A wedding and a chicken-ed out speech

My good friend recently just got married. I was thrilled for her, for not only we had been awaiting for this day for years, but also for a couple more reasons.
1.
my promise to her beloved mommy is delivered. Well, actually I didn't promise her mom that I would find someone for her, but I remember I did promise her I will look after my friend and she would find the right guy one day.
2.
she's going to be "one of us", stripped away the freedom and joy of being single (especially after she had children), and bearing the frustrations (from nil to sometimes to most often times) of living with someone under the same roof.

Anyway, I still feel delighted for her. In fact, overjoyed. I thought of doing something on her big day for her. Hence, I prepared a short speech, and had a few "informal" vocal training sessions to sing a song for her on the stage. The song I chose was "Top of the world". So, I was all prepared for her big day, I am gonna make her cry with my speech and my bold appearance up the stage.

Dammit! I chicken-ed out. Must had been the bird flu. I can't bear the scenario where I make a complete fool of myself, my children would hate me so much they will dare not acknowledge me. I feel awful guilty for my friend. I couldn't even read a short speech for her. Sorry! Thousand apologies! Not my everyday activity to address some hundreds of people in an occasion like this.

Hence, I could only post the speech I prepared here. Hope she had liked it (if I had been brave enough to come up front and delivered it). Happy being wed!
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Ladies and gentlemen,
A very good evening. Please allow me a few mins to make a short speech for the newly married couple.
I consider myself a long time friend of Hui Ling, the radiant bride we have here. We had known each other since schooldays, got on really close in Form 6, and moved on to be coursemates and housemates in USM.
I must admit, I love to hang around with her a lot, she brings laughter and joy whenever she’s around. I used to say, if I had been a guy, I would surely want her to be my other half than any other, for she would certainly brings joy and happiness to me.

Paul, I believe you are the luckiest guy on earth. Cherish her and love her with all your heart.

Hui Ling, this is the beginning of a new chapter in your life, and this chapter is not going to be you alone, it’s both of you walking in this new path. I have to warn you, it’s not going to be easy, this telling from my own experience, but I have to say, it’s worth it because it’s nothing better than the joy of loving someone and being loved in return for all the things you are going through. When there are times when things not going the way you like to be, always remember you have your good friends here to lend a listening ear. I, had been, still am, and always will, be your good friend.

To end this speech, I like to make a toast, and wish you and Paul a very happy future together and half a dozen of little Hui ling(s) and Paul(s) to top it up. Cheers!
Thank you.