As a Digital Garden is designed to help catch and record all of those things that would otherwise go missing, I have copied my wedding speech below from our wedding on Saturday, 31 December 2022 .
If you ever read this, just know that I was going for warm, funny, emotional, a little scruffy around the edges in a good way, and very much just like me.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my wife and I...” (wait for cheering and applause) “...would like to thank you all for being here today. Some of you had tough journeys to get here, and we really appreciate it.
I’ve married Mrs Right. I just didn’t realise her first name was Always!
On any day this would be an amazing day, but after a tough couple of years for everyone, for different reasons, today feels extra special.
I’m going to talk about Debs in a few moments, but first we have some thank yous to get through.
Firstly, we are truly blessed to have all of you with us today.
Debs’ mum, Jacqui, you have been a rock for both of us. You helped make Debs who she is today, and you welcomed me from day one. Thank you.
Matron of Honour, Babs, and Bridesmaid, Kat, thank you for taking care of Debs in the run-up to the wedding and for being by her side today. Your support is appreciated by both of us.
My best people... two of the most amazing daughters anyone could ask for, both of whom periodically checked in with me over the last couple of months to make sure everything was on track. Thank you for the wild stag do in Scarborough, one of the best weekends of my life. I think it must be one of the only stag dos ever that also managed to get a load of washing and drying done!
HAND OUT GIFTS
There are some people who can’t be with us today, and it’s fair to say we wouldn’t be the people we are without them. They will always be with us ... my mum, my grandparents, and Debs’ grandparents. Please raise a glass.
Thanks to everyone who had anything to do with making sure this wedding went off without a hitch. Etsy, Amazon, and Jimmy Choo. Seriously though, thank you to everyone involved, including Connor, Rachel, and the hotel staff, who have been superb. Lost a point there, Connor, for not being available when I locked myself out of the hotel early this morning! ... but more importantly, thanks to the very understanding bank manager.
And finally, with no offence to anyone else in the room ... they’re gorgeous, funny, light up any room, and are a bit of a snazzy dresser. George couldn’t stop complimenting me earlier, and I know he won’t be happy that I’ve told everyone that!
Seriously though ... Debs, I couldn’t ask for a better friend, partner, soulmate, or wife.
You are such a kind and supportive soul.
I was so looking forward to seeing you walk down the aisle today, and you looked amazing. You took my breath away ... but you do that every single day.
We spend our days laughing together and sharing silly moments. Oh, the laughing ... some jokes better than others. Singing ... some tunes better than others. We say we love each other countless times every day. We are inseparable. We hold hands everywhere ... when we’re out, on the sofa, or just shopping ... and there is always love between us. There always will be.
My heart is full of love for you, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.
You mean the world to me, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together and fall deeper in love with you every single day.
To Debs. *toast*
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