The marriage celebrant speech

Dear family, dear friends,

Welcome to Khoi and Michel’s wedding! I am truly delighted to see you all here today. For some of us, it has been quite a few years since we last met—but looking around, I must say, you haven’t changed a bit. The wait has been long, but absolutely worth it. Now that Khoi and Michel have entered their sixth decade, with all the wisdom and life experience that comes with it, they have chosen this beautiful moment to finally tie the knot.

They certainly didn’t rush into it but today they are ready and they are providing us with an excellent occasion to celebrate this exceptional day all together.  Thankfully they didn’t wait another decade otherwise some of us might have had to be wheeled onto the dancefloor tonight! 

Family and friends from many countries converged on the Loire Valley, motivated by their love and affection for Khoi and Michel, who welcomed us to their magnificent 15th-century château. When you think of an old castle, you might think of a haunted one. I want to warn you that during this evening or night, you may be surprised or awakened by strange occurrences or attempts to break into your room. But don't worry, it's just one of our guests who is having a hard time letting go of his obsession. As you know, Khoi is tirelessly searching for Pokemon, and this place seems to be a prime hideout. As for Michel, he is still traumatized by what he saw as a nursing assistant in a retirement home, where the naughty comings and goings of people of a certain age have made him on the lookout for any wandering, in order to ensure the modesty of the occupants of the rooms!

The enchanting Loire Valley is known for its castles and its world-renowned wines and the outstanding Château de Minière is proof of that cultural richness. It is not surprising that Khoi and Michel chose it for their wedding. It is a most fitting setting for the celebration, knowing their refined tastes and epicurean spirit. Having had a sizeable glass myself to drum up the courage to speak before you, I can tell you that the Cabernet Franc produced at the Château has aroma and flavour. I’m sure Michel will thoroughly enjoy it but perhaps less Khoi.  His genetic background makes him turn crimson after a few sips. As for myself I thank my half Belgian genes for taking the lead here. But since he couldn't find happiness in wine, Khoi found pleasure in the local cuisine offered by nearby restaurants. You saw our schedule for the week— we won't starve to death! That is no coincidence.

 

Actually, did you know that Khoi was a pioneer in careers conversion? We've all heard of lawyers or engineers who became bakers. Well, for a few years, our dear Khoi went from being an aeronautical engineer to sous -chef in a trendy Montreal restaurant.  His biggest regret is not having been able to extract the recipe for the famous sauce that made the restaurant so successful from the head chef. Perhaps this recipe could have been adapted to contribute to the success of the café-bistros run by Khoi and Michel! Because yes, they were also outstanding baristas. Creamy milk foam, sprinkled with heart-shaped chocolate powder, the whole deal. These men are multi-talented, always full of projects. From space engineering to gastronomy, from construction to politics to care for the elderly, Khoi and Michel have tried and carried out – together – their varied interests. 

Unless you’re from Montreal, you have probably noticed by now that I am switching back and forth from French to English. It is an attempt to be inclusive and to allow all of us worldly cousins to follow the plot. Vive le multilinguisme ! I hope that I won’t lose you along the way. When Khoi and Michel asked me to officiate their wedding, my first thought was: they are seriously overestimating my public-speaking skills! 

That's why I had a little drink, or rather a big drink, before the ceremony... No, I'm joking (well, half joking). Michel is a good politician. At the New Year's party, he asked me if I would officiate at his wedding and that it would only be a short 5-minute speech. Of course, I said YES!!! And then two weeks ago, I saw on the programme that my speech was going to be 15 minutes long! I had to scramble to make it longer. Those politicians...

For the record, did you know that despite his apparent reserve, Michel had gone into politics and won a number of votes in Brossard? It was clear to me that he was made for it when he took the chair of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe during a visit to Strasbourg. What charisma, what presence he exuded! Better than the Secretary General at the time! And Khoi, who is on all fronts and is super outgoing, can disappear like a ghost. Have you ever played hide and seek in the dark with him? He’s suspended from the ceiling, completely invisible. Better than a Pokémon. 
But jokes aside, I am deeply moved. It is truly a great honour for me to stand here before you and to pronounce words few people ever get to do. 

Khoi Nguyen and Michel Roy, we are gathered here today to unite you in the bond of marriage. Let me remind you that marriage is a lawful union between two people and a commitment to spend their lives together. Your journey began twenty-six years ago, a journey marked by laughter, shared dreams, and challenges overcome. Over the years, you have grown to know, support, and love each other. Today, your hearts beat as one, ready to write the next chapter of this beautiful adventure together.

To parody Forest Gump, marriage is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get. Sometimes you get caramel, sometimes praline, but sometimes the best chocolate is the one that was stuck at the bottom of the box for the past 26 years. Whatever happens, you will savour it together, in laughter, happiness and complicity. 

You have promised to put up with each other, even when one of you forgets to put the cap back on the toothpaste or leaves their socks lying around. But deep down, it's these little things that make life together so joyful and exciting.

​

Khoi Nguyen, Michel Roy,
I invite you to declare your intention and exchange your rings.

 

Michel, I invite you to place the ring on Khoi's left ring finger and repeat after me.
"With this ring, I will love and cherish you. This ring is the symbol of my love." 

 

Khoi, I invite you to place the ring on Michel's left ring finger and repeat after me.
"With this ring, I will love and cherish you. This ring is the symbol of my love."

Khoi and Michel, we have heard you promise to share your lives in marriage. In the honesty and sincerity of what you have said it my honour to declare you married. You may seal your marriage vows with a kiss.

Khoi et Michel, you know each other inside out. You have lived many adventures as a team, as true partners. From opening coffee shops to running in local elections to adopting three beautiful dogs. Those experiences are tests of the solidity of your love and you have passed them with flying colours. Every night you go to bed with a smile, you don’t let any negative feelings stain your happiness. You are there for each other through thick and thin. You have already been living the vows of marriage for the past 26 years and today you are making it official. 

I love you guys. You are genuinely generous, helpful and kind with all the people around you, always there when needed. You radiate happiness around you and have a deep sense of family. I am proud to be part of it. I offer you my most heartfelt wishes for love and fulfillment. Never stop laughing and continue to go to bed happy...

The official part of the ceremony is now over and I invite you to join the newlyweds at the cocktail reception. You will then have some free time before the wedding reception at 6.30pm.  Don’t forget your dancing shoes!