wedding-something: a phiLOVEdelphia story: From Heartfelt to Humorous

After a little dancing workout, we took a seat in our personalized chairs for some refreshment. At this point in the day, both Mr. Turkey and I had held it together, but as Turkey Dad took the microphone from Jellyroll, we remarked that the speeches might be the end of our “no tears” streak.

All photos are by Philip Gabriel Photography.

You all have seen the same snippets of all the speeches that we have professionally recorded so far (full video expected soon!), but Aunt P was kind enough to have taped Turkey Dad. This means we had a little more help when it came to remembering his words!

Turkey Dad knows how to handle a mic

He spoke highly of Turkey Mom for all her support to him as well as being an amazing coordinator during our wedding planning. He wished me and Mr. Turkey as long and happy and supportive a marriage as they had (33 years!).

Turkey Mom was beaming

His words were touching, but there was also a lot of humor, especially as it came to acknowledging his difficulty with handling change - from me growing up to moving away to finding someone to spend my life with.

I think this was me acknowledging that my definition of a "financial emergency" translated into
more than a few fashion emergencies

Anyone who knows Turkey Dad knows that he’s mostly reserved, but has a fun side unlike any other. I think his full personality shone through in his speech – Mr. Turkey and I are still hearing from guests how much they enjoyed it.

See - even Turkey Dad thought he was funny ;)

Raising a glass (our Kate Spade Darling Point flutes)

Following Turkey Dad’s speech, we went into the appetizer and then it was time for the best man and maid of honor to speak.

Smart woman - she had her speech written down

MOH J was on first and although it didn’t show at all, I know she was a bit nervous (and probably would have preferred pawning off the speech on one of the more outgoing bridesmaids). She started off by thanking my parents and then told a story about how she and Mr. Turkey actually got off to a rough start.

You see, I never showed up to meet MOH J one night when I was hanging out with Mr. Turkey early in our relationship, leaving her with an incredibly awkward acquaintance instead. My bad.

Guilty as charged

Turkey Dad may not have known that story...

She kept it light and spoke about our record in wedding attendance and borderline obsession with Disney. I am cheating a little bit with my recollection of her speech…she gave me a copy of her first draft on a cocktail napkin!

MOH J kept us laughing

But before closing, she spoke about us as a couple (the part you heard in the video) and, before I knew it, tears were very close to the edge.

Trying to hold it in / not wreck my makeup

Her words were sweet and touching – so lucky to have such a wonderful friend.

Next up was BM / Brother M and, to be honest, Mr. Turkey and I were waiting to see what he would say. An incredibly social and outgoing person, we weren’t sure if the speech would lean more towards a comedy act or a roast of Mr. Turkey.

M should totally be in politics. He got a standing ovation from Mr. Turkey's college friends just for taking the mic

He definitely started off funny, complimenting our opening appetizer as the “best darn hockey puck” he’d ever eaten.

Sneak peek of the "hockey puck"

MIL Turkey's reaction to the comment

There was a bit of roasting, too, as he commented that Mr. Turkey was lucky to have me because I’d be OK “reading a history book on a Friday night” with him. And I was lucky too because “this stud will go to Disney World”.

Spot on, M. Spot on.

Cousin J agrees with the assessment

He then got sentimental (again, the part you heard in the video), surprising us with the transition from comedic to serious.

And with that, the speeches were done. We had managed to hold it together pretty well (minor setback during MOH J’s speech) and just felt so blessed to have such incredible people standing up for us on this special day.

Who’s speaking at your wedding? Married Bees – did you cry during the speeches?

Note: As I mentioned in my earlier post, the speeches were not exactly consecutive, so I apologize for the disjointed storytelling. Promise you’ll hear more about the food later!