A bit of a do...

I have, in the past, been highly critical of those who profess a sincere desire to produce a lovely wedding blog, and who fail to deliver. So I am resolved to bring a blog worth reading, and one that will give those of you who were unable to be there a taste of what it felt like on the day. I should start by saying that it was an absolutely wonderful day, and I will. It was an absolutely wonderful day. That's not to say it was without nerves and stress, but happily those nerves were being experienced by people other than me.	Those smiles are more relief than anything. That said, there was still plenty to be nervous about at this stage. If you think we look a bit squinty, please bear in mind that the sun was very strong. Thanks.
Getting There The day itself dawned a little breezy, but sunny. I had a feeling we were going to be lucky. we breakfasted lightly and set about packing the many things into cars ready for the exodus to Snods Edge. TL had all the flowers to take plus food and various materials for decorating the hall, I had my music gear, plus boxes of food - made worse by the need to do a fair amount of last minute shopping at Sainbsurys in the Team Valley.

The happy couple. and we were happy. Really. How cool is that? So many people worked hard behind the scenes to take the pressure of us. that, in itself, is quite humbling.

Arriving at the venue, TL, her daughters and son and various other helpers had already pretty much completed the decoration of the hall. In my humble opinion, the hall looked superb. Tasteful decoration in white, cream an gold gave it a definite wedding feel, but without any hint of gaudiness. I am in awe of such skills. The tablecloths, sequins - like charming golden mess, bubbles and candles. Each had its own purpose and worked together to make the atmosphere pleasant.

The Ceremony The ceremony was taken by our good friend Tim, whose blog you are actively encouraged to read, safe in the knowledge that it will waste little of your time. Perfect is a very strong word to use, but I do believe his handling of the service came very near to totally fulfilling everything we had dared to hope for. It's hard to adequately express how grateful we both are to him for being so thoughtful, receptive and responsive to our increasingly extreme and unreasonable demands. Thanks again, Tim. You're great. I would defintiely use you again, but hopefully not in this way. I'll think of something. My father stepped up to play the piano for our hymns, and it was lovely to have him taking part. To repay his endeavours, the assembled sange very well indeed, or so I thought. I think it would be unfair to attribute this entirely to the glass of bubbly which everyone received on arrival. How cool is that? - drinking before the service! Was I nervous? Not really. I expected to be, having been decidedly shaky at the eight-minute registry office event some weeks ago, but this time I was not. It all just felt very right, and we were definitely amongst the best of friends. So, my voice was strong and I repeated my vows with the effortless conviction of someone who probably has failed to understand entirely what he has let himself in for. The Pictures Afterwards, we all trouped out to the Church yard next door for some pictures. I particularly like this massive group shot of everyone. See, look, they're waving to you... Just two shots from the outside bit - there are more on the wedding album itself. I'll make that available soon, with around a hundred pictures.

About Friends and Family One of the hard things about big functions is that there are so many people I find myself wanting to chat to. Each time I saw a face and started talking to it, I found myself torn away by some other imperitve. It was frustrating actualy, but in the nicest possible way. All the time I was slightly overwhelmed that all these wonderful people had taken such trouble to be with us on the day. We are indeed very fortunate to have such great family and friends. A significant portion of those present had overcome serious obstacles in order to attend, and I appreciate that more than I can adequately express here. Thanks, everyone, for being there - it was fantastic to see you.

Whilst we were having photos taken at the Church, certain young souls made good use of the chocolate fountain, kindly provided for the event by Ian and Rebecca. Once they were properly and completely full of sugar, they went off to bounce on the bouncy castle. what could possibly go wrong?

The Food Then, it was time for food, which arrived over half and hour late. I figure our caterers did this in order to compensate for the bride being on time. tasty food, too, as it happens. I think that Moroccan Lamb Tagine was placed firmly on the catering map last Saturday, that's for sure. slightly spicey, but delishously full flavoured, I reckon it was pretty much the star of the show. The rest was nice: A creamy chicken dish, two vegetarian quiche-style tarts, baked potatoes, cous-cous and roasted vegetables, freshly baked bread and green salad. I don;t think anyone left the place hungry - and if you did, please call round here for your complimentary plate of dinner. The puddings also seemed to hit the right note, with lemon tart and chocolate something with chocolate sauce. Strangely, those attracted to the chocolate fountain, were also drawn to the chocolate pudding. I guess the die-hard chocoholics were out in force. All in all, it was a happy room that ate and drank until it was time for the evening's entertainment. The young people bounced on the bouncy castle as if their energy were literally limitless. If you have a party to arrange, you can do little better for kids than supply a bouncy castle. When they were in the room, they were compliant, due to physical exhaustion, and when they were outside they were keeping it that way. There is no downside to this phenomenon. The Speeches I plan to do a full transcript of Jason's speech, as I have acquired the original notes. (cost me £4500 on eBay yesterday) Let's just say that it was every bit as funny and smashing as I hoped it would be, and thanks - huge thanks - to Jason for spending so many days working so very hard on it. It was clear that he had taken the whole business of speech writing very seriously and hit exactly the right supportive and encouraging note. My own speech, though brief, was, at least, short. I've had no complaints. that's not strictly true, actually. I failed to mention the cake, to my shame. One of the risks of attempting to speak without notes, I suppose, but an unintentional error, of course. Which brings me to: The Cake! And what a cake it was. exactly a foot square, un-iced, and made fo the most delicious moist fruit ever. We are still enjoying it now and please speak up soon if you didn't manage to get a slice. My mother supplied the cake and my dear sister, Beth, kindly provided the sugar-sculpture. this picture is well worth a click to enlarge, as the quality of the sculture is superb. well done, Beth, the cake was fantastic. The Entertainment I would like to thank everone who came and helped out with the music on Saturday. It was fantastic when it happened, but I will admit to some nerves before the night. That said, the dress-rehearsals in the afternoon ha dgone well, so I should have had more faith. From Brenda through to Liz, I enjoyed every note. For various reasons. Liz singing to me at the end was truly something special and, I suspect, never to be repeated. The recorder-playing genius of the Almondbury Infants staff will continue to awe me to my dying day. Amazing stuff. The full line-up was: Almondbury Infants staff members (too many to list), Brenda Sokell, Ruth Marshall, Christine Curry, Linda & David Todd, Jason Thompson, Tony Brown, Anita Curry, Liz Curtis, Andrea DeVere, Nick Gibson, Jac Howard and, I suppose, me. It was a msuical feast, and one that I wish we had recorded. That said, maybe better that it fall into the mists of folklore, where it can attain heights of greatness impossible when an actual recording is available. The Finish Many people stayed right to the end, and for that we thank you. We were tired, but happy as things wound to a close. Regrettably, the hall had to be packed away and tidied. The staff at Snods Edge Village Hall were nothing less than wonderful in the way that they assisted us in tidying up. Despite all the mess, we were able to leave in relatively good time. Returning home was a longish weary drive, but with that little buzz of exciement underneath it all. Back in NBTS, there were five of us in the front room late that night, busily watching X-Factor. it was a surreal moment. All I feel now is thanks, thanks and more thanks. I could not have wished for a better wedding or for anything to be more perfect. If you had anything to do with what happened then be sure that i am very grateful to you - despite the likely tardiness in us getting thank-you letters out. For all the interesting, practical and even surprising presents - thanks again. We had a great time opening them on Sunday. We have so many cards too - fantastic. thanks to everone for signing the guestbook, it will be our special momento forever. I must now return to my more normal life and do some work for Jason. How quickly normality impinges on the warm glow of not so long ago. Thanks for reading.

Comments

[Liz Curtis]

I think I agree with all of that. I still just feel so very honoured that you all came to share our day, it made it perfect.

[jason]

It was a great day - loads of fun - and I was proud to be part of it. Thanks for asking.

[Tim the Enchanter]

We enjoyed the whole day lots and lots. This post was a right good read too. Lots of love to you both.

[Rebecca]

Loverrrlllyyy....

xxx

[christine & steve]

Eeeeeeeh it was smashing!

[Jac]

The guest book will be a wonderful real to hold memento - but here - a cyber memento too - how utterly 21st century:-)
Either way - the best wedding I've been to ever - including my own.