother Rosemary, who made the flowers in the church look absolutely stunning. Rachael for making our amazing cake. Vicky for herding those people who got the bus earlier. And also to Spain’s hall, who have been fantastic from start to finish in all our planning.
Anyway I think you’ve heard enough from me. Actually hang on there is one person I’ve yet to thank…Scott, where are you buddy? Scott?
Only joking, it is of course my beautiful bride. Tezzabelle, Cheeky Chops and a few other nicknames I won’t mention here, I want to say that you look absolutely stunning today. It's actually really strange but I'd written down a quote to say and it's exactly the same one that you chose to say in your speech a few moments ago! But I'll say it again anyway. "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” I’ve got to say that when we were stood on top of one of the wonders of the world at Machu Pichu I was truly bowled over when you said yes, and I don’t think I’ve come down from cloud nine since. I’ve got to say that all the planning that you’ve done for this wedding that a lot of people won’t have seen, it looks absolutely amazing today! I can’t wait to spend the rest of my live with you, sharing all the good, and bad, times it will bring.
So if you’d all like to be upstanding with me in toasting my beautiful wife, to Teri!
Thanks to the bridesmaids, Anneka, Jessica, Nicky, Vicky and my new sister in law Hannah, for doing a great job today. All of you have been an absolute rock for Teri so thank you for that. I’ll leave the main compliments to my best man John, I'm sure he'll have a few to say, however I think you’d agree with me that they all look stunning. A special mention to Anneka who organised a perfect hen do for Teri by all accounts. Obviously I wasn't there myself! Besides our parents, you were the only person who knew that I was definitely going to propose, having given me your subtle and helpful advice when it came to choosing an engagement ring.
I know we've already said thanks to Nicky for being the Best Drunk Friend, but I thought I'd fill in the story a little bit more. Basically if it hadn't been for Nicky leaving a nightclub early, some Wednesday evening in 2004, I doubt Teri and I would have ever met. For those who don’t know, Teri and I met whilst I was out looking for road signs with a couple of student friends, as students do. After making an unfruitful collection of road signs, we headed back to our flats and there were these two girls hanging out of a window, obviously Teri and Nicky. We stopped, and as you do with anyone, asked if they had any soup. Unfortunately they had no soup, but Teri and I got chatting from there and as they say the rest is history. So thanks to Nicky - I know you've already had your prize! But if you'd like to be upstanding with me in toasting the bridesmaids...
Now to my part of the bridal party, the ushers and best man. To John, thanks for being a quality mate and organising a spot on stag do. I had a quality time and appreciate you not tying me to a lamp post. I must also say congratulations to Sam and yourself for getting engaged recently, it’ll be an absolute honour to be your Best Man and return the favour next year, however I can’t guarantee that you won’t get tied to a lamp post!
Thanks to Harry. There you are, sorry I was trying to find the beard! Not only have I gained another brother today, I feel like I’ve gained a good mate as well over the past six and half years. You’ve done a lot of little bits and pieces in the background today and Teri and I are extremely grateful for all your help.
To my brother Jonathan. As some of the pictures on the collage show, I got my dress sense from Jonathan! Joking aside though, thanks for all your help over the years. There was one particular occasion where you gave me a good rollicking (that's probably the best way to describe it) when it came to revising for exams. I've never forgotten that since so thank you.
Rob, I know we’ve already thanked you for being a fantastic parent, but I also wanted to say thanks for all your help, not just for the wedding but with everything else you’ve done, in particular with our house. I don't think you've been to our house once and not done some DIY for us! And I will beat you at golf one day!
To Teri’s nan, Jean. I know that you’ve always been there for Teri, you've been a rock for her as well, yourself and Bob have been extra special people in her life. And thanks for making me feel so welcome in your family. To my Grandma and Granddad Duckworth, we wanted to say a big thank for covering the hire of the gardens for our reception drinks today. I’m sure you’ll all agree the gardens looked absolutely stunning! I know we handed out our ‘prize’ earlier for Grandad’s long service award, but I wanted to say that Teri and I really do find you an inspiration. If we go on to lead half the lives you have lived we will be extremely happy!
Also, I wanted to say thanks to my Granddad Owens who helped towards the cost of this evening's BBQ, which you'll all experience later on. I also wanted to say a special mention for my late grandmother, who I’m sure will be smiling down on us all today. We would like both our Nan's to accept these flowers as a token of our appreciation. Sorry Granddad, we didn't think flowers would be your thing!
Thanks to our church readers for today, Sam and Teri’s Auntie Carolyn. Thanks for all your help today, not just doing the reading in the church which was fantastic, but also thanks for your help over the years, it's been immensely appreciated. Thanks again to Sam along with Ems and Helen for helping to set up the room this morning. I know Teri's already thanked you and if Teri trusts you, I trust you!
To Kate and Laurence for being our witnesses today. I know there was quite a big party up there but for anyone that wasn't there was some first class witnessing going on up front. We’ve got you both a little something if Jonathan would like to get a move on with the gifts...
To our master of ceremonies, Katie-Ruth. Ruffio, thanks for bringing your loud voice along. Please accept this picture shaped sized present as a thank you!
Other special mentions go to Rob’s mother Rosemary, who made the flowers in the church look absolutely stunning. Rachael for making our amazing cake. Vicky for herding those people who got the bus earlier. And also to Spain’s hall, who have been fantastic from start to finish in all our planning.
Anyway I think you’ve heard enough from me. Actually hang on there is one person I’ve yet to thank…Scott, where are you buddy? Scott?
Only joking, it is of course my beautiful bride. Tezzabelle, Cheeky Chops and a few other nicknames I won’t mention here, I want to say that you look absolutely stunning today. It's actually really strange but I'd written down a quote to say and it's exactly the same one that you chose to say in your speech a few moments ago! But I'll say it again anyway. "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” I’ve got to say that when we were stood on top of one of the wonders of the world at Machu Pichu I was truly bowled over when you said yes, and I don’t think I’ve come down from cloud nine since. I’ve got to say that all the planning that you’ve done for this wedding that a lot of people won’t have seen, it looks absolutely amazing today! I can’t wait to spend the rest of my live with you, sharing all the good, and bad, times it will bring.
So if you’d all like to be upstanding with me in toasting my beautiful wife, to Teri!