This won't be as good as some reports - am not that good at getting my feelings down on paper (give me a complaint to make and I'm your woman though).
We both had the week before the wedding off - that week there was lots of running around sorting stuff out, seeing suppliers and having hair roots seen to, nails done, eyelashes done, dog to kennels etc.
Stepdaughters and their partners arrived on Friday, together with granddaughter and best man.
I was staying at the hotel but the girlies were staying at a local Travelodge and the chaps were staying in our house. We loaded up my car, met next-door neighbour, had a little cry (soppy mare - that was me crying not her lol), came inside and said goodbye to husband to be - had another cry and off we went to the hotel. Offloaded all the stuff then took everyone to the Travelodge and checked them in. Went for an early meal at Frankie and Benny's and left them to do whatever it is they had to do and went back to the hotel alone (they all said they felt sorry for me - they shouldn't 
I had a lovely soak in the bath, drank a small bottle of champagne, and watched a bit of TV). I had a really good night's sleep and was woke up at 6.30 a.m. (late for me) and had a shower, sorted the room out a bit and went down for breakfast (yummy scrambled eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes on toast with fresh orange juice and tea). Then walked to the hairdressers and the girlies turned up about 5 minutes later than me. Hairdresser bought out champagne and strawbs - a little early to be drinking I thought (it was 9.10a.m. ish) but hey ho. Granddaughter munched her way through the strawbs they had left over.
Oddly enough, without me saying anything, they all plumped for the same hairstyles - all curled with straighteners - very pretty (I wasn't fussed how they wanted their hair).
After leaving hairdressers we bimbled back to the hotel where we found the make-up lady waiting for us in the foyer. Up we all went and she started on our make-up - all 5 of us - she used air-brushed foundation - superb stuff, looks completely natural but better if you see what I mean. Everyone had pretty natural make up (again I wasn't fussed). During this time the photographer turned up (she was there from around 11.30 ish until 9 p.m. and she, and her husband (her assistant)) were never intrusive. Lots of pics taken of us getting dressed, eating sandwiches etc. 2nd flowergirl had now turned up with her mum (my best friend) - am so pleased that the two flowergirls got on (one was 4 and one was 2).
The balcony of the room overlooked the garden and the gazebo and I could see them setting out the chairs on the lawn. Also guests were beginning to arrive so we drew the net curtain so they couldn't see us (we were only on the 1st floor). Gary (H2B) then turned up so I stopped looking out in case I saw him.
Around 1.30 p.m. (wedding was at 2 p.m.), they called us down so I could see the Registrar. We met in the foyer and there were lots of good lucks and awws from the hotel guests (not our guests).
Soon it was time to congregate to walk down and across the red carpet the gazebo. Girlies went first followed by me. So many faces looking at you but all of them with big smiles on their faces.. Sister-in-law was crying, Best man was crying, Daughter was crying, Groom was crying... other people were wiping tears away but all I could see was Gary... soppy I know but everything else was a blur.
Ceremony was wonderful. Stepdaughter did a reading - for 2nd marriages look for something called 'Maybe'... it's perfect.
After the ceremony then there were lots of photos taken, mingling around of us both. The venue was in the centre of Cambridge, so we went to the weir for a photo shoot and then up to the main bridge on the road - I think we are on 100s of Japanese tourists cameras .
The meal was absolutely gorgeous and it looked (and tasted) exactly like the tasting menu. The two guys that ran the day were always there but, like the photographer, invisible.. all credit to them.
Because both of our sets of parents are no longer with us then my daughter did the 'father of the bride' speech. She was so nervous but she was absolutely brilliant - even adlibbed Gary's speech was amazing as was Rob's (best man). We presented the bridesmaids with gifts - we bought jute bags that had been personalised and converse trainers - again personalised with their names and in their dress colours. Rob had a tankard with 'THE best man' on it (again more tears from him) and the littlies had bags, ragdoll bridesmaids made to look like them and crystal necklaces. I gave Gary a pair of personalised Mr W converse (I have the matching pair) and a letter from the Manager of Spurs wishing us good luck.
More mingling followed then the DJ set up and it was time for the evening reception to start (more friends had turned up). There are a few photos of our first dance and all you can see is my eyes closed - I totally forgot everyone else and it was just me and Gary. Lots of dancing took place (by me - and I don't dance hehe), drinking and eating and then it was time to say goodbyes. We stayed in the hotel that night and left on the Sunday to come home to a big bbq of all those who were staying in our house.
All in all it was the most perfect day ever. Everything fell into place (bar the fact that someone went through the firedoor and a fire-engine turned up hehe). Again, to those who still have their day to come - it does go in the blink of an eye... but it lives in the heart forever.
For suppliers.....
The dress: Cutting Edge Brides - amazing amazing ladies.. put your at your ease
The flowers: Brenda, the Rainbow Florist - what she can't do with ideas on paper and suggestions and turn said ideas into something magical isn't worth nothing. Everyone was amazed at the flowers and most didn't realise they were artificial until they touched them (and they stayed put for the flowergirls, even after a bit of 'bopping')
The headdress - Katie Vale at Katievale designs. Again, she took my ideas and turned it into a stunning piece of jewellery - beautiful
The cake - my friend Beverley... what can I say.. you should give up your day job and make cakes
Caketopper - Claytastic Cake Toppers.. what can I say - how cute is that
Make-up - Kate Fletcher (flashkate) - who made us all look like us just way way better
Photography - Jasmin Devonport and her husband David (jasmindevonport.com) - never intrusive and had some wonderful ideas for different shots - look forward to seeing them
Venue - Doubletree by Hilton, Cambridge. Vicky, Dario and Gary - amazing people who know their job inside out
finally a big big thank you to all friends and family - without you we would not be the people we are today - we thank you
attached are some photos... these aren't the professional ones but they're pretty good.
LynD (now LynW) 
