Father of the Bride Speech (7/7/2023)

Preface

The time has arrived. In a few moments I will be delivering the "Father of the Bride" speech at our daughter's wedding. I feel as if I have been preparing for this moment from the day she was born. That was July eleventh. In some ways I hoped this day would never come; the day your daughter leaves the home probably for good. Of course, this is the way it is supposed to be and I do welcome it but it does not make it any easier. That is why it so important to enjoy every moment when they are young and still yours. Although I did take my own advice, I would still pay a million dollars if I could have it all back, but then I got the bill for the wedding - ouch! So what does the man who watched his little girl grow from crayons to perfume say on a day when he is filled with such mixed emotions?

The Speech

"Hello everyone and welcome to the Joseph Ambler Inn! I think that you will find that this 18th century farm house has both charm and character. Just like our bride and groom. And like most of the old places in this borough it has its share of secrets. I am going to share two of them with you."

"The first one you probably already know. The Joseph Ambler Inn is not in Ambler. Welcome to North Wales. So, if you went to Ambler earlier looking for us, we apologize. But you made it here anyway and that is what matters. The second secret about this old place is a bit more chilling. The secret is that the harder you laugh the better the air conditioning works so if we want a nice cool evening lets fill the room with plenty of laughter."

"Just having celebrated Independence Day, I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to thank our service men and women both past and present as well as our first-responders and members of law enforcement. Many of us have family members serving or have served in law enforcement. I know we have a couple of US Marines here today as well as a few US Airmen. So, we thank you for your service and dedication."

"It seems like I woke up one morning and felt as if time had slipped away. We went from a full house with three children to empty nesters. Of course, we have the memories and memories last forever but a fool will lose tomorrow reaching back for yesterday."

"Perhaps these moments were captured so beautifully by a very wise woman who once wrote the words that have stayed with me for many years, "Never lose a sense of humor and relish every moment - most of them don't come around a second time". The first steps, first words, first I love you, announcing to the world, "I got to go poddy", waiting for the tooth fairy, their first day of school, counting to ten and knowing that you got it right, believing that they can grow up to be a princess, and watching as their dream come true."

"Diane, you wrote that. We have shared many exciting adventures together but none compares to the ride we took on July 11th. But I think we both know 7 and 11 are lucky numbers. We were rushing to the hospital but I think our real destination was here today."

"On behalf of Mark and Elise Callahan, Diane and I are happy to welcome you to the wedding of our daughter Juliana and new son Timothy Callahan. This is the wedding where we finally get to ask the question - What took you so long?"

"These two have been together for 8 years. They met in high school."

"I can honestly say that I can't remember the first time I met Tim. I just recall every time I went down the basement and there he was on my sofa where he has been a welcome addition ever since. I do remember first meeting his parents Mark and Elise. It was at Juliana and Tim's high school graduation. Elise, do you remember what you said to be that day? I do. In fact, I have never forgotten it. You told me what a wonderful young man Tim was and that I would really like him - and I believed you. You were right! You know the mothers always are. We would like to thank you and Mark for how wonderful you have been to Juliana over the years. We look forward to spending many happy times together. Perhaps we will share a few little Callahans and I don't mean the four-legged kind. We would also like to commend you on raising such a wonderful son."

"When Tim first told us of his intentions to marry Juliana I had just one question for him. It is a question that I think any father would ask of the young man who is going to marry his daughter. I asked him if he was prepared to provide our daughter with the kind of life style that she is accustomed too. I'll never forget his response. He looked me right in the eye and without hesitation said, "absolutely, right after the wedding we are moving in with you."

"For those of you who know our daughter, l suppose no words are necessary. For those of you who don't know her, I suppose no words are adequate. Many of you have been recipients of her beautiful art work. She brought your pets back to life with her wonderful pet portraits. I have two of my own. It only took her eight months to do mine."

"What you probably don't know how is how it all started. One day when Juliana was a little girl the house was very quiet. In fact, it was too quiet. I went into the living room and I couldn't believe my eyes. There were crayons all over the floor, on the chair, on the sofa. It was like I just entered the Crayola Crayon factory. In the back of the room behind the recliner chair sat little Juliana. She was scribbling crayon all over our new wall paper. I finally found the person I'm going to send the bill to - Tim Callahan. Incidentally, WD-40 and a damp cloth takes it right off."

"Through the years Juliana continued to practice her art work, and we continued to buy new furniture."

"All kidding aside Juliana, you have been a wonderful daughter and have never given us any real problems. There was just that one time when you were late. As I rushed your mother to the Rolling Hill I didn't know if we were going to make it on time. Then I heard the words of a Special Education school teacher from Chester County playing on the radio and I knew everything would be just fine. Minutes later I was holding you in my arms."

"Congratulations Juliana and Tim. I would like to leave you with this quote it's from the book of Jeremiah 29:11."

"For I know the plans I have for you. . .
plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
When you call upon me I will hear you.
You will seek me and find me"

"May God bless you both and always remember the journey through life is in one direction - forward."

Epilogue