Written by Mrs. Robertson, all rights reserved. 

Wake up – 8 o’clock, had 3 hours sleep but feel fresh as a daisy. Brain wouldn’t switch off! Can’t understand why I’m not feeling like the living dead, but very pleased. Dad brings up a cup of tea, a quick shower and put on my nice new comfy white PJs and bath robe. Lovely. Take a breath and look around my bedroom, the beautiful card from my fiancé is sitting on my window sill, and I can’t help smiling a little bit to myself and I wonder what he’s doing now at his parents’. The sun’s out! It’s cold (January) but lovely blue sky! No time to day dream, I’ve scarcely drunk my tea and there’s a knock at the door – Claire Wallace hairdresser and make-up artist is here!

Sit down, discuss photos from trial, last minute changes and have a bit of a chit chat… it’s all quite relaxed surprisingly. Bacon Sandwich, another cup of tea, and Claire works her magic with the help of her able assistant. Try not to wince too obviously as she does a fabulous job of taming my frizz and creates an absolute masterpiece! Audrey Hepburn with a modern twist! Bridesmaids arrive, kisses, champagne, it’s great to see them. Bridesmaid No. 1 in the chair, curling tongs are out and I find their shoes, dresses and jewellery ready for them. Taking pictures as I go… Bridesmaid No. 2 has issues with her ears (completely unfounded) and would prefer a different style – no problem. Who wants matching bridesmaids anyway?
My turn again, try to stop talking while Claire does my make-up. I fail. She manages not to lose her patience, remarkably. Best friend arrives, in need of urgent nail varnish repair…. Dad is exasperated that he has no room in the house that isn’t full of half dressed women. We laugh a lot. Mum attempts to dress ushers, who can remember how to tie a cravat?
Photographer is here! Oh crikey… Am still in PJs having make-up done! I hand him my shoes, tiara and he goes off to do something arty. Girls look gorgeous, all ready to go. Make-up finished – quickly need to put dress on so photographer can take some snaps! Girls struggle with a million buttons and loops, I struggle with very large control pants (will change ‘em later!) Finally! A few pictures, and photographer leaves to go to the church to take photos of the men.

Cars arrive – Already!? Mum keeps them busy with an M+S buffet down stairs and a cup of tea. Tiara on, jewellery, perfume, almost done… Poor Dad has only just managed to get in the bathroom! Anyone know how to put a veil on? Oh God, hairdresser has already left! Thankfully best friend comes to the rescue! Ouch! But wow!… that really is a wonderful finishing touch! I feel nervous, but amazing!

Bridesmaids – quick hug and off they go in the car, oh wait! The bouquets! They look so fresh and delicate – (the flowers, not the bridesmaids!) Off they go with my mum. Just me and Dad now, and the Bentley driver. We’re bang on time. Get in the car – with as much grace as Peter Crouch; the corset is somewhat restrictive! I’m feeling very relaxed despite the rush. Dad holds my hand, I’m a bit cold!  All the father daughter conversations I’d imagined might happen here are out the window, or rather unnecessary. Everything feels terribly light-hearted and cheery as I’m finally on my way. I think, how lucky we are! The neighbours are waving and smiling, it’s so lovely. Pull up outside the church, and it looks beautiful! I’m ready to go, but photographer wants to take more photos, by the car, getting out, standing next to, with Dad, with Bridesmaids, with vicar… get on with it! Finally get to the vestry… 20 minutes later than planned, oops, but all the better for making an entrance!
Walking up the aisle went so fast, I remember thinking I should just focus on my fiancé at the top and ignore the crowd… impossible. All my family and friends were smiling and waving; I couldn’t help but look at them back. I really should have tried harder to look more serene and bride-like! Before I knew it, I was there standing facing the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with. He did look delicious in his suit. It felt like the first time I’d seen him in days! So many things had happened since I’d said goodbye to him the night before. It was so lovely to see him. I wanted to catch up, and ask how he was doing. We obviously had more pressing things to do!

The Vicar smiled and welcomed everyone. I remember I was shaking a little with the adrenaline. My Dad gave my arm a reassuring squeeze. Then the most important bit, the ceremony began! My husband to be said his vows clearly and concisely, I managed to hold it together, my turn. My hands gave my nerves away as I was holding his, they wouldn’t stay still! And breathe… Vows began… “All that I am I give to you” and I meant every word…voice cracked half way, but I managed to get through it without any sobs or tears. Phew! “I now pronounce you Husband and Wife!” Happy! Smiling! Applause from the congregation! Well done! A few hymns, and readings later, I suddenly noticed how beautiful the church looked – the flowers, the chandeliers, absolutely charming.

The next few hours flew by, but were truly wonderful. I froze in the cold for 20 mins for the photos, but I didn’t really mind. People were taking photographs constantly, left, right, I felt like a celebrity! It was lucky that I couldn’t stop smiling even if I had wanted to.  We were married and I felt so elated and excited about everything that had happened, and was about to happen!

The reception was perfect; and old country hotel with open fires and low beams, just right for a winter wedding. The food was hearty and filling and hot, and the wine flowed just as it should. The centre pieces were large church candles in storm vases, with winding ivy to decorate – simple but effective. The room looked intimate, cosy and welcoming. There was a moment when I was enjoying my plump profiteroles; I looked up and around the room, seeing all our family, friends – people we love, all having such a good time; laughing; catching up; kids playing, and everyone enjoying the food. That moment was the best wedding present I could have had.
Planning my wedding required a lot of time and effort, but every decision we agonised over, or painfully researched, seemed to melt into insignificance in that moment. The shape of the folded napkins mattered not one jot; the favours probably weren’t even noticed; the menus served their purpose regardless of the font! Nothing mattered, except that we were so content. The band played on and had everyone dancing, from my Nan to my nephew. It sounds clichéd, but it really was the best knees-up I’ve ever been to! We fell into bed at 2 am and I’ve never felt so tired in my life! Thank goodness we were off on our honeymoon the next day. 

Written by Mrs. Robertson, all rights reserved.