The Wedding!

What a day Saturday was! Exhausting, exhilarating and emotional- the way all weddings should be!

The day began quietly at home. I had my instructions, where I had to be and at what time, and then Vicki phoned with some extra ones to help me along. That was fine. I like to know where I've got to be and at what time, and once that's settled, I'll be there. And so we were. At 10.30, we arrived at the church to leave the car before getting a lift over to Jay's house from Dad.

Things were calm there. No really. Jay didn't seem very nervous at all, which is I suppose a good sign that he's doing the right thing (not that I'd doubted that- they're a great couple). There was lots to do. Jay rushed off with Laura's brother to get his hair done. Mark and Mike polished the cars and me and Steve sat watching the TV... there wasn't much for us to do at that time. We had some lunch, Jay returned and suddenly it was time to get ready... smart suits on, last minute details, a quick photo and off... to the pub for one last pint at The Stag in Ascot.


Don't we look smart? So anyway, we arrived at the church possibly a little later than we should have done, and got down to some serious ushering. Within 10 minutes we had everyone sat in the church (aside from a large portion of my family who turned up only moments before the bride!) and were ready to go. Laura soon arrived too and looked absolutely stunning. She's very, very pretty anyway, but as with all brides, she looked amazing. She grinned all the way down the aisle and just looked so pleased to be there- as did Jay when he saw her! And quite right too!

The service was good. We sang the hymns loudly, watched them make their vows and suddenly it was time for my reading. I'd practiced alot during the week, to make sure that i didn't read too fast this time round, and I think I suceeded too. It went really well and I didn't trip over my words. I was really pleased and I got a huge beam from Laura and Jay at the end, which made it worthwhile. Before long they'd exchanged their rings, and we ushers had followed them round to the lady chapel as they signed the register, and then we followed them out for procession and the photos!



Don't they all look happy? There were lots at the church, but it didn't feel excessive, mostly because the phtographer was so much fun- always laughing and enthusiastic and getting the best from everyone there. That's what you want. This was also the time for ctaching up with everyone inbetween photos, as there were so many people I hadn't seen for ages. The main problem with a big family wedding is that there's never enough time to ctach up with everyone properly. There were people I wanted to chat too more, but simply didn't get the oppotunity to do so, which was a shame. Being an usher and a brother too, I did have to be in lots of photos, which meant Steve was pretty much left on his own for quite some time too. I think he coped OK, but my family is large and overwhelming, and it left him in a bit of a state at the end of the day, after everyone had come up to him and said hello. I forget what it's like, because I've grown up with them!





The happy couple left for the reception and we soon followed them. Great Fosters was quite a venue I have to say. Immense and beautiful gardens, a lake, gooses, a maze... wonderful setting and the staff worked hard throughout the day to ensure the day ran smoothly. It was a couple of hours until the meal, so there were more photos to be taken, more socialising to do, more time to watch Luke, Lily and Annabel run around! The sun came out for this part of the day too, which made it all the more special as it had been overcast and a bit cold all morning, so there was lots to enjoy.





The tithe barn was quite a setting for dinner too. The photo doesn't really do it justice I'm afraid, as it looked really stunning. The flowers on the tables were beautiful, as was the cake...


The meal was good too, though no-one was particularly fond of the starter it seemed. The beef was brilliant though, as was the pudding. Inbetween courses we had a limerick about Jay and Laura to write and Mike and myself went round the tables to make sure everyone was ok and having a good time. Some tables were easier to talk to than others, but it was well worth making the effort.


Then the speeches. They were superb. Brian was great, sharing some lovely stories about Laura and Jay, while Jonathan managed to reduce just about everyone to tears. It's easy to forget that underneath all his cool exterior, he's actually a great big softie really, and his speech left all the softness exposed, just as it should! We have had our problems over the years, but I wouldn't ask for anyone else to be my brother really... we've had so many fun time together in the past, and there are many more to come too I'm sure. Anyway, Mark was able to share some of those stories from the past in his speech. It was just lucky that Jay had had such a silly childhood really, imaginary friends the whole lot! I was pleased to see his bear, Sammy made it along too- it wouldn't have been right if he wasn't there too! So lots of laughs and tears and then I read the limericks out, which got some more laughs too, even if I stumbled over the words a little because the light was bad and I couldn't read them very well, but no-one seemed to care too much!

The evening was more of the same-more chatting, some dancing, tea and cake! By midnight, Steve was completely overwhelmed and needed to go to bed... I understood, but I'm not sure I'm not sure I was as understanding as I could have been at the time. He coped really well with it all I have to say, as we're often in an awkward position at events like this, as we can't really be too coupley, for obvious reasons. There were times throughout the day i wish i could have hugged him and shown him off for the wonderful and special star he is... but I couldn't, sadly.

Anyway, this has been long enough... but there will be a few more stories from the weekend to come I'm sure. :)