Domenique and Nick’s Gleneagles Hotel wedding had all the ingredients needed for a truly timeless celebration. From the awe-inspiring venue to the stunning arrangements and chic attire, this dreamy event had everything they could ever hope for and more. What made it even more impressive? They planned the entire event themselves!
They made their dream big day come true with flawless execution. And what a setting they chose! The historic estate, with its lavish interiors, provided the perfect backdrop. The bold ballroom ceremony space was adorned with breathtaking florals, creating an enchanting atmosphere for their vow exchange. Transforming the same space for the reception, lush blooms, greenery, and candles graced the tables were added for an ultra-romantic and whimsical touch.
If you’re dreaming of a classic celebration filled with timeless details and personal touches that reflect your unique style as a couple, this Gleneagles Hotel wedding is the perfect inspiration. Junebug vendor Ricky Baillie beautifully captured every moment of this breathtaking day, and we’re thrilled to share it with you here.
Gleneagles hold a special place in both of our hearts. It was where we shared our first overnight stay together, and since then, we’ve made it a tradition to visit every year. It’s a place filled with cherished memories, making it the perfect location for our wedding day.
QR Code Fun: How They Made Their Wedding Favors Interactive
We added a fun twist to our wedding favors by giving out cocktails in bottles with QR codes. When scanned, the codes led our guests to a hilarious video featuring our three-year-old, encouraging them to enjoy their drinks. It was a playful and memorable touch that had everyone laughing and enjoying the moment.
Elevating Their Ceremony with Personal Touches
We wrote our own vows, pouring our hearts into each word, and took our time selecting a celebrant who would truly match our personalities. Andrew D. Scott, our celebrant, exceeded our expectations, bringing warmth and understanding to our ceremony that perfectly reflected who we are as a couple.
From Start to Finish: Embracing Every Moment of Their Special Day
We dedicated a lot of time to infuse our wedding with our personalities, making sure every detail reflected who we are. It truly felt like “us” in every way. The entire day was simply breathtaking, from the beginning to the end. Surprisingly, we found ourselves at the end of the night realizing how much quality time we had spent together. Unlike many couples who feel they didn’t have enough time, we cherished every moment together throughout the day.
The Perfect Collaboration: Organizing Their Wedding Together
Taking charge of the entire event ourselves was quite an adventure. We maintained high energy levels throughout the day, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Organizing the entire event felt like the perfect amount of diy for us. We collaborated on every decision and were both pleased with every choice we made together.
Congratulations to Domenique and Nick on their classic Gleneagles Hotel wedding overflowing with flowers. A heartfelt thank you goes to Junebug vendor Ricky Baillie for capturing all the precious moments this couple will treasure forever. For more of his amazing work, check out his profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.
From a stunning venue to breathtaking floral arrangements and personalized touches—this celebration is full of timeless elements that never go out of style. If you and your partner dream of an elegant celebration filled with romance, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to help with our planning and budget guides so you can start turning your dream wedding into a reality.
We’re breaking down everything you need to know about writing the father of the bride speech. Image by Salt Atelier.
Giving a speech at your daughter’s wedding is a special and memorable occasion. It’s a chance to share your love, pride, and fond memories with her, her new partner, and everyone important in her life. However, the idea of writing a speech can be daunting. You may be wondering where to start. While crafting the perfect father-of-the-bride speech can feel overwhelming, with a bit of guidance, you can create something truly unforgettable.
From structure to timing, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about writing and delivering a heartfelt speech that will have everyone talking.
How to Write a Father of the Bride Speech
While you’ll want your wedding speech to be completely unique, it can help to follow a template when you start to write and then let the original ideas flow from there.
Welcome the guests and introduce yourself: Begin by greeting everyone and stating who you are.
Thank the guests for coming: Express your gratitude for their presence and support. Acknowledge those who traveled far to attend. This doesn’t have to be specific. A statement such as “We’re so grateful for everyone who traveled to help us celebrate today.” is sufficient.
Talk about the bride: Share some anecdotes about your daughter. Highlight her qualities, achievements, and what makes her special to you.
Pay tribute to the woman she has become: Highlight your pride in her achievements and character. Reflect on her journey from childhood to the present.
Talk about how the bride met her new spouse: Briefly recount their love story. Mention how happy you are that she has found someone special.
Give some advice on marriage: Offer a piece of wisdom for the newlyweds. Keep it light-hearted and meaningful.
Raise a toast to the happy couple: Conclude with a toast to the bride and groom, wishing them a future filled with happiness and love.
Aim to keep your speech between 5 to 7 minutes. This is long enough to cover all the essential points but short enough to keep everyone’s attention. Remember, brevity is key to maintaining engagement.
When Does the Father of the Bride Give a Speech?
Traditionally, the father of the bride speech is given at the wedding reception after the meal, but this can vary depending on the wedding schedule. It’s often the first speech, setting the stage for others to follow.
Should I Include Jokes?
Adding a touch of humor can enhance your speech and bring some laughter to the room. However, it’s crucial to tread carefully and avoid embarrassing your daughter or making guests uncomfortable. Keep the humor as respectful and loving as possible.
Can I Use Quotes?
Absolutely! Incorporating a well-chosen quote can add depth and resonance to your message. Look for relevant and meaningful quotes for the occasion for you and your daughter, or consider sharing a quote or song lyrics that have been meaningful to the two of you while she was growing up. Whether they offer wisdom, inspiration, or heartfelt sentiment, quotes can help convey your emotions and thoughts in a memorable way.
Top Tips for Writing Your Father of the Bride Speech
To help you deliver a memorable and touching speech, here are some top tips to guide you through the process.
Ask for help:Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from friends and family or look up examples online.
Focus on a good introduction: A strong start sets the tone for the rest of your speech. Begin with a warm welcome and a brief introduction of yourself to engage your audience from the beginning.
Keep it short and sweet:Stick to the key points and avoid lengthy thank-you lists. Although the speech is primarily for your daughter, to keep the audience engaged, keep it straight and to the point.
Don’t be too embarrassing: Share heartfelt stories, but avoid anything that might make your daughter uncomfortable. Keep the tone respectful.
Incorporate Inspirational Quotes: A well-chosen quote can add depth to your speech. It can emphasize your points and add a touch of wisdom. Make sure it’s relevant.
Skip ex mentions:Focus on the present and future, and avoid discussing past relationships.
Mention the bride’s mother and new in-laws: Recognize and appreciate the new family connections. It shows respect and acknowledges the joining of two families.
Embrace your emotions: It’s okay to get a little teary. Your genuine emotions will make your speech that much more touching and memorable. Let your love and pride shine through.
Practice makes perfect: Rehearse your speech multiple times to ensure you deliver it smoothly. Familiarity will boost your confidence and help you stay calm.
Stay positive and calm: We know that public speaking isn’t for everyone. Take deep breaths and speak slowly to keep nerves at bay. Remember, it’s a joyous occasion, and everyone is there to celebrate and support your daughter.
Feel free to personalize these speeches to fit your own style and relationship with your daughter and her spouse.
Heartfelt Speech
“Good evening, everyone. It’s truly an honor to stand before you today as the bride’s father. I want to thank each of you for gracing us with your presence on this momentous occasion. Whether you’re near or far, your love and support have added an extra layer of warmth to this already special day, and we’re deeply appreciative.
Now, let me paint a picture of my daughter. From the moment she entered our lives, she brought an abundance of laughter and love. Her kindness, resilience, and infectious spirit have always been a source of immense pride for me. I’m reminded of a cherished memory… [insert memory here] …those moments truly defined her, shaping her into the remarkable woman she is today.
And speaking of remarkable, let me introduce you to the equally wonderful person she’s chosen to share her life with. Their love story is nothing short of magical, a testament to fate and the beauty of true companionship. It warms my heart to witness them embark on this new chapter together, hand in hand.
To the happy couple, as you journey forward together, may you always communicate openly, cherish each other’s quirks and differences, and never lose sight of the love that brought you together. Now, if you’ll all join me in raising your glasses, let’s toast to [Daughter’s Name] and [Spouse’s Name]. May your love continue to deepen with each passing day, and may your marriage be adorned with endless moments of joy and laughter. Here’s to the newlyweds! Cheers!”
Funny Father of the Bride Speech
“Good evening, everyone! Allow me to introduce myself. I’m the nervous wreck who’s been pacing in the back all day, but you can just call me the proud father of the bride! I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for gracing us with your presence today. Your being here not only adds to the joy of this occasion but also ensures that my attempts at humor won’t fall flat. For that, I am eternally grateful.
Now, let’s talk about the real star of the show—my daughter. From the moment she entered this world, she’s been a whirlwind of chaos and joy, giving me gray hairs and endless laughter in equal measure. But on a serious note, watching her transform from a tiny bundle of chaos into the incredible woman standing before us today has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride filled with unforgettable moments.
And now, she’s found someone brave enough to join in on the chaos. Let’s give it up for [Spouse’s Name]! To the happy couple, let me offer you a piece of advice: marriage is all about compromise – she’s always right, and he’s… well, let’s just say he’s learning! So here’s to the newlyweds! May your journey together be as enduring and joyful as the ever-growing list of chores she’s already started delegating to you, [Spouse’s Name]! Cheers!”
Short but Sweet Speech
Good evening, everyone. As the bride’s father, I want to thank each of you for being here today to celebrate this joyous occasion with us. Your presence here means the world to us, and we’re grateful for the love and support you’ve shown to [Daughter’s Name] and [Spouse’s Name]. [Daughter’s Name] has always been the light of our lives. Her kindness, laughter, and love have enriched our family in countless ways. As I look at her today, I couldn’t be prouder of the woman she has become. She’s grown into a beautiful, compassionate, and strong individual, and I know she will bring these qualities into her marriage.
To [Daughter’s Name] and [Spouse’s Name], as you embark on this journey together, always remember to cherish each other, communicate openly, and never lose sight of the love that brought you together. So here’s to the happy couple. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day, and may your marriage be filled with endless love, laughter, and happiness. Cheers!”
“Good evening, everyone. Today, I stand before you as the father of the bride, filled with love and gratitude for each of you who have joined us to celebrate this special day. Thank you all for being here to witness and support [Daughter’s Name] and [Spouse’s Name] as they begin their journey together. Your presence here is a testament to the love and bonds that unite us all. As I look at my daughter, [Daughter’s Name], today, I am reminded of the countless memories we’ve shared and the joy she has brought into our lives. From her first steps to this moment, she has been a beacon of light and love.
[Daughter’s Name], you have grown into a remarkable woman, full of grace, kindness, and strength. Your journey to this day has been marked by moments of joy, laughter, and growth, and I am honored to have witnessed every step of it. And now, you have found your perfect match in [Spouse’s Name]. Your love story is a testament to the power of fate and the beauty of true love. Together, you complement each other in the most beautiful ways.
To [Daughter’s Name] and [Spouse’s Name], as you embark on this new chapter together, remember to always be patient, kind, and forgiving. Hold onto the love that brought you together, and cherish each other’s hearts. So here’s to [Daughter’s Name] and [Spouse’s Name]. May your love continue to deepen and grow with each passing day. May you find strength, comfort, and joy in each other’s arms, and may your marriage be blessed with a lifetime of happiness and fulfillment. Cheers!”
Father of the Bride Speech with Meaningful Quote
Good evening, everyone. Today, I am honored to stand before you as the bride’s father. Thank you all for joining us on this special day to celebrate the love and union of [Daughter’s Name] and [Spouse’s Name]. Your presence here means the world to us, and we are grateful for the love and support you have shown to our family. Your presence adds warmth and joy to this celebration, and we thank you for being a part of it.
I want to share a story about my daughter, [Daughter’s Name], that truly captures her essence. When she was just a little girl, she had this uncanny ability to make everyone around her smile. Her laughter was infectious, and her kindness knew no bounds. As she grew older, she carried that same light and love with her, touching the lives of all who knew her. Today, as I look at her, I see a woman who embodies compassion, strength, and grace. I am immensely proud of the person she has become.
There’s a quote that reminds me of [Daughter’s Name] and [Spouse’s Name] ‘s love story: “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the journey of love they embarked upon together. To [Daughter’s Name] and [Spouse’s Name], as you begin this new chapter together, remember to always cherish and nurture your love. May you continue to support each other, laugh together, and face life’s challenges as a team. So here’s to [Daughter’s Name] and [Spouse’s Name]. May your love story continue inspiring others, and your marriage be filled with endless joy, laughter, and love. Cheers to the newlyweds!”
Speech? Check. Up next? The father-daughter dance. Still need a song? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve curated a list of 50 unforgettable tracks that capture the unique bond between you and your dad.
Jacqueline and Johann found the perfect spot for their wedding: a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery in tropical Tulum. The moment they laid eyes on it, they knew it was meant to be. With its secluded charm, their dreamy Kima Tulum wedding became a reality in this extraordinary setting. Soft pastel colors and delicate flowers adorned the space, blending seamlessly with the natural beauty around them. It was more than just a wedding; it was a reflection of their love story and who they are as a couple.
The ceremony took place in a tranquil jungle cove, where a stunning bamboo arch became the focal point. As the festivities shifted to the reception, KIMA underwent a wondrous makeover, turning into a captivating oasis. The ambiance echoed a mystical jungle, highlighted by a dreamy cloud of baby’s breath hovering above the tables. Rattan pendant lamps and twinkling string lights enhanced the enchantment, casting a spell on all who were present.
Don’t miss a thing from the amazing tropical setting to the fun atmosphere and sweet moments, all captured by Junebug vendor MemoryBox Photography. If you’re planning a dreamy Mexico wedding, this is the perfect inspiration for you!
While designing our mood board, I chose three words I wanted our day to embody and selected everything to fit those three words. For our welcome party, we chose “cool,” “sexy,” and “understated.” We went to an incredible cave venue at Papaya Playa Project with twinkling lights in the wooden floorboards that resemble stars, opening up to the ocean’s crashing waves. We lit the cave with warm, low amber lights and dried neutral florals, pampas, and candles to keep everything minimal and cool. Our guests also had access to the rooftop on top of the cave, where we set up the DJ and bar to overlook the ocean, with low cocktail tables and bean bag chairs. Our dress code was neutral colors and earth tones, matching Tulum’s earthy vibe and setting a great tone for the weekend.
Creating a Romantic Atmosphere with Pastel Colors
For our wedding day, we chose “dreamy,” “romantic,” and “fun.” We mainly used light greens, creams, and bright yellows, with pastel blush, lilac, and peachy-orange pops. All chairs were a light, bright wood, setting a sweet, cotton-candy mood. I had hanging installations of wooden lanterns and string lights to resemble stars and poofy floral clouds made of white and light pink baby’s breath over the reception area. We opted for interesting florals that brought texture and layers, sticking with the light and pastel color theme but arranging them in a gradient color pattern, clustering similar colored florals together for a unique look. Our dress code was colorful and festive, with a gentle request to avoid black, and all our guests followed it beautifully. The bright colors created a positive and fun vibe everywhere you looked; every photo was so dreamy. Looking out at our guests during the reception and seeing a sea of smiling faces of people who love and support us so much was overwhelming. We got a bit choked up when we actually had a moment to stop and see everyone together during our welcome toast. It was truly special.
Why Kima Was The Perfect Wedding Venue
Kima is truly a one-of-a-kind venue. It gives you the feeling of being in your own jungle paradise, with two acres of oasis all to yourself. Yet, surprisingly, you’re only 15-20 minutes away from the beach and downtown Tulum. Kima has this amazing jungle-chic vibe, with a sexy touch in its sleek minimalist room designs and rugged jungle bar. The ceremony area feels like a hidden gem in the heart of the jungle, with copals burning around you, creating an intimate atmosphere. But then, when you step into the reception area, it’s like stepping into a whole other world—a spacious, open space just waiting for a party to kick off! And let’s not forget about the pool. It’s practically calling out to be jumped into at night’s end.
Keeping their Dreamy Kima Tulum Wedding Vibe Positive
Guests tend to mirror the attitude and mood of the bride and groom. So, if people see you getting upset or stressed over something, guests will also feel upset. If you keep it fun and happy, the party will keep going. And if you want people on the dance floor, stay on the dance floor. I’m really proud of the attitude Johann and I had during our wedding week. We were just so happy to be in Tulum with the people we love, and we knew at the end of the day, the smaller details didn’t matter—we were so loved and lucky. Things didn’t go perfectly 100% of the time, but we did not let it bring down our mood for a second. We knew we had a great wedding team, and everything worked out.
Setting a Realistic Dreamy Kima Tulum Wedding Budget
We sat down and discussed how much each of us felt comfortable contributing to our wedding and agreed on a budget goal for our wedding weekend. We were aware that people often go over budget with wedding planning, so we saw our budget more as a target rather than a strict number. Since we planned a destination wedding, we knew our guest count would be lower, which helped with budgeting, as that has the highest impact overall. We identified essential areas to prioritize (such as ample food throughout the weekend, transportation, open bars, photographers, and hair and makeup), and everything else was considered extra. The biggest surprise expense for us was the cost of rentals. To help stay within budget, I compared rental fees with the cost of purchasing items from Amazon, which saved us a significant amount of money in some cases. So, here’s a tip for other couples: if your venue includes tables, chairs, linens, etc., that can be a huge money saver, as renting each of those items individually can quickly eat into your budget.
A Hilarious High School Prank Turned Wedding Surprise
Back in high school, Johann’s friends pulled a prank on him that he’ll never forget. They made a stencil of his face from a photograph and spray-painted it on many stop signs around town. Johann didn’t notice for two whole weeks, and when he finally did, he was furious! But his dad found it absolutely hilarious and even kept one of the street signs in their garage as a memento. During our cocktail hour, I decided to surprise Johann with edible cocktail toppers made with that very stencil of his face. He couldn’t believe it and found it absolutely hilarious.
Planning a destination wedding involves meticulous coordination. Just like Jacqueline and Johann’s celebration, success hinges on assembling a committed team. Whether it’s selecting the perfect vendors or effectively articulating your vision, our comprehensive destination wedding planning guide has all the insights to help you bring your dream getaway wedding to life.