For it's plain to see..........
It's been a busy week, it really has.
This time last week I had just booked the caterer and was STILL waiting for all my wedding outfits (including my dress) from Jo Lavey, and was sorting out the other smaller final details of the wedding, like who was meant to be doing what.
Given the way my family had been throwing their toys out of their prams in the month leading up to it (and delighting in telling me how upset and stressed THEY were about the whole situation), I was just hoping that on the day no-one got into a fight Eastenders style. I also spent a fair amount of time glued to the weather forecast with fingers crossed that for once the weatherman would be right and the cold gray windy rain would subside to reveal blue skies for the day.
I went to the venue the day before to set up as much as poss. The blue skies were already showing, and the only major problem was seeing yellow flowers in the displays set out. A quick phone-call to the flower lady who does the gratis bouquets for the venue revealed they were left over from the wedding the day before, and she was finishing ours as I spoke to her. Though she chose then to raise concerns about my colour scheme, asking if I was superstitious. Apparently, by asking her to do a red and white arrangement (forget about black, I know that was too much for a gratis bouquet) I was symbolising blood and bandages for my future. I fought my first reaction of 'cool!' and plumbed for 'no, I'm not superstitious at all. You didn't mention this when I discussed the flowers at length with you 2 weeks ago, please just get the colours right for tomorrow'.
I spent the night before at my mums and left to go to Lauras (my chief bridesmaid) early the next day leaving azhure01 (who had driven 9 hours the day before just to come) and her to go to the venue for final setting up. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and the sky was a clear blue. Summer had returned, just for my wedding!!.
I got to see my full outfit on for the first time, and a big thank you goes to Louise who altered Lauras dress on the Sunday so it actually fitted. While not everything was how I had asked, a few minor adjustments had me feeling a bit better about the dress, and with my veil and make-up done I felt at last like I was going to get married.
My dad turned up to drive us to the venue, with wedding ribbon gaffer-taped to the bonnet, which, unsurprisingly came off during the journey. LOL
We arrived and waited until darktextures had done his legal stuff and been sent to the hall before I was allowed out of the car. We met the photographer, took a few piccies and headed towards the venue. We met fluffyvix, madgav and kids (who were my page boys and little bridesmaid). A big thank-you to them for all they did and the long journey they had to get there.
I left them to meet my dad and Laura while I did my legal stuff. Everyone started telling me how great I looked. I'm still not sure and probably won't be until I get to see photos, but it was very flattering.
The ceremony itself whizzed past. I walked in to Feeling Good by Nina Simone, quoted from Nightmare Before Christmas, spoke our own exchange of ring vows, had a fluffy frog for a ring cushion, and left the hall to Angel Trail by Legendary Pink Dots and a sea of camera flashes that made us feel like film stars.
I nearly blubbed, but was too worried about spoiling my make-up (hey, it cost £25 just for the foundation, I wasn't going to ruin it before the reception!).
I then got to see the cake and buffet for the first time. The cake was stunning fromthese guys, just what I wanted, and the food was wonderful. A fab vegan buffet put together by these guys, no quiche, cheese and onion sticks or sandwiches in sight. Even gooey vegan chocolate cake. I know I'm not even veggy, but darktextures is vegan and we know so many people who are veggie and vegan I thought it would be nice if no-one had to ask if it was ok for them to eat what was there and just be able to tuck in.
Family photos ensued with the help of my uncle, and the photographer was really nice and friendly. We then had a toast to open the buffet. My dad made a slightly awkward speech, but I suppose at least he said his piece that way rather than just being really rude to my mum later on. darktextures and I then went off for some 'us' photos with the photographer.
The rest of the day was spent mingling. It was great to see so many friends and family. No-one argued, all the kids were great, and once bubbles and chocolate cake were handed out, were even happier. Thanks to emmadacockney, erebus26, and capr1ce for coming down from the midlands for the day just to see us.
I couldn't have asked for the day to have gone so well, there were no last minute hiccups, everyones outfits looked great, the weather was back to summer sun and skies, the food was scrummy, the cake was scrummy and beautiful, everyone was nice to each other (or at least not nasty), and I got to tell everyone just how much I love darktextures!!
I was aiming for a friendly celebration with the people we care about, that really was about who darktextures and I are. Although there were some noticeable absences of friends and family that weren't able to be there, I really hope everyone who came had a lovely day that they will always remember. A white dress and church do was never on the cards with me, but I hope the day was memorable for everyone in all the best ways. I don't 'do' formal, and I hope everyone was as relaxed and happy as I was.
We were whisked off about 5ish to our honeymoon by darktextures dad with the navigational help of his bro. to Amberley Castle, and spent 2 nights in 12th century bliss. enjoying each others company in a four poster bed, jacuzzi with lights inside, stunning grounds, drinks in a tree house, room service, black swans, white doves, bats round the battlements, beautiful sunsets and moon rises, stunning ruins and our own private doorway from our room to the battlements!!
I know it was only two nights, but it was a chance to truly pamper ourselves and we felt like we had a proper honeymoon doing something and being in place that we wouldn't choose if we were going on holiday.
The last few days have been the best I can remember, made all the better by the company of my new husband (I'm still getting used to that bit). Thanks to all those who came, and all who helped make the time so magical. I will be posting photos, and setting up a gallery as soon as we start getting photos sent to us.
This time last week I had just booked the caterer and was STILL waiting for all my wedding outfits (including my dress) from Jo Lavey, and was sorting out the other smaller final details of the wedding, like who was meant to be doing what.
Given the way my family had been throwing their toys out of their prams in the month leading up to it (and delighting in telling me how upset and stressed THEY were about the whole situation), I was just hoping that on the day no-one got into a fight Eastenders style. I also spent a fair amount of time glued to the weather forecast with fingers crossed that for once the weatherman would be right and the cold gray windy rain would subside to reveal blue skies for the day.
I went to the venue the day before to set up as much as poss. The blue skies were already showing, and the only major problem was seeing yellow flowers in the displays set out. A quick phone-call to the flower lady who does the gratis bouquets for the venue revealed they were left over from the wedding the day before, and she was finishing ours as I spoke to her. Though she chose then to raise concerns about my colour scheme, asking if I was superstitious. Apparently, by asking her to do a red and white arrangement (forget about black, I know that was too much for a gratis bouquet) I was symbolising blood and bandages for my future. I fought my first reaction of 'cool!' and plumbed for 'no, I'm not superstitious at all. You didn't mention this when I discussed the flowers at length with you 2 weeks ago, please just get the colours right for tomorrow'.
I spent the night before at my mums and left to go to Lauras (my chief bridesmaid) early the next day leaving azhure01 (who had driven 9 hours the day before just to come) and her to go to the venue for final setting up. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and the sky was a clear blue. Summer had returned, just for my wedding!!.
I got to see my full outfit on for the first time, and a big thank you goes to Louise who altered Lauras dress on the Sunday so it actually fitted. While not everything was how I had asked, a few minor adjustments had me feeling a bit better about the dress, and with my veil and make-up done I felt at last like I was going to get married.
My dad turned up to drive us to the venue, with wedding ribbon gaffer-taped to the bonnet, which, unsurprisingly came off during the journey. LOL
We arrived and waited until darktextures had done his legal stuff and been sent to the hall before I was allowed out of the car. We met the photographer, took a few piccies and headed towards the venue. We met fluffyvix, madgav and kids (who were my page boys and little bridesmaid). A big thank-you to them for all they did and the long journey they had to get there.
I left them to meet my dad and Laura while I did my legal stuff. Everyone started telling me how great I looked. I'm still not sure and probably won't be until I get to see photos, but it was very flattering.
The ceremony itself whizzed past. I walked in to Feeling Good by Nina Simone, quoted from Nightmare Before Christmas, spoke our own exchange of ring vows, had a fluffy frog for a ring cushion, and left the hall to Angel Trail by Legendary Pink Dots and a sea of camera flashes that made us feel like film stars.
I nearly blubbed, but was too worried about spoiling my make-up (hey, it cost £25 just for the foundation, I wasn't going to ruin it before the reception!).
I then got to see the cake and buffet for the first time. The cake was stunning fromthese guys, just what I wanted, and the food was wonderful. A fab vegan buffet put together by these guys, no quiche, cheese and onion sticks or sandwiches in sight. Even gooey vegan chocolate cake. I know I'm not even veggy, but darktextures is vegan and we know so many people who are veggie and vegan I thought it would be nice if no-one had to ask if it was ok for them to eat what was there and just be able to tuck in.
Family photos ensued with the help of my uncle, and the photographer was really nice and friendly. We then had a toast to open the buffet. My dad made a slightly awkward speech, but I suppose at least he said his piece that way rather than just being really rude to my mum later on. darktextures and I then went off for some 'us' photos with the photographer.
The rest of the day was spent mingling. It was great to see so many friends and family. No-one argued, all the kids were great, and once bubbles and chocolate cake were handed out, were even happier. Thanks to emmadacockney, erebus26, and capr1ce for coming down from the midlands for the day just to see us.
I couldn't have asked for the day to have gone so well, there were no last minute hiccups, everyones outfits looked great, the weather was back to summer sun and skies, the food was scrummy, the cake was scrummy and beautiful, everyone was nice to each other (or at least not nasty), and I got to tell everyone just how much I love darktextures!!
I was aiming for a friendly celebration with the people we care about, that really was about who darktextures and I are. Although there were some noticeable absences of friends and family that weren't able to be there, I really hope everyone who came had a lovely day that they will always remember. A white dress and church do was never on the cards with me, but I hope the day was memorable for everyone in all the best ways. I don't 'do' formal, and I hope everyone was as relaxed and happy as I was.
We were whisked off about 5ish to our honeymoon by darktextures dad with the navigational help of his bro. to Amberley Castle, and spent 2 nights in 12th century bliss. enjoying each others company in a four poster bed, jacuzzi with lights inside, stunning grounds, drinks in a tree house, room service, black swans, white doves, bats round the battlements, beautiful sunsets and moon rises, stunning ruins and our own private doorway from our room to the battlements!!
I know it was only two nights, but it was a chance to truly pamper ourselves and we felt like we had a proper honeymoon doing something and being in place that we wouldn't choose if we were going on holiday.
The last few days have been the best I can remember, made all the better by the company of my new husband (I'm still getting used to that bit). Thanks to all those who came, and all who helped make the time so magical. I will be posting photos, and setting up a gallery as soon as we start getting photos sent to us.