When we tell people that we’re wedding photographers, one of the first questions is always “Do you get tired of the speeches?”. When we first started doing this about eight years ago, I really thought that would happen, but somehow they’ve become something we really look forward to. I’ll admit we’ve seen some pretty bad speeches from drunk uncles and watched some dads keep talking until the microphone is forcibly removed from them (you know who you are!), but we’ve also been privileged to witness some truly beautiful things. The heartfelt and moving speeches at Laura and Harry’s wedding at Leonda by the Yarra are definitely some of the best speeches we’ve witnessed. It shouldn’t have been a surprise really, as Laura and Harry are quite simply lovely people that obviously adore each other.
First up to elicit tears from the guests was Laura’s dad Don with this pearler: “I always told her she was top shelf and she could only accept a partner who was also top shelf.”
But it was Harry’s dad Ray who really brought the house down with his description of the “resounding intelligence” and “loving nature” that he could see in Harry from the day he was born. “From that moment on, I never doubted he would achieve great things and be a loving son,” he said. “In 27 years he has never ever said one angry word to his dad – that means often in my life I have wondered, how is it that God has shed such grace on me?”
I have to say though it was a quote during bridesmaid (and Harry’s sister) Effie’s speech that best sums up marriage for me: “A good marriage is each for the other and two against the world”.
Best of luck for a long and happy marriage Laura and Harry. I hope you always look this happy :)
