*PompeyP's wedding Report - 03.06.2012*

6 days to go!

With 6 days to go I felt okay. I had everything under control and there were only the name place cards and the table plan to do. OH’s mum was feeling a little left out as I had done almost everything on my own and she really wanted to help. OH managed to convince me to let her help, so I left her with all the materials and instructions to sew buttons onto the name place cards... Let’s just say that I was up until 3am two days before the wedding re-doing them! I will say now that I really appreciated the help but for my own mental sanity I should’ve just said no!

A bit of advice to any bride who has/is doing lots of crafts herself – don’t let anyone help if you don’t need them too! It may sound selfish but it’s the most amazing day of your life and only you will understand how important it is to get the little details right.

The rest of the week was fairly chilled although I must admit that inside I was stressing out!

On Thursday morning I collected the BM dresses and them my sister and I went to get our eyelashes and eyebrows done – we got a Groupon offer for eyelash extensions and HD brows at a Southsea Salon for £22 so we enjoyed our bargain and being pampered for an afternoon! Although, I didn’t realise how long it would take and had to rush around town trying to get my wedding knickers (which I had neglected to get) and the rest of OH’s wedding present.

Friday came and MIL2B and I went to get our nails done. I literally spent 3hours in the salon having a manicure and pedicure and finally started to feel relaxed. After this we went over to OH’s Granny’s for a BBQ and some drinks. It was lovely to see all of his family together and everyone was so excited for the wedding that I couldn’t wait! When the BBQ was over, OH and his male relatives went out in Southsea for his ‘English stag do’ and OH’s Mum and Brother went to stay with a friend. I had the flat to myself, finally. I sorted out the name place cards and the table plan, had some wine and took it all in.

The day before!!

Saturday was a military operation! There was wedding stuff EVERYWHERE and I was up at 8am sorting things into piles and making lists of ‘what to take to venue, what to take to Mum’s and what Mum needs to bring’. OH’s Best Man popped in for a cuppa and once he had left it was time to get going. After several trips from the flat to the car, I finally managed to get everything in the Fiesta (venue stuff in the back and stuff to Mum’s house in the boot), sent OH off to play golf and headed over to Hayling Island where Mum was meeting me at the venue with all wedding bits and bobs that were at her house. Once there we checked OH into his room and filled it with said stuff and checked off our tick lists to make sure that we had everything. Mum and I went a bit mad and there were post-it notes and instructions EVERYWHERE. I was handing control over to him and his groomsmen so they needed to know what things were and where they were going (and also to ensure that OH’s Mother didn’t go mad and do thing ‘her way’)!

So off I went to my Mum’s house where my bridesmaids and I were staying the night and getting ready. OH had given the girls a surprise wedding gift for me which was a beautiful silver locket and after many tears, I gave the girls their jewellery, which they thankfully loved. We watched some movies, had a takeaway, some wine and a giggle and eventually fell into bed around 1am. I texted OH who was still awake and said ‘It’s really raining here, hope it stops’ to which he replied ‘Who cares if it rains, it’s all about the love. Love you’.

I’M GETTING MARRIED TODAY!

The hairdressers were coming at 7ish but I had no worries of sleeping in as I had hardly slept and was awake and reading at 6.30am. I got up about ten to seven and danced around Mum’s house shouting ‘I’m getting married today’ to wake everyone up. I’m not sure that the girls enjoyed their rude awakening but I would’ve shouted it from the rooftop if I could have. CBM put croissants in the oven and served up bucks fizz and then the hairdressers arrived. Chaos ensued. One hairdresser stationed herself in the living room, the other in the dining room and they set to work. Cue lots of girly screaming and excited Facebook status updates! The TOGs arrived and started snapping away.

Here I am looking very nervous just after having my hair and make-up done:

It was then up to CBM to get me in my dress:

I remember her shouting ‘Man up PP’ and the TOGs dissolving into laughter and calling her ‘the best bridesmaid ever’. Yeah, she’s alright. ? she did lace the dress up beautifully.

I felt absolutely fine and was only little bit nervous at this point happily sipping champers with my beautiful BMs. Then my Stepdad arrived in his suit. My god he looked amazing and it set me off. I cried my eyes out. He looked extra special considering I normally only see him in jeans or bike leathers! ? We both ended up laughing because we were crying so much and once the BMs and TOGs had gone ahead in their cars me and Dad had a cuddle and a shot of Morgan's Spiced Rum for luck!

Shortly after my Uncle arrived with the Rolls Royce. It was beautiful and set me off crying again. It had been decorated with white and blue ribbon and my uncle had even worn his chauffeur's hat. I took the decision to get ready at my Mum's house for sentimental reasons, even though she lives 30miles away from the venue. I slept and got ready in my old bedroom and when I left the house, my Dad holding my train and swelling with pride I knew I'd made the right decision. Even the neighbours were on their doorsteps waiting to see me and wave me off. I felt like a celebrity, a crying one at that!

Love it so far, more more more! you look amazing!

Oh my goodness I have had tears already - more please PP

The journey in the car to Hayling Island was nerve-wracking. I had to keep deep breathing to stop myself from crying. There was no doubt in my mind that OH would be there, it was the thought of everyone being there and waiting for me that kept setting me off. Dad and Uncs were quiet all the way over too and just made small talk every now and then. We got a few beeps and people waving at us on the way over which was lovely and the grey clouds were starting to pass and blue sky show through, completely different to the forecast which was rain all day!

We arrived on the island a little earlier than expected as the traffic was not bad at all even though it was a bank holiday. I didnt have to meet the registrar until 11.50am and it was only 11.30 so my Uncle drove a bit further along from the hotel and parked in apub car park. He went in, got Dad a shot of Whiskey and Double G & T for me. I can't tell you how much I needed it. My palms were so sweaty I couldn't hold onto my bouquet properly!

Here we are pulling into the venue:

And we were greeted by my beautiful bridal party:

One more shot and it was time to see the registrar:

Finally it was time to walk down the aisle. My friend started singing 'Songbird' beautifully and the BMs started to walk. I clung onto Dad's arm so tightly I'm sure that he had a dead arm and as I turned the corner and saw everyone standing up and smiling at me i felt overwhelmed. I couldn't look at anyone. The thought that they were all there for us made me feel so emotional that I would've crumbled. I concentrated on OH's back and willed him to turn round. He did! I cannot describe the look on his face but it made me grin like a cheshire cat and then when I got to the top of the aisle he winked at me!! cheeky.

The registrar was lovely and the ceremony seemed to whizz by. OH's Mum and my Uncle did readings and I felt so happy that I could burst. OH has never been one for PDAs but when the registrar announced that he could kiss his bride he leaped at me:

You look lovely! Can't wait to read more

As we left the ceremony room hand in hand and a little bit in shock, we realised that the sun had come out. There were blue skies all round and none of this rain malarky that the weatherman was going on about. We were so pleased. We got our welcome drinks and started to mingle with our guest in the hotel gardens. OMs will know what I mean when I say that I spoke to everyone and no-one. My nephew gave me a lovely horseshoe and a kiss and told me that I look like a 'Pincess':

I was so pleased to look around the garden and see OH's family and my family getting on so well, I really couldn't have wished for a better family to marry into. I also saw my 4year old cousin going round and necking any bucks fizz that people had left which was hilarious. Before we knew it (and before hubby and I had finished our drinks) it was time to have the formal photos. The sun was shining and everyone was smiling which was great! Here's the group shot. Love the little'uns running around in the front!

Awww how lovely! well done you getting onto the report so quick!

Okay, I'm off to do tea but will defo be back later to finish off ?

PS - On my comp the photos are overlapping the next post!? Hope noone else is having this problem?

Well done you getting onto the report so quick!

Omg. I work with your husband....!

At SSE?! Private message me woman!

Gorgeous so far!

I'm on my phone I don't think I can?! I was in his zone for a long while and now work in hr. He will know who I am! This is so random pp!

Paula you lok gorgeous! Its fab so far, everything looks lovely. Blub blub blub from me.

What a small world!

PP you look gorgeous in your pics, can't wait for the rest of your report!!

After what seemed like an age posing for the 'formal shots', the guests started nagging OH and I about confetti (okay, so mainly the female guests). We hadnt even thought about it as we were getting married in a hotel not a church. Never the less we embraced it. OH and I joked about how much confetti I would have down my dress when we took it off later, I said 5bits he reckoned 8. I couldnt believe how many people had confetti and it was quite fun being showered in it.

After the confetti OH and I got into the Rolls and went down to the beach for our 'you and me' shots. It gave us a chance to get away from the crowds and the guests could check into their rooms. Also, I was always adamant that I wanted beach wedding photos and that I wanted to paddle in the sea on my wedding day, so I whipped off my shoes and headed to the shore. There were a few people in the beach cafe who waved and cheered, cue OH waving like he was Prince William or something...

The sea was bl00dy cold though!!

After the fun on the beach we headed back to the venue and mingled for a little while whilst the room was being prepared. Before we went in for the meal we did the 'fake cake cut' and I was taken-aback. The room looked AMAZING. All of the post-it notes and instructions clearly worked and I was so pleased.

The meal was absolutely fantastic and I have nothing but praise for the staff who waited on us. For the meal we had 3 courses, Soup, Melon or Pate for starter, Cottage Pie, Sausage and Mash or Roast Chicken for main and White Choc Panna Cotta, Chocolate Torte or Bread and Butter Pudding for dessert. All of the food was delicious and everyone got what they'd asked for (phew!). I heard nothing but good things from our guests in respect of the food and service which made for a very happy bride. The sweetie centrepieces also went down a storm and people were moving from one table to another to sample each others sweets!

At the meal I was sat inbetween OH and my Dad at dinner who became increasingly nervous as the meal went on! We weren't having the speeches until after the meal so they were a nightmare! It was like they were being tortured! Dad kept his short and sweet, he spoke about how I burst into his life as a stroppy teenager and how he's more proud of me everyday which set me off. He was on the verge of crying too so at one point I grabbed his hand!

OH was lovely too, spoke about how we met in a dive of a nightclub and who would've thought we would find something so special there and then did all of the thank yous (although he was so nervous he forgot all of the important people!) and OH's Best Men kept it clean! Hooray!

Ohh i want to see more x

The day went so quickly. Before we knew it evening guests were arriving and the DJ called us up for our first dance. We eventually chose Westlife - Safe because of the lyrics (after literally months of discussion) and as we were shuffling around in our little circle it felt like it was just me and OH in the room.

Then for a laugh, I had arranged a father-daughter dance for me and my Dad that he had no idea about. So the DJ calls him up and we take our position ready for a slow dance... Then the Dj whips out two blow up guitars and 'Sweet Child of Mine' blares out of the speakers so that we can rock out. And rock out we did!!

And of course, as it was my wedding, I HAD to sing...

I had an absolutely brilliant day and I am so pleased to be Mrs G, although I can't believe how quickly it went. I didnt stop smiling in over 12 hours and the next day my face hurt. My feet hurt because I had 'those shoes' on for at least 8hours and refused to give them up and having been tied into my dress by my evil CBM I had bruises where the bones of the dress were. But it was worth it and we both want to do it again!! We have been overwhelmed by the love and generousity that we have been given by both family and friends and look forward to honeymoon shopping.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading and looking through our pictures.

I have to ask... Did your 'slimming world' bridesmaid eat her dinner or sit and sip her diet shake?

Everything looks fabulous! Including you!

Thanks ducky!

She only had starter and main, no dessert and didnt really have any booze. she's still dropping the pounds though. so proud.

Congratulations, you look like you had a wonderful day

PP you look gorgeous, the day sounds gorgeous, this whole report is gorgeous!

Congratulations again! x

Looks like such a lovely day - I particularly love your button bouquets!

x x x

Congrats looks like a gorgeous day x

Congratulations! You looked gorgeous!

Pics on the beach are fab.

Congratulations, it looks like you had so much fun

Looked amazing PP! Congratulations!!!!!

Feeling the Hitched love tonight with all these reports!

Excellent beach photos! Great report.

Congratulations!

Lovely report PP, it all looks wonderful!

Gorgeous PP, a stunning blue and white wedding ()

Glad you had a fantastic day xx

Amazing wedding report. I love your button bouquets did you make them yourself?