Arty picture by photographer (couldn't move down to bottom of page with rest...sorry)
Hi Girls,
Sorry its taken me so long to write my report. Got back from honeymoon tuesday evening and it seems to have been non stop ever since.
I do apologise in advance - fnding it a little tricky typing with false nails on!
& so it begins:
Thursday 16th July 09
Woke up early as had lots of do in the morning before leaving for the wedding venue.
Ben took our crazy whippet to the dogsitter whilst my mum and I went to have our nails done. Didn't know what to expect as never had them done before. Opted for gel arcylic french manicure tips. Was pleased with final result but just took a while to get used to them. Was also parnoid that they'd break as needed to decorate the wedding venue prior to wedding. It took longer than expected and by the time I got home Ben had loaded up the car with our luggage, wedding decorations... well everything but the kitchen sink. Bless him. So we set off at 12 o'clock and surprise surprise the heaven's opened. Not a pleasant drive to Gloucester in the rain. Was very surprised how calm I felt and even joked whether Ben had drugged me or something as I'd expected to feel really anxious/nervous/excited?. Hmmmm. Arrived at venue about 1:45pm, said hello to my family (aunty,uncle & cousin arrived from Canada). Met our bestman then began decorating the rooms. Couldn't decorate the grounds as I wanted to due to rain but managed to get everything else done. Nails still in tact at this stage.
The rest of the 2 families arrived about 5pm at the house (next door to wedding venue) which we'd also hired. Was nice to mingle and chat to everyone then buffet food about 6:30pm (everyone had kindly brought something). The evening flew by. Disappeared with my dad to practice walking down aisle and to check with wedding co-ordinator alternative plan if it rained as hoping to be married outside. Was nice to have some time with my dad. About 9pm we all went out to the garden in semi darkness, our wellies, and champagne to plant our hawthorne tree which the venue provides for each bride & groom. All off to bed about 11pm. Shared the master bedroom suite with my cousin and had a good chat whilst lying in bed as haven't seen each other in about 4 years. Was still really calm and just felt like it was a big family get together not my wedding the next day.
Friday 17th July 09 - The wedding day
Well, got no sleep...my brain would not switch off and finally gave in and got up at 5am for a cup of tea and a read of my book. Had arranged to meet my mum downstairs at 6:30am to go over to lodge to get ready. By this stage started to feel nervous and my stomach was in bits. Walked over and mum had bought things to decorate the room which was lovely. Showered then the makeup lady arrived. Set my hair in rollers then started on my mum's hair and make up. The weather wasn't looking good at all. Realised that there would be no chance of getting married outside and was alright about it. Had a nice time getting made up (could get used to it...lucky celebrities), had made 4 cds so was lovely to listen to all my favourites songs. The bestman popped over with my present and card from ben. I knew if I was going to cry this would be the time. He bought me a lovely silver engraved photo frame. Well put it this way I had to go into the bathroom to read the card as I was crying like a big baby. Also got my mum going as showed her the prepeare her as Ben had said he was going to say it in his speech as well. Managed to calm ourselves then the photographer popped in just to say he'd arrived and could he use the toilet (how random) Followed by my dad about 10:30 to say that the ceremony would be inside. It had stopped raining at this stage but the ground was very wet. Still ok. From this stage time just flew. My dad said that the photographer was on his way over for portrait shots. Panic panic, didn't even have my dress, jewellery or shoes on. I've never got dressed so quickly. Thank god for Liz the makeup lady... doing my jewellery and buttoning my dress up. Was a bit annoyed at photographer for rushing me but did distract me from seeing my dad as i think we would of both cried. Had the posing photos then was told the registrar was ready for us... still didn't have my bouquet. That was found and brought over but didn't have a good chance to see it and when i did it wasn't exactly what i'd asked for so was a little disappointed but not to worry. Saw registrar who was absolutely lovely... still really calm more of being in a haze. More photos then started to walk down aisle... was son pleased with my hair and makeup that it seemed to give me more confidence and I tried to look at everyone and smile whilst walking. Got to front looked at Ben who looked very choked...good it did take 3 hrs to look that good hehe and then the ceremony kicked off. Managed to do the vows without mistakes, everything laughed at the readings (the intention) and was actually really glad it was inside as it was more about just us and we totally forgot about everyone else sitting there. walked out, congratulated by everyone - weather touch and go so big group photos done straight away then our photos whilst canapies and champagne being served. those 2 hours flew. Speeches next..outside before food. All speeches were fantastic. Ben made me and himself cry aswell as every other female guests. Really quick receiving line with just the 2 of us then lovely buffet style food. served trio of desserts and a quiz for each table to complete. Was a great idea and was so pleased with how the table plan worked as everyone was chatting. All very competitive with quiz and winning table got a bottle of moet and chandon. Cut cake then tea/coffee and wedding cake. We were running about half an hour late by this stage. Caricuture arrived as did evening guests. Mingled lots, 1st dance which no one seemed to watch... thank god as it wasn't very good and kept stepping on dress then evening bar-b-que which everyone really enjoyed. About 9:30pm launched sky lanterns which were great then carried on mingling. Not many people seemed to dance as they were either a bit drunk or too busy chatting. Thank god we didn't invest in a band. They guests started to leave from about 10:30pm which was fine by us as felt shattered and wanted to be by ourselves. Family went back to the house and we left the stragglers said goodnight to all the went to lodge about 11:45pm. Lay in bed looked at the guest book and opened some cards. Generally chatted about the day. Ben said he'd been fine all morning until he was stood at the alter then had to go to the toilet as he got emotional. I still can't believe that I wasn't a blubbering mess although did have to avoid looking at Ben during the vows or I may of cried. Everything went to plan but was a little annoyed that some things weren't done by the venue and had to ask a few times... things like lighting candles, turn up music etc.
It was such a fantastic day but went so quickly and still feel like i was in a bubble. Am so pleased we opted for a video so we can relive it. Can't wait for that and the professional photos. The ones below are from some guests which we're really pleased with... hope you enjoy them! x
The newly married Mr & Mrs Wheeler
Us posing for more photographs... quite enjoyed it actually
Us on Honeymoon - In Capri (just one of the destinations-fabulous cruise)
