Dialysis was fine on Friday. 3 hours is so much better than 4!! Quick packing, last cuddle with Papageno and we were off. Ed drove with a very full car. We arrived in Brighton to clouds and spitting rain – not quite the plan. We had a lovely room overlooking the crashing sea. Ed, Chloe, Ben and Eleanor went off to the church for the rehearsal and setting up. Paul and I stayed behind – having a swim and a walk along the sea. Very peaceful start to the weekend.At 8 pm we met up with the wedding party for a meal together. It was lovely to see everyone. Lots of hugging and chatting and very excited people. Josh and Debz seemed very calm, glad to have reached this point.

We woke at 6 – so excited that the day had finally arrived. Breakfast was yummy – everything that you might need. Getting ready was fun – the hotel helped provide safety pins, plasters, sewing kits etc…. I even had my eyebrows painted on !! At last we were ready and we headed for the church arriving with lots of time to greet people. .I met up with the registrar to discuss my very important role of guarding the marriage certificate. My tears began then – when she was so sweet about Josh and Debz.

1 o’clock arrived all too quickly. And the announcement that the bride was – ‘in the building’. Pacabels Cannon began and the bridesmaids slowly descended the stairs. Such an emotional moment – I am crying again now as I write. This was the day that I thought I might never see. The bridesmaids looked stunning as they slowly arrived down the stairs into the church but wow Deborah and her Dad looked truly wonderful, both with big beaming smiles on their faces. Debz’s smile didn’t leave her face for the whole day. It was wonderful to see Josh’s face as he gazed at the woman who was to become his wife.

The service began with the reminder that this was a serious and important commitment that Josh and Debz were undertaking. It feels like the service went in a flash. As they said their vows I was reminded of the amazing promises we make when we marry, to love this person and this person only for the rest of our lives. I know that both these young people took these vows meaning each and every word, understanding the implications of – in sickness and in health so much better than most people do.

I managed to read my reading without tears. Paul was on standby in case of an emergency! I was so glad to do my bit!

We all went up to watch the signing of the register. More tears and hugging! Then we came back into the church to loud clapping and cheering. An amazing moment to know that they were married after all the planning. Wonderful to see all the people that they love there and cheering them on. Itwill be lovely to see the photo later of everyone who was at the church.

Josh and Debz then left in a flurry of confetti to have some photos taken in a garden. We made our way – very slowly (SO much traffic in Brighton)- to the reception.

On arriving at the reception we had a much needed drink and nibbles. Lovely! Josh and Debz arrived to more clapping. We then proceeded to the promenade for photos. The wind had other ideas – trying to blow us away. I am sure that the photos will be really lovely with the boat masts and the sea in the background. It was lovely to get some fresh air as well. Josh and Debz must have felt like celebrities as they had so many cameras pointed at them from friends, family and passers by!

Back into the hotel for the ‘Wedding Breakfast’. I changed into my lovely scarf and Paul took my hat forsafe keeping. (I love my hat) The food was SO delicious and I was so glad to be able to enjoy it. We had a lovely soft cheese and apple salad, yummy mango sorbet, Beef Wellington, cheesecake and coffee. All very yummy. Shame I didn’t have room for it all. After a chat with people the speeches began. Steve – Debz’s dad was first – recalling Debz as a child and paying compliments to his beautiful wife (who looked stunning in her outfit) . there was much laughter. Josh followed ( and I was so proud of him). He managed to get justthe right mixture of laughter and emotion. He told the story of his proposal on firework night and had us all in stitches. The picture of him down on one knee in a muddy field while Debz ignored him and a lady asked him for a lighter will not be forgotten! They gave me a lovely bag of goodies. Dan and Ed ( the 2 best men) followed with very funny speeches. It was a joyous time.

We then had a little breather while the room was readied for the evening reception. People kept arriving for ages and soon the room was full of people and noise! The band began and Josh and Debz had their first dance ( or smooch) to ‘ Baby you’re a firework’ . People happily joined in the dancing which continued all evening. It was lovely to chat with people(or shout) depending on where I was sitting! I met Josh’s bosses who were charming and lots of their friends. By this time I had taken off my scarf, deciding that a bald head was better in the heat!

I left at about 10.30 having managed the whole day. I was SO thankful to have been there and been able to enjoy every moment - including managing to dance a little.

I am so grateful for all your thoughts and prayers.