 Paul
and I met four years ago over 'Blow-Jobs' and 'Muff-Dives'
- they're cocktails at a bar called Dirty Dicks in Covent
Garden and this was exactly how he opened his speech at
the wedding, which went down very well and was only the
beginning of an extremely funny speech.
I started the day with my parents, my brother Sonny, and
Justine my bridesmaid at my parents' house over a cooked
breakfast. It was then back to my house to start the long
job of getting ready. I was so relieved that the weather
was sunny and warm on our Easter Sunday.
My best friend, Annabel Hobbs, arrived to start hair and
make-up for myself, Justine (my younger bridesmaid) and
Kelsie. I thought I would be pretty organised for this
but the time soon went with us all chatting and drinking
champagne. I had great expectations of having a leisurely
morning with everyone, but it soon turned into chaos.
My mum and dad arrived in good time to get dressed, but
Eddie the photographer also arrived - half an hour early
at 1.00 pm - our wedding wasn't until 3.00 pm - so it
was a bit of a panic getting myself finished, my mum and
dad ready, and then wanting to make an 'entrance' down
the stairs for my dad, which didn't have quite the desired
effect. However, Eddie was a lovely chap and didn't rush
us, but helped out with the car ribbons while he waited.
 When the time came to leave the house
a family friend arrived to take a video of our departure
in my dad's London black cab which was perfect with so
much room and looked excellent - lots of people were waving
from their cars at us as they passed - it made me so happy.
A friend of dad's took the bridesmaids and my mum in his
cab too.
We arrived at Orsett Hall in time for some photos, and
then the time came for me and dad to walk up the 'aisle'
of our civil ceremony. The Bridal March started and I
felt wonderful as we walked into the room.
The Whitmore Suite looked gorgeous with 100 guests all
turning around to face me but I could not look at any
of them as I became really nervous which I certainly didn't
expect.
 My
dad was nervous too because it felt like he raced me down
the aisle which was quite amusing (it looks even funnier
on the video!).
I was so pleased that Paul looked around to see me enter
and I could see that he looked really emotional which
was lovely. I arrived at his side and we held on to each
other's hands really tightly and began the ceremony which
was excellent; a lovely mix of emotional words, humour
and love.
Paul's mum, Dee, read The
Art Of A Good Marriage, and Annabel read the poem
True Love. They were both
excellent and I thought the words would mean something
to all of our guests. The ceremony lasted for about 45
minutes which was good because I was worried it would
all be over far too quickly. We weren't sure what to expect
from a civil ceremony but it turned out wonderfully.
While we signed the register, two of my teenage cousins,
who have performed in Oliver, sang 'To Love Somebody'
by the Bee Gees unaided by music and everyone loved it.
I had a few tears at this point.
When the time came for us to make our exit from the ceremony,
we were expecting to hear the Wedding March but instead
Here Comes My Little Chutchy Face started up. We both
thought the best man had played a joke, and we still waited
for our chosen music to start but it didn't, so we made
our exit - everyone thought it was hilarious. It was actually
a mistake by the staff who should have played it at a
later wedding but it turned out to be one of the most
memorable parts of the day. It enabled the whole group
of guests to somehow be a big part of the ceremony which
was lovely.
We then went outside for lots of photos and even more
mulled wine which went down very well with our guests
but the two of us only managed a couple of gulps in between
photos - probably just as well with all the drinking to
be done afterwards. Eddie tried to organise a nice confetti
throwing shot but those who had confetti mainly stuffed
it down my bustier. Eddie's wife, Miriam, took lots of
black & white candid shots of everything that was
going on. The photos have turned out lovely.
 Our toastmaster later called
us in to receive our guests in to the reception. When
everyone was seated, we both walked to the top table for
our seats - it all made us feel so special. Derek, the
toastmaster, was fantastic - he really ensured that everything
ran as smoothly as possible. He was a great help in organising
the running of the speeches.
My dad's speech was fab and very funny, and his and Paul's
both received standing ovations, which was great considering
how nervous they both were. I was so proud of them both.
It must have been hard for the best man, Paul's brother
Steve, to follow two excellent speeches but he managed
to include some embarrassing remarks which gave him much
satisfaction.
 Spencer and Lewis, my two cousins,
later sang another song, Run Away by the Corrs, which
was unexpected on my part, Paul had arranged it with them
which was lovely of him.
The whole reception was brilliant. I have to say that
the staff at Orsett Hall were fabulous - we couldn't have
asked for a better venue and service, and the meal was
huge. We also had a gorgeous chocolate sponge cake covered
in chocolate-coloured icing with red roses on each tier
- it was beautiful.
For our evening entertainment we had a band called 'Soul
Stirrings' which had everyone dancing all night. Our first
dance was 'How Sweet it is to be Loved by You' which was
a lovely mix of some slow and fast dancing.
The video is lovely of our dance, we both look so happy,
and I just couldn't stop smiling the whole day through.
At midnight we said our goodbyes to everyone and Paul
carried me out of the room and up to the beautiful Bridal
Suite. We both thought we'd never want to leave the party
but we were exhausted.
In the morning we had breakfast with most of the guests
who had also stayed at the hotel which gave us an opportunity
to finish the films from the disposable
cameras. We then went back to our huge bridal suite
with some of our friends who were still around and took
photos of us all on the huge bed. Then it was back home
to open the lovely gifts and wait for the rest of our
wedding list.
It was the most beautiful wedding we could ever imagine
and everything went fantastically well. I had a smile
permanently fixed on my face and laughed all through the
day. We spent our honeymoon in Bali which was hot, relaxing
and luxurious.
Do Differently: Absolutely nothing! I would love
to do it all over again, and again and again!
Comments: I really enjoyed using The
Wedding Forum - I found some excellent ideas from
it, and I now really 'miss' the wedding.
Groom's Comments: I know it's a cliché but,
not only have I married the most perfect person for me,
it was also the best day of my life. |
If
you would like to contact Nicci and Paul, you can e-mail
them.
|
