My Groom’s Speech

[November 4, 2024]  I was married to the most wonderful woman, someone who made me feel like a whole person. I believe we cannot be who we can be without a good spouse. Below is my groom’s speech. I hope you enjoy it and feel free to use any of it.

Thanking Jonathan and Christopher:

Good afternoon ladies, gentlemen, family and friends.

First of all I must say a big “thank you” to Christopher and Jonathan for their kind words, their kindness and friendship and most importantly, thank you for your mom.  I am most thankful that each of you separately gave your approval for your mom to marry me.  I was a bit nervous, I must admit when asking Jonathan as he is the more protective of the two boys of their mother.  But as luck would have it, I caught him on a good day.

Thanking the Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen, family and friends, on behalf of Nancy and me, welcome to you all.  Now as is custom, there are a number of toasts in my speech, so please ensure that all of you have your glasses fully charged and please don’t neck the whole glass at the first toast… (pause) … in response to my toasts, please simply respond “here-here”.

Whilst you are preparing your glasses, I thought, I’d let you know how Nancy & I first met…

• A previous brigade commander I once had, who worked 60-70 hour weeks, always seemed to have a beautiful woman with him, I asked one day his secret.
• He told me simply “on line dating”.  Put that piece of info in the back of my brain.
• Upon my return from a second combat tour in Iraq in August 2007, I signed up for E-Harmony and my very first date was Nancy Silvestri, this Italian girl from Brooklyn, was on 18 August 2007.
• Two years to the date, I asked her to marry me.  And the rest of the story you know.

On behalf of Nancy and me, we’d like to thank you all for coming here today and sharing our special day with us. There are times when it’s good to be surrounded by people who are important to you, and for us this is one of those occasions.  We hope that you’re enjoying it every bit as much as we are and we’d like to thank you for your kind wishes, cards, presents and support.

I would like to say a special thank-you to those of you that have travelled some distance to be here today.  It is quite a humbling experience to realize that you have friends and family that care so much for you.  And I do genuinely mean that.

The whole day and everything else you have given us has been so overwhelming.  We never expected all of this and you have both made us feel very special. I’m sure everyone will agree what a fantastic day it has been so far – even the weather has been on our side.

So onto the toasts & thank you’s!

Toast lost and absent friends & family….

Unfortunately, it’s not been possible to have everyone we love here with us today, but we know they’re here with us in spirit and they’re not only in our thoughts today, but more importantly they’re with us in our hearts.

So, with them in mind, would you please all stand, raise your glasses and join me in a toast to lost and absent family and friends.

Ladies & Gentlemen, “Lost and Absent Family & Friends”

Parents:

We would like to thank both sets of parents as we wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for them.

• Nancy’s mom and dad:

Unfortunately both Nancy’s parents have passed.  But I did have the honor and pleasure of knowing her mom.  I thank them both for having you as their daughter; I only wish that I had met you sooner and known both your parents.

• Mom and Dad:

I also want to say thank you to my parents for putting up with me for all these years, giving me a wonderful start in life, providing sound advice (which I usually ignored), and for being there for me when I’ve needed you.  I’m very fortunate and proud to have you as my mom and dad.  Mom, you look beautiful.

Ladies & Gentlemen, “the Parents of the Bride and Groom”

The Saber Party:

A military wedding is never complete without a “saber party”.  Traditionally officer friends of the groom perform this task.  Unusual in its makeup today you will see Army, Air Force and Naval officers.  Thank you for your precision and for the gentle tap on Nancy’s behind as we departed the ceremony.

Ladies & Gentlemen, “the Saber Party”

The Ushers

I want to say a thank-you to CSM Riti & MSG Torres for agreeing to usher all our guests and in doing such a great job for us today assisting us in many ways. You have taken a lot of the worry out of the jobs that needed doing and have done everything that we need.

Ladies & Gentlemen, “CSM Riti and MSG Torres”

Best Man:

Sean, I cannot thank-you enough for agreeing to be my Best Man today.  Most people do not know that I originally had my dad as my Best Man, but as all of you now know, he has significant health issues preventing his attendance.  At somewhat the last minute, my son Sean answered the call to assist me with the wedding.

But I digress … my best man is getting impatient to make his speech but he will need a wait for a few more toasts.  I do want to warn you however, that he may tell stories about me.  And he really does believe these stories to be true and I thank you in advance for humoring him during his speech soon.

Ladies & Gentlemen, “the Best Man”

Matron of Honor:

I would like to also give a very special thank-you to Joann, our lovely Matron of Honor.  Joann thanks for calming Nancy’s nerves and helping in her preparation today. I’d also like thank you for getting her to Russo’s in one piece and on time, you’ve done a brilliant job.

Ladies & Gentlemen, “the Matron of Honor”

Thanking others:

I would also like to thank Mr. James Anthony for arranging the flowers in here.  He has done a fantastic job.

Thanks also to Mr. Russo for the generosity and assistance over the past few months and the use of this exquisite location.  You and your staff are the clear leader in the hospitality industry.

A very special thanks to Mr. Ed Williams and his lovely wife Darlene for their willingness to take a chance on me for employment and for being the best employer I have ever worked for.

Now, I’m sure, I must have missed people, to those I apologize.

Wedding Toast, From the the Groom to the Bride:

Well, that’s nearly all from me for now, but, before I pass you over to my “Best Man”, there is one last toast.

And that leads me on to the star of the today, my gorgeous new wife Nancy – I can’t even begin to tell you how absolutely-stunningly gorgeous you look today.  When I saw you coming up the isle I realized how lucky I am, looked at myself and realized that it is definitely me getting the best of this deal.

Nancy, I love you in so many ways and for so many reasons, you know me and understand me like no one else ever could, you make me laugh so hard and smile so often, you have a way of bringing out the very best in me, but mostly because you’re my very best friend, my soul mate.  I love you with all my heart. Thank you for marrying me and making me the happiest man alive and for loving me as much as I love you.

Thank-you, sweetie.

Ladies & Gentlemen, “to my wife, my bride, Nancy”

Wrap up

Please, please sit down… (pause) … Anyway, that’s all for me.

Without further a due, over to Sean … Best Man.