So here it is, my wedding report, can't quite believe I am writing it after what seemed like forever.
I finished work on the Monday, it was my last day as I start a new job next week. The day went by so quick, I had some lovely cards and presents from everyone.
On Tuesday H, MIL, our son and i went to London as we had tickets for the Paralympic swimming, it was amazing and it felt very weird to be in London with our wedding only days away. We got home not long after dinner as all the men (except my Dad and brother) were going to try on their suits. MIL and I went along as H had been on his own when he chose the suits so neither of us were able to offer our advice but I'm pleased to say he did a great job and the suits looked great. That evening the 1st of my sisters arrived from Daventry and having her in the house made everything seem so real.
Wednesday was quite an odd day as I didn't feel I had anything to do, so whilst H was at work, my sister and I got the house ready for the rest of family arriving the following day and went into town to pick up a few bits. We had our church rehearsal in the evening and I really thought this was when it would all feel real but it didn't, our vicar was fantastic and briefly ran through everything, I had to remember what my Dad had to do as he was still travelling over from Ireland. After the rehearsal, I went for a spray tan, it was nice to have the time to myself.
On Thursday morning, H was up early to get my brother and sister from the airport, after dropping our son off at school my sister and I went to take our cat to the local cattery, it sounds crazy but I was in tears, we'd only ever left him with family so I found it all quite emotional. Before I knew it H was back with my brother and sister who were both so excited, H took my brother to go and try on his suit whilst we stayed home and just chatted. After what felt like forever my Dad, Step Mum, Sister and sisters bf turned up and the house was really chaotic. It was at this point I decided to give gifts as I just didn't think there would be time on the day. I got my Dad a photoframe with 3 spaces, in the middle I had already placed my favourite picture of the 2 of us from when I was about 4, with the other 2 spaces to be filled with wedding pictures. For my Step Mum I had adopted her an elephant as she loves them, and the 3 girls had pandora bracelets.
During the afternoon I headed over to the church which is literally minutes in the car from where we live as MIL and her sister were decorating the church and they did an amazing job, I felt a bit like a spare part actually, I wanted something to do but there wasn't a thing to do. I went and had my nails done and after MIL and I packed up the car to take everything over to the venue. Anyone who knows me will tell you I'm the most organised person and I was a little worried about handing everything over to the venue as I just wanted it all to be perfect, we had made the centrepieces before travelling over and I had a bag for each table with everything in it that had to go on the table (table name, favours) the Manager said I was the most organised bride he had ever dealt with. We had also bought over the cupcakes my friend made and a single fruit tier.
We drove back home and everyone was at my inlaws as FIL decided to have a BBQ which was such a lovely idea, H stayed for a while and then said his goodbyes, he went to the pub to meet one of his best men and he was also staying at his aunts, whilst I was staying at his parents with our son and my family were staying at our house. A lovely evening was had by all. H text me just before midnight to say he was at his aunts and that he would see me at 1.30pm.
The BIG Day
I woke up before my alarm and just laid in bed, I had stayed in H's childhood room and really did have the best nights sleep. I felt excited, not nervous at all. Son must have heard that I was up as he came running in "it's your wedding day" before running back out again (he's 7) I did notice that the sun was streaming through the blinds and was thrilled we had good weather, downstairs in the kitchen FIL was making breakfast and after asking what I wanted and me replying nothing, he told me to go and have a shower and then come back down as I may feel like it then.....he was right, after a lovely shower, I came back downstairs and had scrambled eggs and toast. Just before 9am I went to pick up one of my sisters as we were the first ones to have our make up done, I was confident about this as my trial had gone so well and it looked perfect, then she started on my youngest sister, the other 2 then turned up to have theirs, then my sister and i went to the hairdressers to meet SIL/MIL and Step Mum. This is also another point where I thought it would suddenly dawn on me but it just didn't, everyone commented several times how calm i was and I felt calm as well. Having all my family there was lovely and we all had champagne. Hair looked fantastic and I preferred it to be trial as I decided on a side fringe. So off home we went and MIL grabbed me to show me the flowers which had arrived, they looked perfect, the florist (and family friend) had done us proud, FIL had also made me a quick bite to eat which I was really thankful for as I felt so hungry. Before I knew it the photographer arrived and I knew H would also be arriving, so it was time for me to head upstairs out of the way.
Suddenly there was lots of hustle and bustle, I could hear H and his 2 best men downstairs, having photos taken and as quick as they arrived they were off to the church. MIL commented how calm he was and said we were both so calm she couldn't believe it. Everyone else got ready and then it was my turn, MIL and SIL helped me into my dress and they both commented how wonderful I looked. SIL led me into her parents room where they have a huge full length mirror and that's when it hit me, the reflection staring back at me was me! a beautiful bride and it hit me, so hard, I was a bride, i was getting married, it was my turn and my eyes welled up. SIL told me it wasnt the time for tears as I was about to have photos taken.
I walked down their staircase and my Dad was at the bottom, he isn't one for words but I knew in a single look what he thought, we went into the garden to have photos and then we were off. I met the vicar outside, he commented on my dress and then he was off, at the moment I could hear my entrance music, the doors opened and in we walked. I remember smiling so much and after everyone commented how smiley i was, it was lovely seeing H at the bottom waiting for me and he did turn and look.
The ceremony flew by and the only mishap we had was H tried to put the ring on the wrong finger which gave everyone a giggle. He suprised me by being very emotional and welling up, whilst neither of us cried during our vows, both our eyes were full of tears. H said he had tears as we were walking out. We had the usual pictures outside the church and headed over to the venue.
H and I were the first ones to arrive at the venue and we went straight to room where we were having a meal, it looked amazing, I was thrilled with how it looked.
Before long everyone turned up and they were enjoying pimm's/bucks fizz in the gardens in between all the photos. H and I did a receiving line as guests were going into the room which alot of our older guests really appreciated. We had decided to do the speeches first, my Dad's was great, he was very emotional but did me proud, H's speech was fantastic, he is such a great public speaker and did a great job, and of course the best man's speech was fantastic too, he is also H's cousin and re-told a funny story from his childhood which had FIL in tears!
Time flew, the meal was lovely and the evening guests arrived, then it was time to cut our cakes and our first dance, it all went very well and then it was time to have fun. The DJ commented he's not seen a bride on the dancefloor as much as I was.
So, that's it in a nutshell, we both had the most fantastic day and couldn't have wished for any better, I can't quite believe it's over. The tip that everyone gave me was to stop every now and again to remember it all and we did, I can remember every single part of the day.
Sorry the pictures are so big and sorry it's not the best written report. Pics are from friends as not had official ones back.
The new Mr & Mrs
My 3 sisters, H's sister, our son and us.
Our favours
Our beautiful cakes
H's speech
A fun moment
Our 1st dance
With friends
Father Daughter dance
