Only just got the internet in our new pad so here goes ladies! Grab a cuppa coz you'll need refreshment!
After waking up a few times from about 5.30am I finally gave up trying to get to sleep about 6.30. As I was up so much earlier then I had planned I decided to go and see my horse. Realised h2b had the car so I had to drive his van up to the yard! There was no way I wasn’t going to see Rupert on the day of my wedding though.
Got home and read the Sunday papers for a bit before getting in the bath about 8am. It was pretty drizzly but I was confident it would dry up in time for the wedding!
The hairdressers arrived as I got out the bath so I went and had my rollers put in.
By this time my bridesmaids were arriving so we had some pain au chocolat for brekkie (my favourite!). Dad went up to my brother’s to get ready where all the ushers and h2b were. I think he wanted to escape the house to be fair! The videographer and photographer both arrived about 11. It felt a bit awkward at first being filmed but we got used to it. One of the ushers came over for the button holes and gave me a card from h2b which had some lovely words.
I had my hair and make up done and before I knew it it was 12.15 and I was late getting dressed! I couldn’t get one of my earrings in which got me a bit stressed as the photographer wanted some pics. She managed a few. The girls were all dressed but there were still a few to go make up wise so it was all bit rushed at the end of the morning. My sis in law helped me into my dress which had to go over my head- bit difficult with an up do!. So finally we were all ready and the sun had come out.
The taxi arrived and took mum and the bridesmaids as my horse and carriage arrived. It was strange hearing them coming up the road. Then mum came back as the choir, organist and bell ringers hadn’t arrived yet (for some reason they thought it was 2pm not 1.30 even though the vicar said it was 1.30 in the rehearsal!) so the carriage went round the corner and I had to go back inside. Then mum called to say it was all go again but the carriage wasn’t back yet! GRRRRR!
Anyway, I got in the carriage with dad and there was a gorgeous diamond necklace from Paul in there but I struggled to get it on with my long nails in a moving carriage. Managed in the end. As we went up the lane to the church some of the guests were still in the pub due to the *** up, quite funny to see them rushing!
I didn’t feel nervous at all as I walked in the church, I saw a few faces I knew which was nice. Paul turned round as I got to the front and seemed impressed (well judging by how often he looked at my chest anyway, lol). The vows went without a hitch. I felt fine even though I had been scared I might cry. Paul welled up a bit at one point which surprised me. We didn’t kiss because the vicar didn’t say! As we were being blessed Paul KEPT staring at my clevage, I’m sure the vicar must have seen. I was literally grinning the whole time we were in the church.
I’m glad we had the long ride back to the church as it gave us a bit of time together, he had the watch on I bought him. I think he was quite touched really. We had a few photos back at the reception venue before our meal. Luckily we had caught up timewise a bit after the earlier delay.
Paul was necking back the wine at the meal to settle his nerves, I was sensible of course! The meal was lovely (smoked salmon and crayfish terrine, chicken in a wild mushroom sauce, lemon tart). It was strange watching our friends chatting as an outsider from the top table. We had a walk round between courses which was good as it meant I spoke to everyone there.
Dad’s speech was good, quite short but funny. Paul totally went off at a tangent but was very funny as expected but also quite emotional as his mum and sister passed away. I couldn’t look at him at that point in case I cried. We gave my mum her ring which she loved. He complimented me a lot (he never usually does at all!)The bestman had been REALLY nervous but he gave a good speech he gave Paul the signed certificate from Alex Ferguson which he was really chuffed with. We cut our gorgeous white chocolate cake and moved back up to the main house.
Our first dance was brilliant. We started off slowly and then broke into Apache by Sugar hill gang for a bit. The crowd loved it! Bit of fun too.
We then had a Motown band. They were fantastic! We had so many compliments. They were expensive but well worth it. I hardly saw Paul from about 9pm as he was off with various friends. Our bestman left about 12 to go off travelling. I will really miss him actually as we had a lovely day together on Friday. I’m his agony aunt. It was quite emotional really.
We eventually went up to bed about 1ish once most people left.
Our room was gorgeous- big four poster bed. I was desperate to get my dress off and Paul struggled to undo the laces in his enebriated state. We had a good chat. I think he had some heart to hearts with various people during the evening which has helped him a lot.
I really did have the perfect day and wouldn’t change a thing! All the girls looked stunning and mum, wow! She looked fabulous.
Tips: -Do not stress about stuff. I messed up the invites so much with times etc but it really didn’t matter in the end. Nor does the weather. No one could believe how calm I was!
- Give yourself an hour extra to get ready than you think you need
- Once you have spoken to all you guests just let them come to you if they want to talk to you, you need to be able to relax at some point!
N+P: Lisaloulou for the bm necklaces- they looked gorgeous
Mangogems for my perfect tiara, bracelet and mum’s jewellery
Sara at In stitches (Sonning, Berks) for my dress alterations (I have never seen my waist so tiny!)
Adam Garrett at Devines Rose Boutique for the stunning flowers
Christine Brighty at Devineme.co.uk for the make up that stayed put all day
Mission Blue- our fantastic band
The Mill House Hotel for the reception and brilliant food
Haydn Webb carriages for being so patient
My sister inlaw who was THE best bridesmaid ever. She was just so helpful all day and in the lead up. She is a true friend as well as SIL
My mum and dad for paying for it all!
My HUSBAND for being himself really. I am just soooo happy to be his wife.
And last but not least you lot for all your help over the past 3 years. You have really been so helpful.
