And so, here is the report.....
Thursday was a mad day as I hadn't finished my Order of service! H2B went out to work and I printed them all off, then asked a friend to fold them all (what a star!) I did a mad dash trip to the reception venue with a carfull of stuff only to find my bridesmaid had gone out for the day so I had to unload it all myself! Drove home again. When H2B got back from work we opened all the cards he had brought back, and were really touched - he is a teacher and his registration class had chipped in and got us a £50 Argos voucher!!
We then had to rush about and tidy the house as the boys would be getting ready there. I left the house around 7, as I was staying at the reception venue. Sam makeup (lovely lady!) had called me to confirm, and I was feeling OK, but by the time I left the house I was feeling a bit emotional!!
At the venue we dressed all the tables, and had a gorgeous meal with mum, dad, sis, BM and her boyf. I went up to do my nails at about 11, but didn't get into bed until about 12.30!! So much for the early night I had planned!!
I woke up at about 6.45 after quite a restless night, made a cuppa and got into ther bath. By the time I had got out and put on my underwear and dressing gown the hairdresser Debbie had arrived, and started on my hair. Sam arrived next, and started on the BM's and mum's makeup. Once my hair was done, Sam made me sit down to eat breakfast (Thank you so much Sam! - or I really would have struggled all day!!). My flowers arrived and they were so stunning!! H2B sent mum a text to say he couln't wait to see me, I had my makeup done, and everything seemed to be going really calmly, then mum got dressed, the BMs were dressing, and I decided I would get into my dress. Mum gave me a hand to get into my dress, I thought I had loads of time, but from that point on the day went soooo fast!
My sister (one of my BMs) saw me in my dress and started to cry! so I had to send her downstairs to wait with dad! Before I knew it the cars had arrived and it was time to go. I met dad at the bottom of the stairs, and took his arm to walk to the car. I didn't really start getting nervous until we were arriving in our village. As the car pulled up outside the chapel, there were loads of people from the village that had come to see me arrive! The best man's mum shouted good luck to me, and we were off to start the service. The next part is quite blurry. I remember walking down the aisle and thinking how fantastic all the guests looked (?!) then I was at the front and H2B Elis took my hand to guide me into the 'set fawr' (the part at the front of a chapel where you get married!) The minister had to remind me to hand my bouquet over, and I was handed an order of service, which I had to hold against myself to stop me from shaking!!
The service was lovely, my sister did a fantastic reading, we both nealy cried, and I nearly had kittens at the point where we had to kneel, as I thought I would end up as an undignified mess on the floor! but we were man and wife!!
In a really nice touch, the minister gave us the bible which he had blessed the rings on, and he had written a lovely piece inside it. When we signed the register, the organist played Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, and then played christmas carols, which was really nice. Next thing I know we were walking back up the aisle with all the nerves gone and huge grins on our faces!!!
We had some photos taken outside, and I couldn't believe the weather! There was not a cloud in the sky, and some people had to wear sunglasses!!! I was not at all cold - even though I had really worried I would freeze! The car ride back was really nice as we had half an hour to ourselves to chat about the ceremony talk about our mornings, and try to take in the day so far.
We had some mulled wine, and then went outside onto the terrace to have our 'official' photos taken. We went for mainly reportage style - which I think was appreciated by everyone! Then there was only 20 mins until dinner.
The food was superb, and it was so nice watching everyone laugh and chat away. Then it was time for the speeches. H2B and I had co written his speech, but he had added in some gorgeous things - I remember him making me cry by saying 'Whatever the future holds I know I have my best friend at my side to hold my hand whether it be good or bad.'
The best man's speech was excellent and really funny, and then, we cut the cake. we decided to cut it after the speeches and serve it with the evening buffet - a really good idea!!
The evening went quickly too. We had booked a DJ, and a couple of minibuses full of friends turned up to celebrate with us. We spent the evening drinking, dancing, eating, chatting and laughing a lot - and generally having a great time!!! We decided to have 'Slade' - 'Merry xmas everyone' as the last song, and by this time, everybody was up dancing with us. It was a magical end to a magical day - we could not have asked or wished for better!! I didn't want it to end, and H2B and I were finally sent to bed at about 1.30 by the hotel staff!!!!
Well, for those of you that managed to get that far, congratulations, big round of applause, and here's your reward.... lots of amateur piccies taken with people's digital cameras on the day. Go to 'wedding photoshare' to see them all.
02 Jan 2007 at 11:11AM
