Sample Custom Speech

Speech by the Groom

Welcome to all of our friends, family and loved ones, and particularly to those of you who traveled long distances to celebrate with us tonight.  Jennifer and I feel so incredibly blessed to be sharing this special occasion with all of you – it is indeed a dream come true for us both. 

Seven years with Jennifer have taken me on an adventure that has, in so many profound ways, shaped the man that I have become.  Before I spend a moment reflecting on what my beautiful bride has brought to my life, I must share some thoughts about my family, who were largely responsible for this union.  As many of you know, I was introduced to Jennifer through my sister Brooke, who had befriended her in Economics class.  Behind my back, Brooke conspired with the other members of my family to contrive a first date.  For those of you who know my family, this likely comes as no surprise. 

My mother, Hannah, is a matchmaker with a notorious reputation in our community, and holds herself singularly responsible for at least eight marriages spanning three continents!  Aside from this blessed gift, my mother is a woman of unparalleled generosity, who is always ready with a smile and a banana cake.  She has taught me about respect and compassion; she has never wavered in her support and guidance, and she attended every single one of my soccer games, without complaint, for more than 15 years. 

My father, while on the periphery of this matchmaking scheme, still played a role.  My father served as a sounding board, listening patiently and with an open mind, as my mother and sister shared their various plans.  This seems a fitting task, considering his 30-year-old, successful psychiatry practice.   I can picture him with his pen to his forehead, listening patiently, assessing hidden motives.  And true to his standard of patient-doctor privilege, he never uttered peep, leaving me entirely in the dark.  The truth is, as a child, I took ample advantage of my father’s professional skills, never hesitating to seek out his feedback and advice, and always feeling more secure after sharing with him my deepest feelings of angst.  

This brings us back to Brooke, the brains behind our adventure.  I’m not certain why Brooke was suddenly moved to do such a wonderful, selfless, utterly perfect thing and introduce me to Jennifer.  Perhaps she was simply tired of studying and needed to distract Jennifer with a love interest.  Regardless of her motives, I will be forever indebted (hmmm…maybe that was the motive?).  Joking aside, my little sister has long been so much more than that; more like a close friend, Brooke makes me laugh, she is a comfort when I am sad, and she offers very constructive feedback about my fashion choices.  I only have one sibling, but Brooke has always made me feel lucky that it’s just me and her.

I have known Jennifer’s family for seven years now, and I could easily divulge interesting tidbits of information about each one of them.  In the interest of brevity and discretion, I will share only that they have been extraordinarily loving and supportive; opening their home and their hearts, not only to me, but to my family and friends, always making me feel wanted and appreciated.  I promise them all – Brian, Mandy, Carly and Julia that I will take good care of Jennifer, and that our home will forever be open to all of you.

Thank you, on behalf of both me and Jennifer, to both of our families for making this beautiful wedding day possible.

Jennifer…where can I begin?  First of all, you look simply magnificent tonight.  I have dreamed of this day for years, but your exquisite splendor this evening far surpasses any fantasy.  My beautiful bride, you have brought me to a pivotal point in my life’s journey – a place that I was always meant to visit, but could have never reached without you by my side.  Now we will journey together, and I have every confidence that hand-in-hand, we will experience a life full of adventure, love and wonderful things.  I look forward to beginning that adventure tonight, and I thank you for all of the happiness you continue to bring to my heart.

On that note, I invite you all to enjoy the festivities, and I thank you for joining us on our wedding day.