 The
night before our wedding day, Michael and I decided to
sleep together at my mum's house, but he didn’t want
to see me in my dress until the ceremony. So when we awoke,
we read our cards, chatted and had a few cuddles. Michael
then went to my father's to get ready.
I took a shower, put on my wedding undies and sat down
to have my hair done. It’s usual for the bride to
have a hairdresser do it, but my mum saved us money by
saying she’d do it. My sister then arrived with her
boyfriend and her daughters Sally (five) and Ashley (two)
who were going to be my bridesmaids.
My mum had made the bridesmaids' dresses and it was decided
to dress them at mum's just in case anyone suffered carsickness
en route! Mum finished my hair, and I adjourned to the
spare bedroom to do my make-up. Slight argument with my
mum, who thought I ought not to wear purple lipstick.
My reasoning was, I was wearing a purple velvet coat over
my wedding dress and it would match perfectly.
After I put on my make-up, there was nothing to be done
until it was almost time to go. I wasn’t going to
dress early, it was a hot day and I didn’t want to
sit around in a wedding dress!
After about an hour it was action stations! I pushed my
feet into my new, too tight, shoes and put on my dress
and coat. Last thing on was my tiara – purple and
clear crystals set on a matte gold. We were ready to go!
As we drove to Goldney Hall, I was nervous, which is natural,
but I occupied my time talking to my sister, who sat in
the back with my bridesmaids. We arrived at Goldney Hall
with around half an hour to spare. It is a legal requirement
to see the registrar before the ceremony, to confirm the
details that will be entered on the marriage certificate.
Because Michael was already there, and we’d requested
not to see each other, I waited in a nearby office.
 Whilst waiting, I realised
I’d left my reading at home, on my bed. I asked my
stepfather if he would drive back and get it. We knew
it would be tight as there was not much time, but he said
he’d do it, and drove off at high speed.!! I was
finally called in to see the registrar, where she took
my details and we had a brief chat.
The photographer came in afterwards and took some photographs
of me alone, and then with my two bridesmaids. After that,
I was given the nod - whenever I was ready, we could begin.
The music started - Here Comes The Sun, by The Beatles.
I glanced at the front door but my stepfather still wasn’t
back but luckily, the registrar told me that she had a
copy of my reading, should I need it.
 I took a deep breath and began
to walk down the aisle. I heard the registrar say “Would
you please all stand for your bride” and before I
knew it, I was standing alongside Michael. He reached
out and squeezed my hand. “You look wonderful he
whispered." And the ceremony began.
Looking back, it’s all a bit of a blur. I remember
Michaels friend, Richard, doing a reading called “Love”
which has an ending which could be perceived as a bit
rude! Richard looked over at us whilst reading it, and
Michael and I started giggling!
 Michael
then read These
I Can Promise and then I read I
Promise. We’d chosen our readings secretly, so
it’s interesting that the titles were so similar.
We then said our vows and, hands shaking, placed the rings
on each other's fingers. The registrar finished by reading
some kind of Native
American blessing, and we signed the register. We
posed for more photographs, and then lead our guests out
onto the lawns. My stepfather was waiting outside the
door. He'd got back to Goldney Hall too late and watched
the ceremony through a window!
Once outside, we had the usual structured photographs
- bride and groom, bride and groom with assorted families,
etc. etc. It was then time to go to the venue's fairy
grotto, to see if it was possible to have some photographs
taken inside. Michael and I entered the grotto - it was
amazing!! A room, set in the grounds, accessed down a
small flight of steps cut into the earth. The room, which
was about 30 feet by 15 feet wide, was completely covered
in shells, fossils and semi-precious stones. There was
a waterfall at one end and also a lion's den, complete
with stone lions, set into one wall.
We posed for more photographs, with the photographer's
assistant leaning against the entrance to prevent our
guests from entering the room. When we’d finished,
he stood to one side, and the room was instantly filled
with our guests. The Grotto was very well received and
nobody could believe how fantastic it was
The day then descended into a bit of a free for all! We
had a couple of photographs taken cutting the cake and
drinking a toast (except we are both non-drinkers!). Then
we stood aside and let our guests loose on the food!
 We
began to flag around 4pm, and it seemed that a lot of
our guests felt the same. We packed up our presents and
cards, and drove back to my mum's house, stopping on the
way for more photographic opportunities. We changed our
clothes and had a well-deserved cup of tea!
Because we were flying out from Heathrow, first thing
next day, we drove back to London almost immediately,
getting stuck in a horrendous traffic jam! We spend the
evening opening our cards and poring over all the wonderful
words contained therein.
Do Differently: Absolutely nothing except remember
my reading, so my wonderful stepdad didn't have to watch
our ceremony through the window!
Groom's Comments: It was a wonderful day. The sun
shone, it didn't rain and my bride looked beautiful.
Comments: WeddingGuideUK.com was a tremendous inspiration.
The forum members are loyal, helpful and genuinely caring.
The way they all rallied round with my two hen nights,
really proved to me that you can make good friends through
the internet. |
If
you would like to contact Rebecca and Michael, you can e-mail
them.
|
