Friends have travelled from all four corners of the earth to be with us tonight. You’ve come from Germany, the United States, Pakistan, Nigeria and ..er … oh yes … Wales! No, seriously now, whether your journey was 5,000 miles or 5 miles we thank you all sincerely for sharing our special day with us.

There are a few people we would like to single out and thank. Firstly, our mothers Gulnaz and Susan. Both these strong women struggled through adversity as single parents to raise us. We can never repay the sacrifices you both made for us but wanted to say that we love you dearly and thank you for moulding us into the characters we are today.

[FLOWERS]

I would also like to thank my beautiful wife. I have been so proud of the way Jane has juggled organising this wedding with everything else and still remained calm (ish!) and understanding. She’s been my best friend for over 10 years now – I had to physically stop her from doing the best mans speech!! She’s intelligent, generous, hard working and sincere – that’s why I love her so much. Oh yes, did I mention, She is an excellent judge of character too!

Next, Huma and Shamsa. If this were the Oscars, then these two would definitely pick up the “Best Director” award. They have both been running around behind the scenes to ensure that our day is as perfect as can be. My baby sister Huma organised the outfits for all my family (including the bride and groom attire), the wedding cards, the small favour purses on your tables and lots more. Shamsa had a major role to play at the Nikkah Ceremony. She worked tirelessly and I think all of you who were there on the day would agree that it was a wonderful day. Thank you ladies.

I would like to show gratitude to all who have contributed to this day, especially the bridesmaids Abi and Funmi who organised the hen party, the Best Man Fiaz, my brothers Chris, Michael and Tim and my sisters Sumand, Rizwana and Huma, and last but not least Farooq and Vanessa from Saffron D’Or - the event organisers. Thanks guys!

Our only regret today is that two people are not here to enjoy it with us. Vicky, Jane’s elder sister, and My Grandad Ghulam Murtaza Sheikh who was a father to me. We take comfort in knowing that they are both smiling down on us with pride. I would like you to all raise your glasses of soft drink – I bet some of you wish that you were at the party in Nigeria now! – and join me in a toast to Absent Friends.

I’d like to end my speech with a quote from the greek poet Homer (no not the simpson’s character)
There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends.

Thank you!