THE VOWS

I, Christopher James Niblett
Take thee Lauren Elizabeth Payne,
To be my wedded wife,
I promise that our marriage
will always be one of honesty and trust
I will respect you and encourage you.

I will laugh with you and be your friend.
And I will love you forever

I, Lauren Elizabeth Payne

Take thee Christopher James Niblett,
To be my wedded wife,
I promise that our marriage
will always be one of honesty and trust
I will respect you and encourage you.

I will laugh with you and be your friend.
And I will love you forever

It’s a journey of promise that two make together

To find the happiness they’ll share forever

It’s a smile, a word, a gentle touch,

that can’t be explained - and yet means so much.

It’s making plans and seeing them through

And finding new things that two can do

It’s knowing the sky isn’t always blue

But smiling until the sun breaks through

It’s trust, and confidence - no hidden fears

That add to the happiness - through the years

It’s dreaming dreams, just made for two

And sharing the joy when they come true.

It’s closeness shared in a crowded street

And that special thrill as true lovers meet

It’s making a world where happiness holds

A special magic as each day unfolds

It’s when little thoughts give the heart a lift

An occasion remembered - a simple gift

It’s the faith and the hope, the pride and the care

And the wonderful world that you both share.

Today is the wedding day of my beautiful daughter Lauren to the equally handsome Chris, in this splendid setting, even the sun has come out for us today. I'm quite simply overcome with pride and joy for my beautiful little girl, but I thought that since I held her in my arms some 30 years ago. Rachel and I are so happy to see you, so happy. In true Lauren fashion, she has arranged a very special day for us all here, and praise must go to Lauren and Chris who had a very clear vision on how today should be. It's a beautiful setting and it's a lovely day already and far from over. Far from over. Lauren is a caring person, she has empathy with many. She supports the underdog and she loves a cause. This passion for supporting good causes and persons not so fortunate as herself, in her personal life and her work life, is one of the reasons that we are so proud of her. Since they've been together, we have seen their happiness and love grow and they look a perfect couple here today. I say a couple, but preparing for the arrival of a newborn later this year. So more excitement for the newlyweds and the soon to be grandparents. She's never been that patient, Lauren. It seems neither is Chris.... A quick mention, of the engagement in the French Alps that nearly wasn't. Anyone who doesn't know the story, do ask. If anything proved what was possible for these two, that was it. Not letting the small lack of a passport, get in their way. Chris' determination to propose as he wished, in a romantic setting on the top of the Alps, in the place he knew to be most special to Lauren, and nothing was going to stop him.

I'd like to thank you all for being here to share this wonderful day. I'd like us to remember and think of those who are absent or in poor health, who are not here with us today. They're very much in our thoughts. I'll finish with a few final words about the bride. Lauren, there are many stories I could stand here and recount on your wedding day. Some are happy, some are sad, some are funny, some are damn right, hilarious. but all that needs to be said is you're a beautiful daughter. Chris, you're an extremely lucky fellow, but I think you know that.... Please everyone, if you are able do stand with me, let's raise a toast to the bride and groom - Lauren and Chris.

Lauren,

From the first time we met, we started to create a space where we could be us, where we could talk openly without fear of judgment, where love, support, and understanding were always on offer.


It's truly amazing how one day someone walks into your life and suddenly you can't remember how you ever lived without them. Your kindness and generosity are without boundary, and I'm so proud to now be called your husband.


I love you so much and I'm so excited about the next chapter of our life as a married couple and soon to be parents. Please, everyone, can I ask for you to be upstanding for a toast for my now wife, Mrs. Niblett!


I'm honoured and privileged I'm to be standing here today as a best man for my best friend Chris. We've been through thick and thin for the last 15 years, and I can honestly say, Chris, you've been the thicker end after seeing him time the lot with such an amazing woman. It just makes me so happy. I'm sure you'll all agree with me that the bride looks amazing today. Chris. You don't look too bad yourself. So just to start with, We all raise a glass to the new Mr. And Mrs. Niblett!

Sadly,there are others that can't be with us today. I know they'll be looking over today's events, Chris, Lauren, Tilly and the new arrival. I've known Lauren for three years now, but it feels like we've known each other for a lifetime. I have to admit, when I first met you, I was a little bit worried that he's actually too good for our friend Chris. Lauren has the wit, charm, caring and calm nature that he needs and I quickly realized that they compliment each other in the most perfect way. Lauren, you bring his crazy ideas back down to earth with some logic involved. He brings the fun out in Lauren and that great big smile we all love to see.

Chris, my friend, you've always been the life of the party. You're the guy who never fails to make everyone laugh, hang out with them or cuddle them into submission. The nights we've spent together in the early days on a 20 pound a night budget, or in more more recent years planning how we'll take over the world, drinking, laughing and rapping to the early hours of the morning, are some of the best memories I'll cherish forever.

Chris truly loves you., and seeing him here today, I think we can all see
he worships a ground you walk on. Lauren. Chris, I couldn't be happier for you, Now that you've found the love of your life, your partner in crime and the one that will always be there to laugh at your terrible jokes. Thank you for taking over here Lauren, and Lauren, thanks for bringing so much happiness into life and to my best friend, you complete him in every way that nobody else could.

Chris has already thanked so many people near and dear to us as Lewis and Dad have. There is somebody here that I wanted to make sure knew just how truly special they are and how loved they are and how appreciated they are.

My husband, Chris, you see me, you understand me and you appreciate me for who I am and all the intricacies that come with that. You are my constant reassurance for the big and small. Your unwavering love and support means I've never once doubted that you care for me from day one. You are determined, committed, kind, and make me smile each day. And I'm so proud of you for all you do, for the risk you take that many would have and your resilience through them all. You are the logic to my racing thoughts, the method to my creative mind, the perfect match of fun, laughter, drinking, and my best friend,

We're about to begin the most amazing adventure of our lives in marriage, but also in parenthood. Seeing you, being Tilly's dad. I've always known what an amazing father you will be and are as we start our new family together.

It seems like it was always you who I'd meet, fall in love with and would start this chapter of something I never thought would happen, but something I've always wanted, that is to be a wife and a mother.

Tilly, I just wanted to thank you firstly for being you, you're a brilliant stepdaughter to me. Thank you for letting me into your heart, for letting me be your stepmom. Today I made promises to your dad in front of everybody, I just want to let you know that I'm making those promises to you today as well. To care for you, to be there for you and to have fun with you every day. I love you.

So many of you also might wanting to get to know our new arrival a little bit better. Don't worry, you are waiting a little bit longer. I'm not that pregnant. I'm really pleased to have my husband and stepdaughter here to share with you that today we are so happy to share that we're expecting a little baby... GIRL!

And now we'd like everybody to join us. If you can be upstanding,
get a drink in your hand because tonight is gonna be a good night!