Living with One Direction (Hariana)

-130-: Wedding ceremony and speeches

At the end of the day it is my speech and I can say what I like. I would like to start by on behalf of the brides mother, myself and grooms parents giving a warm welcome to all the relatives and friends who have joined us to celebrate Harry & Ariana's wedding. I know that many of you have traveled long distances to be here.

Thank you all for coming to help celebrate this very special day. As I look around the room I realise how many friends they have and I hope that you all have a wonderful afternoon and evening. Today I must admit that I am the proudest dad in the world to have accompanied Ariana today. I think that you will all agree that she looked stunning. This is where I am supposed to say a few embarrassing things about her when she was younger but as she worked with me for a time she probably knows more gossip about me than I know about her so I have called a truce. Suffice it to say that her mother and I are both very proud of how she looks today and how she has grown up and are both delighted that she has found someone who she obviously loves and cares so much for.

There are two things which we as parents try to give our children, one is roots and the other is wings. Ariana, you have now grown your wings and fled the nest but you will still be loved all always still have roots within our family.  In Harry, I believe that Ariana has met her perfect partner and perfect father. Although we have only known Harry for almost twelve years and both Ariana's mom and I think he is everything one could hope for in a son-in-law. Mind you I knew we would get on when he took us out for dinner to ask for her hand in marriage. I remember thinking 'I hope he picks the hand which keeps dipping into my pocket'. We shall see.  Seriously he has many good qualities, not least of which is an ability to appreciate the finer things in life. Well, after all, he did marry our daughter didn't he?

Now we get to the tricky part of the speech. I think this is the time I give you advice on marriage but Harry & Ariana do not need my advice. The only thing I would say is that you must choose the right partner for the right reason and I think that they both have done this. I suppose that after 38 years of happy marriage I ought to be able to manage something a bit more constructive. Harry just remember these 3 words ...all, just and only. You will hear them time and again. Such as all you need to do is, its only costs so much & it will only take 5 minutes. These are all gross understatements but as a great philosopher or comedian said, women are to be loved and not understood. Mind you, helping around the house is not a bad idea. I know from the crime statistics that there has never been a case of a wife shooting her husband while he was doing the washing up.

After that I had better finish but before that I would like to offer one or two final thoughts.
Marriage is the meeting of two minds, of two hearts and of two souls. It is clear that Harry & Ariana are a perfect example of this. May they be blessed with happiness that grows and with love that lasts and a peaceful life together. I wish them enjoyment for today, the fulfillment of all their hopes and dreams for tomorrow and love and happiness always.

It is now my pleasure to propose a toast to the happy couple. Please be upstanding and raise your glasses to the bride and groom Mr. & Mrs. Styles," Ariana stood up instantly and hugged her dad while everyone proposed a toast to her and Harry. Then it was Harry's turn.

"On behalf of my wife and I, 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. We must say we've been really impressed by the number of people that have rallied round to help us in preparation for today, if you're not mentioned by name and that's most of you, please be assured that Ariana and I are very grateful.