Groom's Speech (Wedding)

Introduction: It was exactly a year ago, almost to the minute when Deb and I were finishing dinner in Bermuda on the beach at sunset where I proposed. May 10th 2002. It seems like just yesterday. Over the past year we have enjoyed the planning of today and many people here have helped us to put it all together. Deb and I have been looking forward to this day for a long time and I can't tell you how pleased we are to be able to share it with all of you. Today is definitely the happiest day of our lives. There are so many people we would like to thank, some who Deb has already mentioned. I'd like to once again thank each of you for attending, we would like to thank you for your cards, kind thoughts and lovely gifts, but most of all we would like to thank you for the smiling faces we see in front of us. For us this day will always be special because each of you joined us today and celebrated in our marriage.

Our Families: We would like to pay tribute to our respective families. You have all been our biggest cheerleaders. Your support and encouragement is much appreciated. Each of you has contributed significantly to our happiness. We would also like to thank our Grand Parents, Aunts and Uncles who have supported us with their prayers from heaven. We know all of you are here in spirit and will be dancing the night away with us.

Both Parents: I would like to once again thank our parents as we wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for them. We could not have had such a perfect day without your love, kindness and financial support.

Deb's Parents: Thank you Maureen and Wayne for your kind words when you were up here a few moments ago. I am proud to be your son-in-law, I hope I can live up to your expectations. Most of all, thank you for giving me your blessing, to marry Deb. Thank you for bringing up such a lovely daughter. You have raised the woman of my dreams and I'm honoured to finally be an official part of your family.

My Parents: To my mom and dad, Lou and Ann, there is so much I want to thank you for. Thank you both for the way in which you have whole heartedly welcomed Deb into our family. Both of you have prepared me well, you taught me the difference between right and wrong, you have supported me through my youth, through university, you've stood by my side through many ambitious endeavours, and most importantly you both have shown me the true meaning of loyalty, kindness and unconditional love. You both continue to be ideal roles models and have always been towers of strength throughout my life. There is no better man than you dad, and mom, thank you for your continued spiritual inspiration. I truly couldn't have asked for better parents.

Wedding Party: I'd like to thank our wedding party for all there help with preparing for this special day and for ensuring everything has gone so smoothly. We couldn't have done it without each of you.

Bridal Party: I would like to thank Melanie and the bridesmaids for keeping Deb calm and helping make this a memorable day. All of you look absolutely stunning. And thank you Shawn for traveling from North Carolina to support us today.

Co-Best Men: A special thanks goes out to my brothers Bob and Lou. Thanks to the unwavering love and commitment that mom and dad have shown us, their three boys, our family has always been close. I was honoured to be an usher at each of your wedding's. You were each others Best Man and it was only appropriate to unite the three of us again in my sacrament of marriage with both of you being my co-Best Men. You both have meant many things to be over the years. You have both coached me through many of life's challenges, you have both always supported everything I've done and you have both always accepted me for who I am. Your continued loyalty and integrity has truly been inspiring

Groomsmen: Thank you Jason, Paul and Ben. I couldn't have picked a better bunch of guys to stand by me today as ushers or to call my friends. Jason, we've now been friends for over 15 years. Our friendship has continued to grow strong. I always know that I can count on you. Paul, I still can't believe you finally proposed to Mimi. And to think we will soon share the same anniversary month. To think of it, even more surprising is that we actually had a fondue party this year without starting the house on fire. Ben, it was an honour being the Best-man and your's and Trisha's wedding. You have been a loyal friend from the first day we met.

Nieces and Nephews: To our nieces and nephews, Amanda, Nicholas, Jocelyn and Bradley, a big thank you for your involvement in our wedding day and doing such as great job as junior bridesmaids and junior ushers. We are so happy that you were able to be a part of our wedding day. Each of you will always have a special place in our hearts. We are looking forward to many more summers at the cottage and our yearly weekend getaways. We love all of you very much.

Master of Ceremony: A very special thanks goes out to our Master of Ceremony, Caroyln. Words cannot express how grateful we are for all of your help and advice leading up to this day. You have done an absolutely fabulous job. Deb and I knew from the beginning that we had nothing to worry about with you as the lead. You will always be to me the sister I never had.

Readers: Al, Peter and Richard, we'd like once again thank you for participating in the wedding ceremony today as Readers.

Out of Town Guests: And I would also like to thank my cousins Richard, Wenda and Jason who have travelled from Bermuda, my cousin Nadia who travelled from Philadelphia with her boyfriend Daniel, my cousins Chris a Kathy who traveled from California, and our friend Jana Peters who travelled from Florida for coming to witness in our marriage today. Your presence is greatly appreciated.

Toast to Bride: And last but not least, Deb. Thank you for all of your kind words and honouring my family and friends. I was told how beautiful you looked in your dress, but that didn't prepare me enough for when I saw you walk down the aisle. I was overwhelmed to the say the least by how beautiful you look today. No words have ever come out of my mouth so easily as the "I do's" this afternoon. Deb, my wife, my pride and joy, thank you for everything you have done and for your unconditional love. You know everything about me and love me just the same. You have accepted me for all my strengths and weaknesses. Marrying you has made me complete. I am extremely lucky today to be the one to marry you. Today is just the beginning of many more happy years together as husband and wife. I would like to toast the love of my life, my bride Deb. I love you and will cherish and adore you always. Please join me in toasting my wife. To Deb Domjan!