***ATB's Wedding Report***

Oh ATB, I'm gutted for you over your photographs. I think they are the one thing everyone wants as a "proper" reminder, everyone agonises over who to have and the cost and to be disappointed in the final thing is gut wrenching... You have my complete sympathy and I hope that you manage to find a couple that you like.

My two bridesmaids and my SIL got me into my dress and we went downstairs where mum was also dressed and waiting. We had a couple (more) glasses of fizz and my brother arrived (he was giving me away) he confirmed that MF was all present and correct and in the pub drinking diet coke! The photographer arrived and shortly after it was time to set off. The weather was still horrendous, we’d been hoping for a break in the rain for a couple of hours at least, but it never came. DreamCatchMe , an Otter pal of mine, had leant me her wedding umbrella to use, in the hope it wouldn’t be needed. Unfortunately the rain was too heavy for it and huge heavy duty ones were required! My brother and I set off for the church, which luckily is a very short journey. The car had an open-sided hood and the rain was coming in sideways! We went down the main street of the village and a few people who worked in the shops had come out to stand and wave as we went by, which was lovely. Similarly, when we arrived at the church there were a lot of people out braving the weather to see me go into the church. Up until this point I’d not really worried about the weather, but I felt a bit sad that I was bundled out of the car, and into the church without being able to get any photographs outside with my brother and bridesmaids, or greet the people who were waiting outside. Because of this, I’ve since found out, that I was five minutes early going down the aisle! As soon as I arrived in the church entrance way, the back doors were flung open before I was really ready, and I a bit flustered and not as ‘sorted out’ as I’d hoped to be. I could have done with those five minutes! This is a guest photo, taken as my brother and I were about to walk down the aisle, and you can see the water coming in the door of the church. It’s not that big an entrance way, so it’s maybe just as well we made a move! Apparently, my minister estimates he’s conducted over two hundred weddings, and I’m the first bride who’s been early. It was the rain’s fault, not because I was desperate!


Prior to the wedding, I’d found myself tearing up just going to normal the normal church services, and walking down the aisle of my church is something I’d been thinking about for many, many years. I raised my concerns regarding the fact that I am ‘a crier’ to the Otters. They came back with reassurances that I would not cry on the day. Well, as is always the case, they were on the money! I’d worried how I’d get down the aisle without ending up a sobbing mess, but I was fine. I just watched MF as I went down the aisle, not noticing any of the guests, which is a good thing as apparently a few of my friends were crying. My mum also shed a tear, which is very unlike her. She’d not even told me I looked nice that morning before we left, she doesn’t do compliments or emotion, so that really was a turn up for the books! If I’d noticed any of that it would have definitely set me off!

The ceremony was led by a minister who had been our parish for the past sixteen years, but he’d recently left and moved on to a new parish. When he first started I was a Sunday School teacher and I’ve had close friendship with him since. It really meant a lot to me that he agreed (and was granted permission) to come back and marry us.

The ceremony was a lovely and he perfectly blended the serious and official with light hearted and personal stories and readings. MF fluffed his vows, as expected, and he was very nervous. I thought he was crying but it was either sweat or rain running down the side of his cheek! Again, I’d expected to feel teary at this point, but I wasn’t at all, and I didn’t fluff my lines! I’d started off really projecting my voice for the benefit of the ‘crowd’ but then felt a bit silly so said the rest of them more quietly, just to MF.
I’m a terrible singer, but I like singing. An unfortunate combination for others to witness! I’d included my favourite hymn in the service, and I was determined to enjoy singing it. The minister, during the first hymn, had handed us all an Order Of Service to read the words, but he was a bit slow to do so with this one. He had a smile on his face as he rushed to hand them to us, because I was already belting out the first line of it! When I was young and in Sunday School one of my favourite stories was about singers in a choir. One boy was a beautiful singer, but didn’t put his heart into it. Another boy wasn’t very good, but put his heart into his singing, which God enjoyed much more than the beautiful singing. With that in mind, off I went with my hymn. Unfortunately, I have since found out, the organist had, very kindly, recorded the ceremony through the mic. the minister was wearing. I’ve not braved listening to it yet.....

My church gives couples the option to sign the marriage schedule at the alter, or in the vestry. At the rehearsal the minister had asked us which we’d like to do – and laughed as I immediately said “I’m going through the door”. The vestry is accessed by a small ‘Alice’ like door, only used for weddings. Again going back to when I was a little girl, my friends and I used to speculate where the ‘secret’ door went. Of course I was going to take the opportunity to go through it! I’ll add in a the photo of me coming through it very ungracefully when I can!

So sorry about your photos! You look amazing from what I can see in the one you've put up, can see the happiness shining from your face! Also love the story of your singing!

Loving it so far and so excited to be reading it!!