I know this is stupidly long so well done to any of you who make it to the end!!
WEDNSDAY 13TH MAY
We arrive at my parents house and spend the first hour opening all the cards that have arrived. We were totally overwhelmed at all the cards and gifts we received.
I go off to get waxed (ouch, now I remember why I don’t normally) then we head out to Innes House with the centre pieces, candles etc. We go through the timing plan for the day with the owners to make sure we have everything covered. The main reason we chose the venue is that it’s different to anything we had seen before. It’s a stately home which has a walled garden off the ballroom. This gets floored and covered with a marquee in the summer. The reception takes place in here and it’s like being in a secret garden. There is flowers, fairy lights a fountain and has such a lovely feel to it. The bar is actually a little summer house in the corner and they just add some optics, a fridge and hey presto make-shift bar.
THURSDAY 14TH MAY
Busy day today, went to see the cake first thing. It looked amazing, such a shame it would be chopped up and eaten in a couple of days. The wedding cake was choc fudge on the bottom, carrot in the middle and Madeira on the top. As it was my dad’s birthday on Sat too we had ordered a mini cake (traditional wedding cake) as a surprise for him - he had been joking all along that we had all forgotten in amongst the chaos. After seeing the cake we went to see the registrar. We confirmed what vows we were having and that we didn’t need to memorise them, which was a relief.
As the weather was still lovely we planned another BBQ (as soon as the sun comes out my dad BBQ’s, sometimes even when it rains) and the in-laws would join us when they arrived. Had a great night all the in-laws and my family were there, had some vino and everyone was in great spirits.
FRIDAY 15TH MAY
1 more sleep to go. Up early again, did some Hitching, read my good luck thread bless. Lovely! Thanks MrsL for starting it. Don’t think I have slept more than 5 hours a night for the last week. OH has slept enough for both of us – why is that so typical!
Go to get my nails done at 9.30 and my phone doesn’t stop the whole time. Guests who have flown up are arriving and those driving are keeping us updated with their whereabouts. The weather has turned; it’s raining and pretty cold. Trying not to let it bother me but it is, especially as it has been so nice all week. We really want to get married outside in the gardens so am just praying for some blue sky at least.
About 3pm we head to the venue. There is an entourage of us - me, OH, my parents, BM2, brothers girlf who have all been there before and OH’s parents, brother, wife, baby, nanna and my 2 brothers and BM1 and my friend from Amsterdam - who is doing a reading - who haven’t seen it.
We head through to the marquee the tables are set up by now and the chair covers are going on (I know not everyone’s cup of tea but seeing the before and after left me in no doubt that they look much better) those who hadn’t seen it were amazed by it which was great. We set out the centrepieces; candles, table mirrors etc and had a wander round the gardens to see where the ceremony would be if we got married outside. Brrrr it was freezing!!
We left the venue about 5 as we had arranged a buffet and drinks in the function suite at the hotel most of the guests were staying at. It was just for guests who had travelled but a few of the locals popped in too. Trying to get ready was a nightmare the phone was ringing more guests arrived and just popped in to say hello so got ready in about 10 mins. The BM’s and I had all taken a vow of non-drinking as we wanted to be fresh for the next day. Well I did ok with 3 gins, BM1 had 1 as she was driving and BM2 had 5! So we did not too bad. The night went really well loads of people who hadn’t met before bonded and lots of new friendships were made which was great for us to see all our friends who knew of each other but never met get on so well.
So about 10ish the BM’s and I made a move back to my parents. By this time it was blowing a gale and chucking it down like it was winter. All hopes of my outdoor wedding had gone by this point. But apart from that felt really calm, it was very surreal to think the wedding was the next day. My brothers were summoned too as I had to give them the bus lists and their gifts. OH was staying at my older brothers so it was at this point I gave him his pressie. The famous Boudoir Photos would finally be presented to him. I had them wrapped up with his card and said he could either open them that night or keep till the morning. I sent him psychic thoughts to open that night. He gave me my pressie and told me not to open till the morning – hmmm he was all about the rules! We said our final goodbyes and said we would see each other at 3.
So finally it was just me, the BM’s and my parents. We sat with cups of tea and cheese on toast and I opened some of the cards we had been given that night. Well that’s a lie I did a Monica and opened the whole lot, I couldn’t stop myself!! Then it was pressie time for everyone else. My dad got gold cufflinks, hankies and Harley Davidson vouchers (it's all he ever gets, well that or golf balls). The BM’s got the gift bags from Prettywild, survival kits (deodorant, tissues, rescue remedy), their hair bands, shawls made from extra dress material, photo frame and a Tiffany necklace. Mum was getting her pressie the next day which I told her beforehand so she didn’t feel left out. It was about midnight by now and everyone was knackered after all the excitement so we headed off to bed. I knew I would be restless and up early so I slept in my own room and the BM’s in another.
Just before we went to bed OH sent me a text to say he had opened his pressie. OMG was so nervous to see what he thought. Well he love love loved it! He loved it so much it had made him cry. He was so shocked as he had no idea that’s what it would be. Yeah, was so chuffed made it even more worth it knowing he loved the pics. Went to bed happy, nervous, sleepy and awake!
SATURDAY 16TH MAY
6am – woke up. I couldn’t get back to sleep because of the sound of the rain on the window. Look outside to see grey sky and rain but at least the wind has died down. Managed to get the last 2 episodes of Grey’s Anatomy so watched that.
7am – OMG BIG MISTAKE. Sobbing my heart out, won’t spoil it for any Grey’s fans but put a call into Kleenex now (think it’s on Living in a couple of weeks). I opened OH’s pressie and it’s a pair of diamond earrings and diamond necklace. It’s gorgeous and I am still wearing it all now.
8am – Dry my eyes, blow my nose and go and see if anyone else is up. I was in the extension so can’t hear anyone (my parents own a B&B so have lots of rooms). Run up the stairs and burst into BM’s rooms – fast asleep – boring. Mum and dad were awake; infact mum had been awake all night! BM’s woke up then and we all had a jump about on the beds. Well I jumped they just hid under the covers!
Owning a B&B mum’s Scottish breakfasts are legendary but none of us were up for a fry-up so tea and toast all round and we started having our showers and getting organised. We had to leave for the venue about 10ish. Mum and I got our hair in rollers. BM’s hubby nipped over to get his hair done (BM1 is a hairdresser) and said he had seen OH who had got 1 minute’s sleep!!!
10am – Dad is champing at the bit to get going now so we all pile into the car and head to the venue which is about 20mins away. Its drizzling and we see a wee bit of blue sky but nothing to shout about. Dad drops us off and heads back to the house to get ready.
11am – We dump all our stuff in the getting ready room and head down to the marquee to check all the tables. We need to put the place names on and check all the centrepieces are done. The catering staff had arrived so they were asking us questions and people were buzzing about setting up the bar. It was at this point the decision had to be made if we were going to have the ceremony inside or outside. There was really no option but to have it inside. The ceremony would be in the ballroom which was through French doors from the marquee. They had curtains over the windows so we could still keep the marquee set-up secret from the guests for a bit longer.
12pm – we head back up to the room and start getting ready. We put some music on and have some bucks fizz and get going. Mum does my make-up (we have a wee moment when we get a bit teary), the BM’s are getting their make-up done and we were just very chilled and relaxed slowly get ready. We get some lunch brought up too so take a break to have some food and cups of tea.
1pm – We are aiming to be ready by 2ish so are on schedule. I get my hair done which takes about an hour and 10 tons of hairspray. We hear a car pull up outside and run to the window, it’s the piper. Still quite calm at this point. The photographer arrives. This is one of the bits I was most worried about, believe it or not I really don’t like getting my pics done and analyse every photo of me for flaws (nose too big, small mouth, chubby arms – blah blah blah). Then our flowers arrived which were gorgeous. We didn’t really need many flowers as the marquee had so much going on in it anyway. So we had the three bouquets, the button holes (thistle and rose for the Scotland and England thing) and an arrangement for the ceremony table, which would be moved to the top table for the meal.
2pm – So by now more people had arrived. Dad was taking OH, best man, wife and baby out for about 2. OH’s parents and Nanna would follow them in their car. They were meant to leave at 2 but no surprise no-one was ready on time so it was a bit after 2 when they arrived. The buses were leaving the hotel about 2ish with all the guests and the plan was that the ushers would check everyone was on the bus then guide the guests through to the ballroom when they arrived. OH made the mistake of going to the front door just as they were arriving so instead of having a calm 20 mins he ended up greeting everyone at the door. This was all being relayed to me by the BM’s who were watching all this unfold from the window. This is when my nerves kicked in, I had been so calm but at 2pm it hit me that this was it! My dad came up at this point and we herded him through to the sitting room until we were ready. It was time for us to get into our dresses. It was a bit stressful when BM’s caught the zips in the fabric but phew it was ok and the zip went up smoothly. It fitted thank god. There was a bit of back muffin top which was probably not as bad as I thought and my hair covered most of it. So that was it we were all ready, so we went through to see my dad. I took one look at his face and thought I was going to cry so I had to walk away and compose myself. I am so close to both my parents so this was such a special moment for us all. Dad admitted to me later that he found it hard to hold back the tears. We opened another bottle of champers and we got some more pics taken.
3pm – The ceremony was due to start at 3. My brothers came up to say we were just waiting for a few guests so we would wait a few more mins. They took mum down and we assumed that someone would come and tell us when they were ready. So we stood around for almost 10mins, BM’s drinking the champers, me on the water as I have a major thirst and didn’t think I would be able to get my vows out. I was really nervous by this point and no-one was coming to get us. So we just decide to go down and see what’s going on. We get to the top of the stairs and the tog, video man and the MC (venue owner) were poised and ready for us. Had a few more pics taken then it was time! I had to tell Dad to take smaller steps or I would trip over my dress, think he thought he was on the golf course. The piper started playing and the BM’s followed him down the aisle (the American way but I wanted them to have their moment). Then I walked in the ballroom with my dad. I couldn’t stop smiling, this is what being famous must be like, photo flashes going off and all eyes are on you. If I could relive any part of the day it would be walking down the aisle to OH. I can see him turning round to see me walking down the aisle. He looked so smart in his suit. I got to the front of the aisle and just took a deep breath – was still so nervous. Handed by bouquet to BM’s and just turned to see OH, whispered ‘hello, you ok’. Then the registrar started the ceremony and I got the giggles I was so nervous!! Everyone said the civil ceremony went so quick but she seemed to talk for ages. I wanted to look at OH all the way through but I kept looking at our hands as I was going to cry if I looked at him. I got almost to the end but when I had to say I will love you always the tears came, and I had to ask her to repeat one of the lines as I just wasn’t listening. H did really well he didn’t stammer at all, not like me I was a wreck! The vows were just the standard words but they were so lovely we were asked if we had written them ourselves. We were then pronounced man and wife and we got a big cheer as we had our first kiss. We sat down to sign the registrar then Claire did the first reading. She is an actor type anyway so did really well but she had been so nervous too. My friend Kat did the second reading, it was about dinosaurs and she had personalised it too so it got a few laughs. I said to the girls they could pick the readings to make it more personal so that was the first time we had heard them. Then we walked back up the aisle to more cheers and photos. Had to tell OH to walk slowly too – why was everyone trying to run off?! – We walked outside into the courtyard and then through to the garden where one of the waitresses handed us both a drink. I was needing it by then. The nerves had gone totally and now I was going to enjoy the rest of the day. We received lots of kisses and congrats from our guests before we were herded off for photos.
4pm – This was probably my least fav part of the day, getting pics done and trying to get people rounded up. Felt like I was missing out on what was going on. As it was quite chilly we got a few pics outside then we went up to the red ballroom for some more. We ended the photos with the group shots with all the guests. So photos complete we mingled a bit and chatted with everyone. Felt like $1million with all the compliments and it was great to have all our family and friends around us. PS Another benefit to being the bride as you will get a drink no matter who you ask. The MC who was guiding us through the day kept handing me and OH drinks. They also held some canapés back for us so we managed to get a haggis bite and chocolate covered strawberry!
5pm – started the line-up, again not everyone’s cup of tea but I am so glad we did it as we all managed to say hello to everyone. Once everyone had made their way into the marquee and got their toast drinks the MC announced the BM’s, best man, and both sets of parents. They were then piped to the table. The MC then announced us and we walked into the marquee to lots of clapping and cheering. We made our way to cut the cake – more photos! I then toasted the piper – which I hadn’t seen before – and he toasted in Gaelic which was a nice touch. The venue looked amazing with all the candles lit and the floating candles in the fountain.
My dad’s speech was great and not too embarrassing for me thankfully. OH was up next and it was fab too. He added in a comment about losing the H2B label (ode to Hitched chat there I think), he also commented on how he was just a small part in my wedding project plan – I am known as a much organised s/sheet queen. He also threw in some Scottish phrases he now uses which got a few laughs. (Going to the shop for the messages, getting his pieces made and me telling him he is ‘fit like’ every morning). BM was up next; he was the most nervous but did great – even when the mic broke.
6pm – As soon as the speeches were done dinner was served. The food was absolutely amazing. Everyone agreed it was the best food they had ever had at a wedding. We had summer fruits with blackcurrant sorbet, Scotch broth (one of OH’s uncles was heard telling anyone who would listen that is was the best soup he had ever tasted.) We then had a choice of roast chicken and all the trimmings or steak and ale pie. This was followed by a trio of sweets which included cheesecake, a profiterole and a brandy basket. Then there was tea, coffee and homemade tablet.
7pm - During the courses people wandered about and I made a point of going round each table to speak to everyone. Dad kept sneaking off somewhere called the ‘alternative bar’ AKA all the hip flasks that were doing the rounds. He said he had been to 6 alternative bars already. I had to almost pin him to his chair after the coffees as this is when we were going to present him with his birthday cake. The MC stood up and said I wanted to say a few words – wow this was more nerve wracking than walking down the aisle. It was quite funny that dad was only 59 but his mum and sister had both sent him a card for his 60th. Well we found it funny – him not so much. I had made a point of not mentioning his birthday, infact we had all tried to avoid it – so I said that as well as being our wedding day it was also a very special person’s birthday and we knew he thought we had forgotten in amongst all the chaos so we had got him his own cake. The waitress then took out his cake and everyone sang happy birthday. He was so chuffed with it.
8pm – So that was the formal part of the day over and the evening guests started to arrive. So it was time for the first dance, and where the fun began. We had chosen Can’t Take my Eyes off of You and all was going well until about 2 mins in and the heel snapped off my shoe!!!!! I couldn’t believe it when I felt something go wonky and thought I had just stood on my dress and turned round to find my heel in the middle of the dance floor. There was nothing else for it but to carry on. Tried to get everyone else up dancing but they all just stood round the side taking pics – not my fav moment of the day but can laugh about it now. So when the song finished we checked my shoes and the heel had come off from the rest of the shoe altogether!! Can’t believe it they weren’t cheap either **have since contacted Dune and am sending them off as faulty for a full refund**. So I spent the rest of the night wearing BM’s £3 Primark ballet slippers.
10pm – As we were running behind and there had been so much food the dance got off to a slow start everyone was sitting chatting and drinking and relaxing after the meal. I spoke to the band as I was passing and they said not to worry it was always the same and just wait until a bit later.
It really kicked off when they did the Gay Gordon’s. The great thing about the Scottish dances was that no-one really knows what they are doing! What a laugh we had all the English guests up getting swung round by people in kilts and it really got the dance going. I tried to dance as much as possible, speak to everyone, have some drinks and make sure OH and I got some time with each other too. This normally consisted of a quick dance and wee kiss along the way.
We had the evening buffet a bit later than planned. Even though everyone was prob still stuffed the bacon rolls and wedding cake went down a storm.
The second half of the dance consisted of more Scottish dancing, more great music and by this point the dance floor was full all the time. We planned to finish about 12 but were still in full flow at that point and no-one was leaving even though the buses and our taxi were outside. We finished up with Banks of Loch Lomond, 500 miles and of course Auld Lang Syne which had everyone up doing the dance and us all in the middle.
Then it was all over – almost..............
The guests left on the bus and we quickly gathered up all our stuff from the room and went to see if our 8-seater taxi was still there. We heard the bagpipes playing, surely spud hadn’t come back? But it was Mark the owner piping all the guests onto the bus.
So by this time it was 1am and our taxi had gone and been replaced by a normal taxi so me, my mum and the BM’s piled in, the men would get the next one. Well did we not have the grumpiest taxi driver – first thing he said was "well you pulled the short straw as you are already at £20!" So none of us had any money but we had at the house so that was ok. So got back to my mum’s only to find that my dad had the key so we had no money and no key. We managed to scrape together the fare through change the BM’s had and sent the cheery man on his way. So we had to just dump all the bags at the back door and we would go over to the residents bar at the hotel – OH and I had a suite there anyway. I must also point out that we all had on our UGG boots by now – at least we were comfy!
Walked into the bar to find half the guests in there and H, BM and my dad were not far behind. H’s parents were there too and they had just had a ball the whole day which I was so relieved about. Everyone was pretty merry by this point as you can imagine so there were a great deal of hugs and wee moments between us all. My brother must have told me he loved me, and was proud of me every 5 mins. Next thing we knew it was 3am and H and I decided it was time to retire. Said our final farewells to the die hards and traipsed Ugg boots and all to our room. We opened the rest of our cards and presents and had a wee dance together and spoke about the day. H spent about another hour trying get me out of my dress and taking down my hair as I discovered there was no way I would sleep with a head full of kirbi grips and 10 tons of hairspray.
SUNDAY 17TH MAY
Next day we woke up 9.29 – breakfast finished at 9.30 so made a quick dash looking slightly less glam than the previous day. BM and hubby were there with more of our friends so we sat for about an hour chatting. We then went back to my parents to find about another 20 guests there. By this point I was so exhausted and we still had to pack all our bags as we were going to airport later that day. We went back to the venue too to get our flowers, cake and the centrepieces. It was roasting all day – typical – and one by one the rest of the wedding party appeared and we all sat in the garden chatting until it was time for us to leave. They got us with the confetti at this point and gave us a big send off. Next stop Aberdeen airport. We were flying to Heathrow so we could fly to San Francisco in the morning.
EVER SINCE .............
We are now back from our HM. Mum has been inundated with cards, letters and flowers from guests saying how wonderful the day was which she was so touched by. I didn’t know people did this so it was lovely to hear all the kind words people had said. Even H’s uncle sent a letter and he normally only writes to Gordon Brown to complain about the state of the government.
Photos
For those who haven’t seen them our pics are here:
www.markwilliamsonphotos.com – click on the link for Frances and Gary
We didn’t put cameras on the table but asked guests to upload pics to here
address: http://franandgazweddingday.snapfish.co.uk/snapfishuk
room code: inneshouse
It truly the most amazing day we have ever had. Out of the whole day I wish I could walk down the aisle and say my vows again it was magical. I am so jealous of you all who still have your day to look forward to. I know you all want the day to be here but enjoy the build up to it as it’s all over so quick. Don’t worry about things that go wrong, they make the day what it is – I can now laugh about my shoes breaking and walking along the road in my dress and Ugg boots!!
