Family use AI to create wedding speech in voice of best man who died

An Australian groom was left in tears after hearing a speech from his best man, who had passed away before the wedding. Couple Zane and Eliza Galway from Shellharbour, New South Wales, were married back in April in the NSW South Coast.

Zane received a special message from best friend and best man, Brayden, who passed away before the wedding from meningitis. Mitch Hickman, a wedding videographer, captured the moment Brayden’s special was read out at the event, which was put together using AI.

The message was arranged by Brayden’s mum, who made sure he could still be a part of Zane and Eliza’s wedding. Mitch wrote on his Instagram page: “When your Best Man from above gives a speech on your wedding day thanks to AI which made this possible.

“In an incredibly touching moment, a best man who passed away too soon still got to share his words at his best friend’s wedding, thanks to a little help from AI. After losing him to illness, his mom made sure he could still be part of the big day. Check out this special speech and see how technology helped keep his memory alive in the most beautiful way.”

Brayden’s message was introduced by his mum. He could be heard saying: “Hey mate, Brayden here. Just thought I would send a few words for your big day. I was to stand beside you as your best man and take the p*** as I only can.

“We met at St John’s like our mums in '82, our mums became friends and luckily we did too. I was the brains, you were a bit slow, you repeated kindy three years in a row. We both played footy, some said it was dumb, me a Canary, you for red scum.

“Then we got older and stayed great mates, we went down the Van and you got people thrown out the gates. We would get on the drink and bare our cute bums, and then all of a sudden there’d be nudie runs.

“We’d run as fast as we could, trying not to hurl. People saw our bits and thought you were a girl. Enjoy this moment, it’s your big day, a surprise to us all, we thought you were gay.

“And Eliza for you, please touch his hair ‘cause look at his dad, there’s not much there. I know you can’t see me, hope you’re feeling my love. Enjoy your night, your best man from above. Love you guys.”

The video has been viewed over a massive 951,000 times, racking up 50,800 likes and 335 comments. In the comments, Zane’s mum shared more information about the backstory to the video.

She wrote: “I could watch this over and over and it still get the same chills hearing Brayds voice. It’s like he was right there in the room with us. Thank you so much Mitch for capturing it. So special. For those following this thread, Brayden passed away suddenly from Meningicoccal B.

“There is a campaign through Meningitis Australia to B the Change for Brayden. We are trying to get NSW on board to provide free vaccinations for all children and teens to help prevent anyone else going through such a tragedy. You can also talk with your GP about the vaccination.”

Viewers said this is “exactly what AI was meant to be” in the replies. Poppy_tess_floral_studio wrote: “It gives me chills hearing my brothers voice again, so glad you were able to capture this special memory.”

Bronwhy said: “Such a beautiful and heartfelt moment for their families, hopefully my fiance and I can do something like this for our wedding, honouring our son who passed.”

Dadwhobakes commented, “Now this is exactly what AI was meant to be,” while Brookie said, “I don't even know these people and I'm crying.”