Purple and Pearls

I heard the registrar begin to address our guests, the background music stopped and everything went quiet.  Whilst she read out the rules about mobile phones my Mom handed out mints and we giggled nervously when we realised we had to swallow them quickly.  Then the music started.

Image Credit: Stott Weddings

As my brother escorted my Mom down the aisle to the first beats of Paul McCartney’s Calico Skies, I realised that my garter was around my ankle! At this point, Sophie had already started to make her way down the staircase, followed by Natalie.  Suzie and my Dad struggled to lift my skirt so I could shimmy it back up my leg.  Hayley looked at us in panic because it was her turn to go and she couldn’t help.  We managed to shimmy it back up my leg in time for Suzie to walk down.  Before I could even think Carol motioned for me and my Dad. The garter provided the perfect distraction, I didn’t have time to panic about what was coming next.

Image Credit: Stott Weddings

We walked out and paused at the top of the stairs. At this moment a thousand different emotions and feelings flooded me, I locked eyes with Has who smiled up at me, I felt myself shake uncontrollably, I heard my Dad saying breathe, just breathe, and a huge smile spread across my face.  All my concerns about walking down the aisle were fruitless, I practically floated down. My breathing was heavy and my body trembled but I took in every face and every smile directed my way.

Image Credit: Stott Weddings

When we reached the bottom of the aisle, I turned to my Dad and gave him a kiss, then handed my bouquet to Hayley. I walked round the chair and took Has’ hand and kissed him gently. I remember him offering me a tissue, because I had told him in the run up to the wedding that I may need one, but I was fine! The moment I reached Has I felt calm, as cliché as it sounds standing there with him holding my hand I no longer felt nervous. For that moment everything else in the background faded away and all I was aware of was Has.

Image Credit: Stott Weddings

The registrar began the service and invited my godfather Trevor to recite our first reading “The Art of Marriage” As Trevor finished I mouthed the words “Thank You” as he winked at us both. We were then asked to rise to make our declaratory vows. Has and I had often spoken about how we would say our vows and whether we would stumble over words like “lawful impediment” or “solemnly declare” but as far as I can remember we delivered our vows clearly.  The registrar invited our witnesses Taz and Suzie to the front and also our ring bearer Mos. Has placed my ring on my finger before I accepted Has’ ring from his brother Mos who gave me a warm smile. I was nervous that I would struggle to get Has’ ring on but it slid on smoothly. It’s funny how we both worried about so many little tiny things but when it came to it nothing went wrong and it could not have been more perfect.

Our friend Richard was then called to recite our second reading “Love Is”.  When Richard had finished the registrar asked us to stand, I knew what was coming next and I couldn’t help but smile.  The words I had been waiting to hear since the day Has proposed.  We were announced Husband and Wife as our guests erupted in cheers and applause.

Image Credit: Ian Jenkins

We moved to sign the register, smiles never leaving our faces. I think it was at this moment that I looked up and really started to see people.  It seems like such a strange thing to say after months of studying our guest list but seeing the faces of people, especially those you haven’t seen in a while, still came as a surprise. We signed our names then posed with the fake pen so as our family and friends could take our photo.  We laughed and joked together about how silly I felt pretending to sign as camera flashes were going off all around us.  Being the great actress I am (!) I think I gave a convincing performance for the cameras…

Image Credit: Stott Weddings

After we had signed our names our witnesses were called to sign and Has and I moved to the side where my Mom handed me back my engagement ring. We sat hand in hand as I let the reality of the situation wash over me. It’s such a completely overwhelming experience that on more than one occasion during the day I had to pause to make sure it really was all happening.

Once all the legal formalities were finished our registrar handed me our certificate and announced us as Mr and Mrs as we made our way back up the aisle together as the The Ramones “Baby I Love You” played and our guests cheered, clapped and offered their congratulations Walking back up the aisle with Has was an amazing feeling. Officially husband and wife!

Image Credit: Stott Weddings