Parents' speech

All right,

before I say anything on the script, so I'm turning it around, I want to mention two special people in my life.

The first one is my wife.

The mother of the bride doesn't get a hell of a lot of attention.

I get to walk Jala down the aisle.

I get to give her away.

The mother of the bride doesn't get to do all that sort of stuff.

But honestly, without Linda, I wouldn't be where I am today.

And I wouldn't have the daughters I have today.

So I'm so proud to say,

you're just a wonderful person.

So I just wanted to start by saying that.

And the other person in our life I want to mention for our family is Uncle David.

Uncle David couldn't make it because he passed away, I think it's 15 years ago, or it could be a bit longer.

I'm not sure.

Sorry about that.

But I just want to mention that he was a wonderful man, and we miss him dearly, and I know he's looking from above, and we love you, David.

And I just wanted to mention him too, because that's important, because this day is a very special day for me.

Now I'll go to buy the script.

I'm starting to get a bit frosty.

It's not great.

No tsunamis.

Okay, here we go.

Here we go.

Thank you all for coming today to celebrate Jala and Glenn's special day.

It's been an honour walking my daughter down the aisle.

Even though I was delayed two years, thanks to Rian,

but that's okay, he's beautiful.

I don't think any amount of time will prepare you to give your daughter away, but if I had to choose a person, I would choose you, Glenn.

And I really mean that, mate.

Your support as a partner, a dad, and now a husband is amazing.

I couldn't ask for a better son in law

You have all the qualities of a man, sorry about this, of a man that a father could ask for, nearly as good as me, but anyway, I didn't write that, seriously.

As a father, I care about that my daughter is looked after and cared for and deserved, and I know you will do that.

So I really appreciate that, Glenn.

Okay, I can't see now.

I know.

It is an absolute honour to be standing here as the mother of this beautiful bride on her special day.

Today, we are filled with so many emotions.

We are so proud of our daughter and couldn't be happier that she has found such an amazing husband, Glenn.

Welcome to our crazy partridge family.

Congratulations, Jala and Glenn.

Jala is a shining light in our lives.

From the moment she was born,

she has brought so much joy and laughter.

She's crazy, ditzy, and always caring.

Glenn, I have to say, you're one lucky man.

Jala is one of a kind, I mean, one of a kind.

We just roll our eyes of the things she does and says, Glenn just shakes his head, that's Jala.

Now your turn.

Okay, it's my turn now.

Jala bear.

I know, I know, I know, but it was Jala bear.

She has always been my Jala bear.

Sunday afternoons were always a fun time in our family.

Whirlybin day, throwing a Jala in the whirlybin.

Remember that, Jala?

That's shocking.

And chasing her with the whippersnipper.

Yeah, I'm not really a bad guy, but anyway.

I don't think she ever forgave me for that

Learning to drive at the cemetery

but not keen at all to get out

On the real roads, but we made it.

So Jala, for the first job at 14.

What's that?

My eyes are a bit foggy, sorry.

Jala's first job.

Jala's first job at 14 was at Daly Corner Store, working at Daly Corner Store.

Remember that, Jala?

One Sunday she said to me, I'm not going.

And I shift started in one hour and I'm thinking, gosh.

Well, you are going, Jala.

You can't let the boss down.

I'm not going.

I hate it.

Remember this, Jala?

You do remember this?

I said, well, I will go and do your shift for you.

And then you said, all right, I'm going.

So she did it.

So that worked out well.

Jala travelled overseas with her Aunty Karen and Sean.

One destination was Ireland.

Made me find her dream man, but he wasn't there.

Seven years ago, we were on a bus with friends at Mel and Todd's wedding.

Jala makes this comment to Louise and I and says, all my friends are getting married.

I said, you never know, you might meet a groomsman.

Yeah, sure, whatever.

At the reception, they introduced the wedding party.

And now we have Glenn, the Irishman.

And she goes,

Irishman?

Irishman?

Where's the Irishman?

Her head couldn't have turned faster.

And here we are tonight, Jala at her own wedding and sharing their gorgeous little man, Rian.

The wedding song that Jala walked down the aisle to today was John and my wedding song 35 years ago.

That was a very special thing, so thank you for doing that.

I'll get it wrong, but anyway.

Paddy's easy, so Paddy and Leela.

Did I get it right?

Great.

Be very proud of your son.

You have brought up a beautiful young man, Glenn.

He will support and care for our daughter and their family.

Thank you so much.

Our Jala Bear, we love you for the little girl you once were.

For the amazing woman, mum and now wife you are today.

And the precious daughter you will always be.

Congratulations Jala and Glenn.

We couldn't be happier for you both.

Let's raise our glasses to Jala and Glenn.

Everyone, have a great night.