For the past few years I've wanted to be Projects Manager. After the final 24 hours before the wedding, sorting out last minute cancellations, missing items, missing people, forgotten birdcages, dodgy USB sticks, not to mention this speech being written at 10pm last night... I changed my mind. It's been emotional! This entire past week has been really, really, emotional. Family reunited, endless hugs from endless loved ones, I couldn't be surrounded by better people right now. I can't stress just how amazing this past week has been and I hope the next week will be equally amazing as I'm not finished yet! I don't think I could ever be finished with this. Thank you.
I'd like to quickly - well, uh, give me a few minutes - give thanks to a few people who have made this day possible for everyone here. Our Celebrant, Catherine Wright, who allowed us to make every choice regarding our ceremony without question, guiding us through everything we never knew we needed to know.
The staff of Abden House, notably former and current events co-ordinators Helen Tweedie and Carla Cumming. The Scotsman staff, in particular former and current events co-ordinators Kirsty Hunter and Nicole Hunter and the manager of the restaurant, Ian, who have all done us every favour for every aspect of this wedding, notably bumping us up to the Penthouse this evening. *cough* Two floors, just saying...
Our wonderful wedding photographer, Claire Tennant, who not only has captured our evening but has done it as part of a more than generous package that Danielle and I are both grateful for. Also, on that note, Laura Cramb who isn't here just yet but will be later tonight, for passing by my desk as I ranted about a photographer cancelling on us at the last minute and mentioning Claire does wedding photography.
My good friend, Pontus, for streaming this wedding around the world so that those unable to make it could watch, and of course thanks to anyone who did pay attention to the stream. I promised it, but Pontus delivered it!
My new brother-in-law, Jordan, for spending far more money than I can understand being sensible on a video camera and recording everything... I'm sure it'll be nice to actually watch how many times I buggered up on various things throughout the day. But seriously, thanks man.
Vittoria on the Walk restaurant, for providing us with delicious food this week, and Gum Gum, who's incredible generosity has not only financed such delicious food but also allowed me peace of mind throughout my wedding week - she could not make the journey, but without her I can comfortably say I would be looking a much more fatigued, much more tired, much more bankrupt man than you see before you.
Danielle's parents, Christine and Daniel, for helping us at absolutely every turn regardless of cost be it in time, effort, finances or anything else. I couldn't ask for more caring and more giving parents-in-law and I may not phone as often as Danielle does, but I will always love you for everything you have done particularly this week. I've been stunned by how far out of your way you've gone for Danielle and myself.
My parents, for paying more than anyone to be here - not just for themselves but also for my wonderful siblings. For those not aware, I haven't been home to New Zealand since I arrived so this Tuesday just past was actually the first time I'd seen my Dad, Nikki, Josh and Stephanie for over eleven years. There is no less love in my heart for them over the years - it's felt so right having everyone around and I treasure every second you are with me, I really do.
That also goes for Mum and Murray as well, of course, who have made multiple journeys back to Scotland since they departed for New Zealand and long may that continue as I always get excited to see them again. Murray in particular on this occasion has gone above and beyond the call of duty, making late night trips to the airport to pick up my friends and cancelling his entire day plans in order to play courier service for Danielle and myself. I thank you very much for this, I owe you more than one.
I'd also like to make a special mention to Anneke and Danielle who are still back in New Zealand, I love you both with all my heart, I wish you could be here and I can't wait to see you both again someday. Another special mention of absence goes to the late Jim McClymont, who treated me like I was his own grandson from day one and gave me the biggest smiles every time I entered the room. You're in our hearts forever and you're a true grandfather to me now, I consider myself just as much a part of your clan as Danielle is of my own.
Some more people did make the journey, however, and I'd like to thank everyone who has come from overseas, it really astonishes me that we have people here that a week ago I had never met in person in my life but they have made the costly journey from as far afield as America, Canada, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, New Zealand of course and even those that have traveled up from England are without doubt appreciated. In particular I'd like to thank my closest friend outside of Danielle - Shorty, a friend of twelve years and I met you on Thursday, it's insane. But you in particular kept me sane throughout yesterday just as you have done over many years now. Without your help, I imagine I'd have buggered things up with Danielle a long time ago!
I thank the people of Eyes on Final Fantasy for being so wonderful that people like Danielle and I can both enjoy it enough to stick around and meet each other. Sean Robinson, the founder, has always been one of the best people I've known online and I have endless respect for him. Rory, who sadly couldn't make it today, introduced Danielle to the site which I'm naturally more than grateful for. The last specific person from Eyes on Final Fantasy I'll mention is Shauna Mitchell, who didn't make it to the little meet up we organised back in 2006. Because you cancelled on the day, Danielle and I were thrust into a meeting with just each other for company. It wasn't a date, but it was definitely dinner and a movie and that day changed my world forever. I've never been so thankful for someone flaking on me in all my life.
Finally - yes, don't worry, I know long thank you speeches are awful - I would like to thank my groomsmen and Danielle's bridesmaids. You all look amazing, you've supported us and been there for us over the years and we love you. Michelle, Claire, Lee-Anne, you all look beautiful. Paul, Josh, Lev, you all look dashing. Lev, you could probably tone it down a bit, you make me look bad... these are six of the nicest people I know, the ones that will stick by us through thick and