Simons speech

A very good afternoon everyone. It’s a real pleasure to greet all of you and welcome you to the wedding of Verity and Steve.

I’m Simon and I have the undoubted honour of being the father of this radiant bride – and in case I should forget, Verity has had it printed on my socks!

I’m fully aware that my main function this evening is to warm up, you the audience, for the star performers who will speak later. So, if you’re not too impressed with what I have to say, I can assure you the only reason I didn’t go for an all singing and dancing power point presentation was only because I don’t want to give everyone else too hard an act to follow! Or show off!!

Today is, of course, a celebration, but not just of the love that has united Verity and Steve but also of the families that have created, moulded and influenced the lives of these two special people. So my wife, Jilly and I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Dusty, Rene, Trevor and Curtis and all relatives and friends of both families. Thank you all for coming here to join us in celebrating this very special day.

Now is also a time to remember those who cannot be with us today. In particular, Verity’s Nan, Iris suffering from the ravages of Alzheimer’s and also her Grandpa, Peter who is recovering from heart surgery.

A toast please to absent friends……………………………….

We’d also like to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation to those who have worked so hard and long to help put this day together, particularly Verity and Steve, Jilly and Coralie whose contributions really have been invaluable. This is a day that we all will surely cherish for the remainder of our lives as when we finally know the answer to that devilish question, “Yellow or Lilac?????”  (Joke regarding colour schemes!)

Looking back, I clearly remember our wedding day being the proudest day of my life, soon superseded by the birth of our children, and Verity in particular, with an exciting blue light ambulance ride to Hitchin hospital.

Well, that seems like only yesterday. Since then there have been many more proud days along the way, her dancing and singing career with PMADS and private auditions in the living room, particularly when using her “pretty” voice!  Her time with Army Cadets and Corps of Drums, marching in the Lord Mayors show, her determination to complete her course at PRC and then, notably her graduation after a testing time at Uni and going on to qualify as a teacher – in today’s world a challenging career indeed, even in lovely Cambridgeshire, but one which she pursues with a determination and commitment for which Jilly and I have nothing but admiration.

Looking back on these milestones it reinforces the deep sense of pride I already feel today. Indeed, earlier as I accompanied Verity to the church there could not have been a prouder man and as we walked side by side to the altar I thought, and I’m sure you’ll agree, that Verity looked absolutely stunning ……. and Steve, well he looked absolutely stunned!

Of course, fathers are naturally biased where daughters are concerned, but in Verity I see an independent, intelligent and hardworking young woman, a daughter to be truly proud of. As I am of Coralie and Saskia, both gorgeous bridesmaids with Laura and of course little Ellie.

A toast to our children, they drive us mad but make our hearts burst with love and pride…………….

To our children………………………

Some would say, however, that she’s about to face her biggest challenge of all......which brings me to the other half of this partnership.

During the time we’ve known Steve we’ve come to realise how much he means to Verity and vice versa.  He is a smart, kind, thoughtful and generous man who’s been lucky enough to find my daughter. So it’s a pleasure, Steve to formally welcome you into our family. I’m sure you have realized by now that Verity can be “high maintenance” and strong willed. You are a courageous man Steve!!!!

I know it’s a cliché, but I would like to say that today we haven’t lost a daughter, we’ve gained an expert in Land Rovers, 4 tonners and military etiquette – every family should have one!

I believe it is traditional at this stage of the speech for me to offer some sage, or perhaps corny, advice on how Verity and Steve should conduct their marriage, but since Steve is a little more wise than previous boyfriends and Verity has listened to every piece of advice I have ever given her and then gone on to do exactly what she had originally intended, that seems a little pointless.

Finally, there is a saying, which goes something like ‘Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love, and they blossom when we love the ones we marry,’ and I believe there’s a great deal of truth in that. So, Verity and Steve, may your marriage be a truly happy one, may it begin with an unforgettable day with family and friends, a fantastic  honeymoon,  after which, may you both have a long and wonderful life together.

Ladies and gentlemen would you please be upstanding and raise your glasses for my very last few, borrowed, but heartfelt words:

WHEN CHILDREN FIND TRUE LOVE,
PARENTS FIND TRUE JOY.
Verity and Steve
HERE’S TO YOUR LOVE AND OUR JOY,
FROM THIS DAY FORWARD.
TO VERITY and STEVE

Jilly