My Daughter is Getting Married

[DonDavis]

She's quite the young lady and just turned 25, I'm very proud of her and she's on a wonderful path of life. Never was a problem, always studious, respectful and mature. Her fiancé asked to meet with me before he proposed to ask my permission. I trust her judgement completely ( she's earned that trust, btw ) and he's a good guy. I told him the permission comes from her, but they have my blessing and support. They met at the Univ of Az and he's from Phoenix and Jessica loves being at his parent's home. They're holding off on children for a bit, they want to move around a some, see the world. They both have their bachelors and plan on continuing their education. His BS is in Regional Dev w/minor in Business, her's is a BS in Nursing and she absolutely loves it. She was in her first code blue a couple months ago and she said she was calm, focused and had zero doubt on what needed to be done. One of her peers was also there ( it was actually the peer's patient ) and essentially froze.

A couple Pelicans have briefly met her, but that was a few years ago.

I'll be giving her away and then making a short speech at the reception. I don't regularly speak to large groups and need some tips on speech content. I have a few ideas already and she's told me it's my time to thoroughly embarrass her. She wants me to have some fun with it. I won't use a ppt but I am getting a couple of my favorite pictures of her blown up and dry mounted to pass around.

So, what does the Peanut Gallery known as PPOT have to proffer?

[Zeke]

Mainly congrats.

Sounds to me that she has invited you to 'roast' her. I wouldn't do that. What you've said here already is a very good outline. A few childhood episodes and humorous memories usually go well.

[billybek]

Cant help you on the speech, but congrats to you and your family!

Sounds like a pretty sensible young couple.

Cheers!

[DonDavis]

Agreed, no roast, just some cute girly things from her childhood. I think having me speak will be embarrassment enough. Ha!

[recycled sixtie]

It sounds like you have confidence in your speaking ability. You don't have to embarrass her but some occurrences from her childhood and school are fine. I will be faced with the same event in the next years and I used to go to Toastmasters years ago for several years. Knowing and practising your speech ahead of time is essential. No reading of speech. Practice in front of your family and make eye contact with your audience. Say what you feel comfortable about saying in front of an audience. Take some deep breaths before you start.

[Por_sha911]

Congrats.

When my baby girl got married my wife was the wedding planner. She kept asking me if I wanted to help and I told her there are just 3 things I need to know:
-what time
-what to wear
-I need all the receipts.

Speech? I'll tell this little limerick I learned many years ago during my days as a youth pastor to give you advice:
I love a finished preacher.
I love one, yes I do.
One that's smooth and polished?
No, just one that's through.

Or in other words, pick the few things you really want to say so that you don't get long winded trying to cover too much ground. Also, don't be ashamed to admit that she will always be "daddy's little girl".
Lastly, have a handkerchief on hand. You'll probably need it (even if you aren't the crying type). Ask me how I know.

[Baz]

Hey Don - congratulations - great post.

You are obviously a good father - or this wouldn't be happening the way it is.

I agree with the previous posts - no roast - just a few stories of her "wonder years" - and of course include a few that will result in some tears.

Special time in your family's lives.

I wish you and yours all the best, Baz

[tweezers74]

Yay! I am a fellow wildcat nurse! And congratulations. It sounds like you are going to do just fine. You are her father and speaking from the heart. That's all that matters.

[Hugh R]

Nice, I'll be doing that in a few weeks in St. Lucia British West Indies.

[genrex]

No pressure, no pressure at all. Right!

It is a special day when "heightened reality" is in effect, and some people will be especially aware of every moment, and will long remember and smile and cherish the memories. It is amazing how much people remember of the little moments. On a more philosophical note, even if they are not married 5 or 10 years from now, what you say and what you do will still be fondly remembered as time goes by. So no matter what happens in the future, this is a special and important day. It is true what Shakespeare said, we are all players on a stage, having our moments on the stage. So no pressure, Dad.

_

[weseeeee]

Congrats, it sounds like you raised a fine young lady.

[lowyder993s]

Bride

[fanaudical]

Congrats!

I wouldn't "roast" her. You could take the opportunity to tell her about your favorite memories of her growing up and how proud you are of her accomplishments.

[DonDavis]

Originally Posted by tweezers74

Yay! I am a fellow wildcat nurse! And congratulations. It sounds like you are going to do just fine. You are her father and speaking from the heart. That's all that matters.

Very cool, Tweeze. Let's get a coffee or a beer sometime. I'm just down the road.

Originally Posted by genrex

No pressure, no pressure at all. Right!
It is a special day when "heightened reality" is in effect,
So no pressure, Dad.

Doofus! I'm looking for calming advice! But you are correct, sir.

Originally Posted by lowyder993s

Bride

Good stuff, Jim. I think I heard a few items I'll use!


All replies are great. I'm really looking forward to the day. It's going to be a lot of fun.

[DonDavis]

The wedding went very well. Such a great time and everything was fantastic. The speech was easy and I just spoke from the heart. In the days leading up to it, she kept telling everyone "It's supposed to be fun. If there are any hitches or missteps, big deal, laugh it off and move on!"

She was elegant and simply beautiful. If I were a poet, I'd have better words to describe how she looked. So very pleased how the entire event was very smooth and a LOT of fun. About 200 in attendance.

Here are a couple pics. The last is of the buttons that were made for Alex. It can be seen on my lapel in the walk pic. My son was one of the ushers and had a blast. Just after the ceremony, he went over to the mic and was making announcements for the photographer. He's a natural at speaking to groups. That was great to see.

Enjoy.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by DonDavis

...She was elegant and simply beautiful. If I were a poet, I'd have better words to describe how she looked. ...

I don't think there is a poet alive who could describe her any better than her proud father just did ....Congrats to you all!!!

[Baz]

Originally Posted by KC911

I don't think there is a poet alive who could describe her any better than her proud father just did ....Congrats to you all!!!

Well said KC....+1,000 !

Very nice Don....congrats again!

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Congrats, my friend!

When do I get to start calling you "Gramps"?

[pwd72s]

Don, A job well done on your part. Congratulations.

[livi]

Congrats! What a beautiful bride.