This will be my last wedding post for now! I have so enjoyed writing down my thoughts about the day. Thank you for allowing me this indulgence.
Having returned home at 9.45 and after a few hours of being sick and sleeping I had a text from Paul to say that he was going to have to walk home from the marquee., ( the taxis were all busy and would be at least an hour before they could collect him)He had stayed until everyone had gone, to lock the hall and leave everything safely until the morning clear up. I couldn't leave him to walk home at 1 am knowing we had to be back at 8 am to get the hall cleared for church to use it. So taking my bucket I drove to the church to collect him. It was a magical evening, warm and so beautiful. The lights were still twinkling in the lane and there is something rather lovely about a marquee after the parties over. Paul was very happy that everything had gone so well. It was lovely to chat about the day on the way back as I hadn't been able to do that when I had got home. Unfortunately I then spent the rest of the night being sick and so was unable to go to the field to help clearing up. But Paul was up and off at 6.45 to start the mammoth task of clearing up. I think he had a few minutes of worry as the time got nearer to 9 and he was still the only one there. But at 9 - the A team arrived and within half an hour they had cleared the hall leaving it ready for the Sunday Club. Another couple of hours and the marquee was cleared and car loads of stuff delivered to our house! It has taken me most of the week to empty all the bags and store the amazingly large pile of presents ready for Ed and Chloe to open when they return here. I have loved reflecting on the day with Paul and with Joy and Kit. I have stored the forever memories in my heart to be returned to (as I do with Josh and Debs wedding memories) when ever life is tough, and of course at many other times too! We are really looking forward to seeing Chloe and Ed again soon and talking over the day with them. It seems really strange not to have chatted to them about the day. I am also looking forward to hearing about Chloe's first sailing holiday. I am sure she will have loved every moment of it. They return on Sunday and then plan to see the Tour de France arriving in London - what a perfect way to end their honeymoon.
Soon we are off on holiday to St Ives which we are really looking forward to. Anna and Ben are coming with us - so we will love sharing this special place with them. I am hoping for enough sunshine for a little swim in the sea - maybe that is a hope too far this early in the season but certainly a paddle. We have a little house overlooking the bay again so are looking forward to seeing Cyril the seal. I have many books on my kindle and my sewing to do, while the others are off exploring.
Friday, 4 July 2014
Thursday, 3 July 2014
photos part 4
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| Ice cream table |
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| Photo of Chloe on ice-cream table |
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| Paul was there too! |
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| My Aunt, Uncle and Cousins |
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| What handsome boys - Adam, Josh and Ben |
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| Ready for lunch! |
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| Caterers getting ready in the background |
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| Tour cake |
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| Tandem topper |
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| Cake and pedestal number 2 |
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| Our handsome son-in-law |
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| Some of my family |
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| Ben and Anna |
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| First dance |
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| Dancing .... |
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| singing ........ |
wedding part 4 - the reception
With the rain pouring down we quickly put up umbrellas and made a dash for the marquee where the catering staff were waiting with drinks and canapés. We were so pleased we had asked Roy - from Barkham Manor Farm - to provide a gazebo, and the marquee company to supply an extra section to the marquee.This meant there was plenty of room to mingle without having to sit at the tables. Earlier, Laura from Crowthorne Cakes had delivered the wedding cake. This was our surprise for Ed. Chloe and I had ordered the cake one day when Ed wasn't around. Chloe told him that it was a beautiful white cake with lilac flowers (even managing to show him pictures of different cakes each time he asked) But it was actually a 'Tour de France' cake. 3 tiers, each one representing a different jersey - polka dot for the king of the mountains, yellow for the leader of the Tour and the bottom one the rainbow stripes of the world champion. A wonderful lady in Canada made a tandem cake topper with Chloe and Ed's names and the date which sat on the polka dot cake. Ed was very pleased with it - his words 'it is epic! Their tandem was decorated and ready for them to leave on at the end of the evening.
There was lots of chatting and catching up, hugging and laughing amongst the guests. We managed to get a few photos outside in between showers and then had family photos in the church. I can't wait to see the 'proper' photos.
Once photos had been done we started our meal. Roy and his team did a fantastic job with the food, which was plentiful and very yummy. We had a hog roast with potatoes and salads. Catering for 200 is a mammoth task and especially when many are big rugby boys! Much to the surprise of the caterers I think we finished the whole hog! The drink was flowing and a member of staff never far if you needed anything. Chloe and Ed took the opportunity to go around and chat with people as they waited for their food. Once everyone had finished (and after seconds) we started the speeches. I wish I could remember every single word that was said because each one was very cleverly put together. Paul, Christophe and Ed each managed to include lots of funny memories but also poignant moments. I doubt there were many dry eyes in the marquee after Ed had finished his - using riders on a tandem to describe how he intended to keep his stoker (the rider at the back of a tandem) happy.
We then moved onto pudding - yummy lemon or chocolate tarts. All this time there were many children in the marquee who all behaved so, so well. We had made them packs to help keep them occupied and they were so well behaved ,(last minute loombands and cameras with a tick list were great hits) It was good that by this time the sun had come out and they were able to get outside for a bit onto the field. I remembered we still had some paper aeroplanes which kept them occupied until the dancing started.
The band had arrived at some point and had quietly set up. They are called 'The Prototypes' and are brilliant. Chloe and Ed cut the cake and then the band began the first dance. Chloe and Ed danced to Ellie Goulding's How long will I love you? which was very beautiful. I know that Chloe had been concerned that no-one would dance - priming the ushers and bridesmaids to join in but at soon as the band asked people to dance the floor was full - everyone was dancing. At this point I looked around the marquee marvelling that we had managed to organise this!
After the first set of dancing their was more food! Sandwiches and ice -cream. Lily had organised an ice cream table with many different toppings and we had borrowed a large ice-cream machine. The children loved this - and many adults too! We also had cake - again plenty of cake!
At this point I went home. I was delighted to have managed so long of the day but knew that I needed to be at home now. Thankfully Matt had his car and was able to take me. I managed not to be sick until arriving home - thank goodness. I was sad not to have stayed to see Chloe and Ed leave but so, so grateful to have been there for so long. I only missed the last hour and half.
So my writing now is from other peoples descriptions! The second set from the band was as successful as the first - lots and lots of people dancing - including Paul who never dances! Ed has many, many cousins and they have a tradition at parties to crowd surf. Just as I was leaving they had found a large ladder and were throwing themselves off it into the crowd below. The musicians came into the crowd dancing with their instruments and generally having a great time. Chloe and Ed got changed into their going away outfits (bought because Chloe decided that riding a tandem in her wedding dress was too tricky). The lane from the church had been lit with lanterns and sparkling lights. They rode their tandem off into the night, the last views were of Chloe waving while Ed peddled hard! - a very happy stoker!
There was lots of chatting and catching up, hugging and laughing amongst the guests. We managed to get a few photos outside in between showers and then had family photos in the church. I can't wait to see the 'proper' photos.
Once photos had been done we started our meal. Roy and his team did a fantastic job with the food, which was plentiful and very yummy. We had a hog roast with potatoes and salads. Catering for 200 is a mammoth task and especially when many are big rugby boys! Much to the surprise of the caterers I think we finished the whole hog! The drink was flowing and a member of staff never far if you needed anything. Chloe and Ed took the opportunity to go around and chat with people as they waited for their food. Once everyone had finished (and after seconds) we started the speeches. I wish I could remember every single word that was said because each one was very cleverly put together. Paul, Christophe and Ed each managed to include lots of funny memories but also poignant moments. I doubt there were many dry eyes in the marquee after Ed had finished his - using riders on a tandem to describe how he intended to keep his stoker (the rider at the back of a tandem) happy.
We then moved onto pudding - yummy lemon or chocolate tarts. All this time there were many children in the marquee who all behaved so, so well. We had made them packs to help keep them occupied and they were so well behaved ,(last minute loombands and cameras with a tick list were great hits) It was good that by this time the sun had come out and they were able to get outside for a bit onto the field. I remembered we still had some paper aeroplanes which kept them occupied until the dancing started.
The band had arrived at some point and had quietly set up. They are called 'The Prototypes' and are brilliant. Chloe and Ed cut the cake and then the band began the first dance. Chloe and Ed danced to Ellie Goulding's How long will I love you? which was very beautiful. I know that Chloe had been concerned that no-one would dance - priming the ushers and bridesmaids to join in but at soon as the band asked people to dance the floor was full - everyone was dancing. At this point I looked around the marquee marvelling that we had managed to organise this!
After the first set of dancing their was more food! Sandwiches and ice -cream. Lily had organised an ice cream table with many different toppings and we had borrowed a large ice-cream machine. The children loved this - and many adults too! We also had cake - again plenty of cake!
At this point I went home. I was delighted to have managed so long of the day but knew that I needed to be at home now. Thankfully Matt had his car and was able to take me. I managed not to be sick until arriving home - thank goodness. I was sad not to have stayed to see Chloe and Ed leave but so, so grateful to have been there for so long. I only missed the last hour and half.
So my writing now is from other peoples descriptions! The second set from the band was as successful as the first - lots and lots of people dancing - including Paul who never dances! Ed has many, many cousins and they have a tradition at parties to crowd surf. Just as I was leaving they had found a large ladder and were throwing themselves off it into the crowd below. The musicians came into the crowd dancing with their instruments and generally having a great time. Chloe and Ed got changed into their going away outfits (bought because Chloe decided that riding a tandem in her wedding dress was too tricky). The lane from the church had been lit with lanterns and sparkling lights. They rode their tandem off into the night, the last views were of Chloe waving while Ed peddled hard! - a very happy stoker!
Wednesday, 2 July 2014
Photos part 3
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| 4 of us - brother and sisters |
I am looking forward to seeing the proper photos. I love these ones of my brother and sisters - the last photo we had together was at my end of treatment party.
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| Joy and I |
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| Mark and I |
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| Sisters |
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| Ben and Ed |
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| Josh, Ben and Ed's dad Philip |
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| Anna, Adam, Debs, Jordan and Talia |
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| The goofy gang! |
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| Ed and his dad chatting on phones - when we were planning! |
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| Chloe and Ed |
Wedding part 3 - the service
Warning Theresa and Fiona - you may need tissues for this bit!
Once Emma the photographer had arrived we could begin the service. Ed and Chloe both felt the importance of the promises they were making - forever promises before all their friends and family and before God. The church was full but not overflowing. Paul had counted the chairs so many times! Chloe had chosen Pachelbels Canon to walk down the aisle to and the previous day there had been great hilarity when the bridesmaids had sped their way down the church. There was none of that on Saturday. Chloe had 5 bridesmaids (Ed's 2 sisters Jenny and Lily, her cousin Talia, Josh's wife Debs, and Hilary her friend from uni) and they each slowly walked down the church carrying their beautiful purple, green and white bouquets. I couldn't see Chloe and Paul as they entered the church but as they turned the corner I thought my heart might burst with pride. This was it - the moment we had planned for and I had longed to be at when I was so very ill. Ed turned with Christophe (his best-man) to look at his beautiful bride. Her face, covered by her veil, was wreathed in smiles. Paul held tightly to her hand and looked like the proudest dad in the world. They made their way slowly to the front of the church where Ed was waiting - looking so smart in his morning suit with his perfect green tie ( which had taken about a month to choose). Julian (our vicar) began the service and the congregation stood to sing the first hymn. The sound of a full church singing 'Be thou my vision' was wonderful. We had, had many discussions about where we would sit in the church - our final decision was perfect we could see Ed and Chloes' faces beautifully. They stood to make their promises, their faces aglow as they both looked fully into each others eyes - meaning every single word they said. Both spoke firmly and confidently - I was so so proud of them. The rain poured down outside and the thunder decided it would join in with the promises! Nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of this couple.The tears gently rolled down my cheeks and I am sure Clare (Ed's Mum) was also wiping away a tear or two- as our children promised to be there for each other in sickness and in health. For us that is a big promise - knowing how marriage for Paul and I has turned out. There was lots of clapping and cheering as Julian announced that they were now husband and wife. We then moved onto sing - My Jesus, My saviour - a hymn we had had at both my parents funerals. It was so lovely to feel them part of the service - how proud they would have been of their first granddaughter. Kit read 1 John 4 - so confidently from the pulpit, even managing to look at the congregation as she read ( always a scary thing to do in case you lose your place). Then Jenny read the poem - I carry your heart by E.E.Cummings her voice just breaking occasionally with emotion. This made it even more beautiful.
Singing again - Be still for the presence of the Lord - it did feel like He was in this place blessing this marriage. Ed's dads, partners children - Tiffany, Millie, and Georgie read the next reading 1 Corinthians 13- bravely going up into the pulpit and speaking confidently. Julian then spoke - giving Chloe and Ed wise advice about marriage. Then the signing of the register - all the bridesmaids and ushers and mums and dads came up for this. During the register signing Josh and Ben sang John Legends - All of me. It was their gift to Chloe and Ed and was so so beautiful. Their voices compliment each other perfectly as maybe only brothers can. The words are so lovely
And then we were leaving the church - to Vivaldi's Spring and the sound of the bells. Such joyful music. Unfortunately the rain hadn't stopped so the plans for photographs were put on hold and we made a quick dash to the marquee in a mass of umbrellas!
To be continued.................
Once Emma the photographer had arrived we could begin the service. Ed and Chloe both felt the importance of the promises they were making - forever promises before all their friends and family and before God. The church was full but not overflowing. Paul had counted the chairs so many times! Chloe had chosen Pachelbels Canon to walk down the aisle to and the previous day there had been great hilarity when the bridesmaids had sped their way down the church. There was none of that on Saturday. Chloe had 5 bridesmaids (Ed's 2 sisters Jenny and Lily, her cousin Talia, Josh's wife Debs, and Hilary her friend from uni) and they each slowly walked down the church carrying their beautiful purple, green and white bouquets. I couldn't see Chloe and Paul as they entered the church but as they turned the corner I thought my heart might burst with pride. This was it - the moment we had planned for and I had longed to be at when I was so very ill. Ed turned with Christophe (his best-man) to look at his beautiful bride. Her face, covered by her veil, was wreathed in smiles. Paul held tightly to her hand and looked like the proudest dad in the world. They made their way slowly to the front of the church where Ed was waiting - looking so smart in his morning suit with his perfect green tie ( which had taken about a month to choose). Julian (our vicar) began the service and the congregation stood to sing the first hymn. The sound of a full church singing 'Be thou my vision' was wonderful. We had, had many discussions about where we would sit in the church - our final decision was perfect we could see Ed and Chloes' faces beautifully. They stood to make their promises, their faces aglow as they both looked fully into each others eyes - meaning every single word they said. Both spoke firmly and confidently - I was so so proud of them. The rain poured down outside and the thunder decided it would join in with the promises! Nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of this couple.The tears gently rolled down my cheeks and I am sure Clare (Ed's Mum) was also wiping away a tear or two- as our children promised to be there for each other in sickness and in health. For us that is a big promise - knowing how marriage for Paul and I has turned out. There was lots of clapping and cheering as Julian announced that they were now husband and wife. We then moved onto sing - My Jesus, My saviour - a hymn we had had at both my parents funerals. It was so lovely to feel them part of the service - how proud they would have been of their first granddaughter. Kit read 1 John 4 - so confidently from the pulpit, even managing to look at the congregation as she read ( always a scary thing to do in case you lose your place). Then Jenny read the poem - I carry your heart by E.E.Cummings her voice just breaking occasionally with emotion. This made it even more beautiful.
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
Singing again - Be still for the presence of the Lord - it did feel like He was in this place blessing this marriage. Ed's dads, partners children - Tiffany, Millie, and Georgie read the next reading 1 Corinthians 13- bravely going up into the pulpit and speaking confidently. Julian then spoke - giving Chloe and Ed wise advice about marriage. Then the signing of the register - all the bridesmaids and ushers and mums and dads came up for this. During the register signing Josh and Ben sang John Legends - All of me. It was their gift to Chloe and Ed and was so so beautiful. Their voices compliment each other perfectly as maybe only brothers can. The words are so lovely
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you.
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you.
And then we were leaving the church - to Vivaldi's Spring and the sound of the bells. Such joyful music. Unfortunately the rain hadn't stopped so the plans for photographs were put on hold and we made a quick dash to the marquee in a mass of umbrellas!
To be continued.................
Tuesday, 1 July 2014
Photos part 2
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| The Lacing begins and a lovely view of Chloe's hair |
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| Dresses waiting to be put on |
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| Lovely smiles - its all going well! |
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| Nearly done |
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| Laura - photographer |
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| Emma - photographer |
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| Kitty looking beautiful |
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| Paul not getting ready! |
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| Chloe and Debs in the garden |
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| Glad to have some dry weather |
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| Beautiful girlies |
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| Clare looking stunning |
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| Debs and Anna |
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| Chloe and Emma |
Wedding part 2
Saturday morning
I woke at 4 and dozed on and off until Chloe bounced into my bed at 6.20. She was excited but calm and so looking forward to the day. Paul bought us coffee and we sat and chatted. A perfect way to start a perfect day. My goodest child(her name for herself!) was getting married and would soon become Mrs Unwin (often to be called Dr Unwin along with half of Ed's family). Her chosen breakfast - croissants and little pastries was soon prepared and eaten by Paul, Kitty, Hilary, Ben, Chloe and I. Paul then left for the church to meet Roy also known as 'The Pigman' who planned to arrive at the marquee at 6am to start cooking the hog-roast. This was the morning that I had looked forward to - the laughter of the bridesmaids all together, the smell of hairspray and the chaos of so many people and the excitement as we got ready. I had gone to this place during hard blood tests, lonely nights in hospital and during MRI scans. And here it was at last. I took a deep breath as the door bell began to ring. Anna ( Ben's girlfriend arrived having flown back from Cyprus) and the 2 hairdressers - Sam and Jackie, with all their bits and pieces. Showers and baths were taken and the day began in earnest. Chloe had her hair done - lots of curls and clever back combing and the other hairdresser did mine. Debs arrived along with Hannah - the make-up lady with her magic bag of tricks. Emma and Laura also arrived carrying their camera bags and plans for sun and rain! Matt arrived having collected our lunch from M&S and Ben struggled to find room in the fridge. Soon Paul was returning with Lily and Jenny (Ed's 2 sisters and 2 of the bridesmaids) and their was lots of laughing and excitement. They had been setting up the ice-cream table in the marquee and could report that everything was looking lovely. Chloe's hair was finished and her make-up applied and she looked really beautiful. Joy and Talia arrived at 11 and the bridesmaids were complete. We had lunch - which was extremely yummy and bubbly - also yummy! Clare - Ed's mum arrived and our party was all here!
Then the dressing began - Chloe's dress has a very clever lacing system, which Talia had learnt how to do. So Talia, Chloe and Hilary (chief bridesmaid) retreated to the front room to begin that.(The bridal shop had told us to leave at least an hour to do this). Everyone else spread themselves around the house and put on dresses and make up. I had the joy of having my 2 other girlies Debs and Anna helping me get dressed and discussing make-up. Talia did a wonderful job, patiently lacing Chloe into her dress with no stressing. Once started they rejoined the others and finished it off. Clare then shortened the ties and sewed them in neatly, (great to have a seamstress at hand).
We were all ready with a little time to spare, so as it was still dry outside, Emma took some photos of Chloe and the bridesmaids in the garden. Laura (the other photographer) had left to take photos of Ed arriving with his boys at the church. Ed and the best-man drove to the church in Ed's, grandfathers Morgan (very exciting for car lovers!) At this point Joy and Kit left to go to the church and we were left with bridesmaids, an excited but calm bride and 2 mums and Paul. Richard (Ed's step-dad) arrived with a lovely big car for bridesmaids. By this time the sky was looking very overcast - we checked that we had umbrellas. Jo arrived with her beautiful ribboned car to take Chloe and all was ready.
Bridesmaids left with Richard and after one last kiss for my girlie, Anna and I left with Clare. Taking a little detour - because I forgot to tell Clare where to go, we arrived at the church. As we arrived the heavens opened and it poured. Thankfully our church has a little porch where the bridesmaids could wait - although they must have been quite chilly. Clare parked her car as Jo arrived bringing Chloe. She drove right up to the church door and they waited hoping for a gap in the rain - but the weather had decided to do its own thing! Chloe then had to get out of the car in the pouring rain - with large puddles all around. It was a fun few minutes getting Chloe, her dress and her veil out of the car without all ending up in a puddle! Jo had bought a rug to cover the gap between the car and the porch which helped greatly. Soon she was out, her veil re-attached and her train arranged beautifully. We were ready....... but no photographer.
Her mum, who was in the church, came rushing out saying she had had a phone call from Emma to say that she was lost on her way to the church! Phone calls and her mum running to the end of the lane - in her beautiful dress and heels and in the pouring rain, ensued. Time ticked by - I was very aware of Ed sitting in the church wondering what was happening. In the end we decided to wait for Emma and tell Ed. I took what felt like a very long walk down the aisle, with everyone looking at me, to tell Ed about Emma - he was relieved as he knew Chloe was here and was wondering what was happening. 15 minutes later we were ready and Julian (our Vicar) asked the congregation to stand.
To be continued...........
I woke at 4 and dozed on and off until Chloe bounced into my bed at 6.20. She was excited but calm and so looking forward to the day. Paul bought us coffee and we sat and chatted. A perfect way to start a perfect day. My goodest child(her name for herself!) was getting married and would soon become Mrs Unwin (often to be called Dr Unwin along with half of Ed's family). Her chosen breakfast - croissants and little pastries was soon prepared and eaten by Paul, Kitty, Hilary, Ben, Chloe and I. Paul then left for the church to meet Roy also known as 'The Pigman' who planned to arrive at the marquee at 6am to start cooking the hog-roast. This was the morning that I had looked forward to - the laughter of the bridesmaids all together, the smell of hairspray and the chaos of so many people and the excitement as we got ready. I had gone to this place during hard blood tests, lonely nights in hospital and during MRI scans. And here it was at last. I took a deep breath as the door bell began to ring. Anna ( Ben's girlfriend arrived having flown back from Cyprus) and the 2 hairdressers - Sam and Jackie, with all their bits and pieces. Showers and baths were taken and the day began in earnest. Chloe had her hair done - lots of curls and clever back combing and the other hairdresser did mine. Debs arrived along with Hannah - the make-up lady with her magic bag of tricks. Emma and Laura also arrived carrying their camera bags and plans for sun and rain! Matt arrived having collected our lunch from M&S and Ben struggled to find room in the fridge. Soon Paul was returning with Lily and Jenny (Ed's 2 sisters and 2 of the bridesmaids) and their was lots of laughing and excitement. They had been setting up the ice-cream table in the marquee and could report that everything was looking lovely. Chloe's hair was finished and her make-up applied and she looked really beautiful. Joy and Talia arrived at 11 and the bridesmaids were complete. We had lunch - which was extremely yummy and bubbly - also yummy! Clare - Ed's mum arrived and our party was all here!
Then the dressing began - Chloe's dress has a very clever lacing system, which Talia had learnt how to do. So Talia, Chloe and Hilary (chief bridesmaid) retreated to the front room to begin that.(The bridal shop had told us to leave at least an hour to do this). Everyone else spread themselves around the house and put on dresses and make up. I had the joy of having my 2 other girlies Debs and Anna helping me get dressed and discussing make-up. Talia did a wonderful job, patiently lacing Chloe into her dress with no stressing. Once started they rejoined the others and finished it off. Clare then shortened the ties and sewed them in neatly, (great to have a seamstress at hand).
We were all ready with a little time to spare, so as it was still dry outside, Emma took some photos of Chloe and the bridesmaids in the garden. Laura (the other photographer) had left to take photos of Ed arriving with his boys at the church. Ed and the best-man drove to the church in Ed's, grandfathers Morgan (very exciting for car lovers!) At this point Joy and Kit left to go to the church and we were left with bridesmaids, an excited but calm bride and 2 mums and Paul. Richard (Ed's step-dad) arrived with a lovely big car for bridesmaids. By this time the sky was looking very overcast - we checked that we had umbrellas. Jo arrived with her beautiful ribboned car to take Chloe and all was ready.
Bridesmaids left with Richard and after one last kiss for my girlie, Anna and I left with Clare. Taking a little detour - because I forgot to tell Clare where to go, we arrived at the church. As we arrived the heavens opened and it poured. Thankfully our church has a little porch where the bridesmaids could wait - although they must have been quite chilly. Clare parked her car as Jo arrived bringing Chloe. She drove right up to the church door and they waited hoping for a gap in the rain - but the weather had decided to do its own thing! Chloe then had to get out of the car in the pouring rain - with large puddles all around. It was a fun few minutes getting Chloe, her dress and her veil out of the car without all ending up in a puddle! Jo had bought a rug to cover the gap between the car and the porch which helped greatly. Soon she was out, her veil re-attached and her train arranged beautifully. We were ready....... but no photographer.
Her mum, who was in the church, came rushing out saying she had had a phone call from Emma to say that she was lost on her way to the church! Phone calls and her mum running to the end of the lane - in her beautiful dress and heels and in the pouring rain, ensued. Time ticked by - I was very aware of Ed sitting in the church wondering what was happening. In the end we decided to wait for Emma and tell Ed. I took what felt like a very long walk down the aisle, with everyone looking at me, to tell Ed about Emma - he was relieved as he knew Chloe was here and was wondering what was happening. 15 minutes later we were ready and Julian (our Vicar) asked the congregation to stand.
To be continued...........
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