12 November 2017, Exhibition St, Melbourne, Australia
Good evening everyone.
On behalf of Sue and I, thank you all for coming to help us celebrate this wonderful occasion. I know some of you have travelled long distances to be here today and we really appreciate you making the effort.
Unfortunately not everyone we love could make it. Zoe’s grandfather Bernie was unable to join us, but I have no doubt that we are in his thoughts and he would have been thrilled with how the day has gone.
A lot of planning has gone into making today perfect and Zoe and Martin have done a fantastic job. I know a number of you have also contributed to the day’s success, so thank you.
Now today is about celebrating the marriage of two young people, who love and adore one another, but it’s also about the coming together of two families and we are delighted to welcome Nick, Pauline and the rest of the Doran’s into the fold.
It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know you — albeit the Irish accents have stumped us occasionally, as you might have gathered from the blank looks on our faces!
We look forward to sharing many more happy family moments with you in the future, both here and in Ireland.
ZOE
Looking at you it’s hard to believe that 30 years have gone by. I can still see you as that vibrant little girl playing in the back yard doing her darnedest to master the handstand.
And now here you are, all grown up, sitting beside the man you love as you begin the next exciting chapter of your lives together.
Fathers are naturally biased about their daughters, but I’m sure you’ll all agree that Zoe looks absolutely beautiful.
Although Zoe might say: how could I be any more beautiful than I usually am!
I must admit to a little tear in my eye when I saw her for the first time in her wedding dress. Although I’m not sure if it was because I was caught up in the emotion of the big day, or I was reminded of just how much that dress cost… Perhaps a little bit of both.
Now I’m so supposed to add a bit of comic flair to my speech and share a few horror stories about the bride growing up, but I wouldn’t want to embarrass her — although it’s virtually impossible to embarrass Zoe!
Case in point, when Zoe was a student at the Star of the Sea school she had to give an impromptu performance and Zoe and troop chose childbirth.
Well Zoe did not hold back. She got right into it, knees up, screaming and thrashing around on stage. It was enough to put you off having kids but the audience was in stitches and it’s still one of the funniest memories I have of her.
Growing up Zoe was never really any trouble. Sure she could be outspoken and hold a good argument, but she was also lots of fun with a fantastic “can do” attitude and took whatever challenges in her stride.
I remember years ago she decided to take up tennis, which she seemed to enjoy, and to get her practice in she would hit the ball against the wall at home. Unfortunately for her we lived in a weatherboard house so the most responsive wall she could find was the back gate. Not terribly satisfying or successful, but that’s all there was so that’s what she used.
Then there was the time Santa brought Zoe a bike that Sue and I had had painted and tarted up for her. It wasn’t at all what she wanted and she cried in the beginning — we all did — but then in true Zoe style she got on and rode it like the champion she is, until she received a new one on her birthday seven weeks later.
As well as being able to make the best of any given situation, Zoe is effervescent with a sharp wit and cheeky sense of humour and this has seen her gather many friends over the years — as we can see here tonight — and her wide circle of friends bears testimony to the wonderful person that she is.
Zoe, you have grown into an exceptional young woman and your mum and I are so very proud of you.
You deserve all the happiness in the world, and with Martin, we are confident that you will find it.
MARTIN
Which brings me to my new son-in-law, Martin. Some call him Noddy, and Ned, as has been pointed out on Facebook he does bear more than a passing resemblance to Ned Kelly.
He’s quick-witted with a great sense of humour, he loves his sports, his ink and his drink and he swears as well as a good Irishman should.
Quite simply, Zoe couldn’t have chosen better and most importantly, he adores our Zoe and we are delighted to welcome him into the family.
BUT, that’s not to say he’s perfect. After all he is a Carlton supporter and that’s something I’ve struggled to come to terms with. If I had my way he’d be wearing yellow and black! But if Zoe has her way, he’ll be a Geelong supporter in no time. Although having watched Richmond dismantle Geelong with Brendan and I in the preliminary final this year, I think I know which way Martin is leaning!
Now many of you will know Martin can hit a pretty mean golf ball. Many of you might also have heard of what is referred to as the “son-in-law shot”, that is when you hit the ball - it’s not perfect, not what you wanted, not hoped for, but it ends up better than you thought so you take it anyway. Well that’s Martin!
Martin, every father hopes his daughter will meet someone worthy of her love and you are all that and more. You complement each other well and I know you will make each other very happy.
Now it’s traditional for the father of the bride to share some pearls of wisdom with the happy couple, and I’m reminded of something my father said to my sister at her wedding many years ago, that has always stuck with me.
According to my father the secret ingredient in a successful marriage is LSD. Not the hallucinogenic drug — although that would certainly make things interesting, no the LSD he was referring to is love, sincerity and devotion.
They are more than just three words – it is Love that is sustained by action, Sincerity in communication and a pattern of Devotion in the things we do for each other every day. If you can keep these three things as the cornerstone of your relationship you’ll be well on your way to a long and happy life together.
It’s also worth remembering that marriage is also about the fine art of compromise, Martin admit that your wrong and Zoe will agree. You’ll find it works every time!
On that note, ladies and gentlemen, please charge your glasses, stand and join me in a toast to the bride and groom.
To Zoe and Martin!