Purple and Pearls

It’s been a long time coming but finally, here is our Wedding Report.

I’ve split it up into manageable sections so the read is more enjoyable for you.  I’ve also asked Has to chip in his perspective on the day – because after all it’s not just about the bride!

Over the next week I’ll be posting the recaps so make sure you check back.  First up: The days leading up the Wedding.

Wednesday 3rd November

I have to admit to feeling a little stressed, tense and overwhelmed in the run up to our wedding. Looking back now the days before are a blur. One event however does stand out. Wednesday was my planned day to relax After having my nails done on Monday, collecting dresses and suits on Tuesday, finding out Has’ Dad’s jacket was too big and his brother’s waistcoat was too small and generally running around after everything, I was really looking forward to Wednesday.

I had an appointment in the morning with my hairdresser to freshen up my colour and trim the ends. I’ve been going there for years, so all the girls were excited asking me how I felt and commenting on the fact that I looked so calm. I left feeling better – it’s amazing how much a trim and colour can make you feel better!

I then met my Mom at the Clarins Spa in John Lewis for a complete body scrub and facial. The scrub was first and absolute heaven. My skin was rubbed within an inch of its life and the lemon and pineapple scent completely relaxed me. Once I’d been scrubbed the therapist explained to me how I’d need to shower to remove the scrub. With that an alarm sounded. She looked just as surprised as me. As she went to see what it meant I lay under a few thin towels wearing nothing but a pair of flimsy paper pants suddenly feeling very vulnerable praying I wouldn’t have to be evacuated. She hurried back in the room looking a little less than calm and explained it was the fire alarm and I would need to shower so they could get me outside, great. Then two more women raced in to the room claiming there was no time, get me a gown, grab my clothes and get me out. So yes, I had to walk out into the middle of a rather breezy Solihull Town Centre, with little more than a thin gown to cover my modesty.

Not knowing how long the shopping centre would remain closed we carried on shopping (only after walking into a pub to change in their bathroom!) The majority of my body was still covered in the scrub and as the day went on the hotter I got running around the stickier I felt. I literally had to peel my clothes off me when I got home that night. Not exactly the relaxing pamper day I’d had in mind!

Has: I was at work when I had a call from the frantic bride, I tried not to laugh but it was funny. My last day at work was a little hectic as I would be gone for nearly 4 weeks and there were a lot of loose ends to tie up. I had arrived that morning to find my desk decorated with confetti, “Just Married” signs and balloons. While it gained me a few strange looks around the office it was hilarious. My team also gave me a little presentation, where they gave me and Laura a card and dollars towards our honeymoon. I couldn’t think of much to say apart from a big thank you and announced that Laura was “a very lucky lady”!

In the evening I went out with Laura’s Dad Alan, brother Paul and a few friends. A good curry washed down with a couple of pints was a nice chilled way to end the day.

I had a long hot shower and changed into my comfy snugs, whilst Mom went out to fetch us our take away dinner of Chicken Tikka pieces and vegetable rice from our local curry house. Has and I had rarely got to bed before midnight during the nights before the wedding, so whilst Has enjoyed his last stag, I appreciated the early night. A little after 1am Has crept into bed, cuddled up to me and we fell asleep knowing this was our last night together as boyfriend and girlfriend.

Thursday 4th November

Thursday was surreal. I was waiting for the emotion, tears or true overwhelming excitement to kick in. But I was calm, very calm. I’d almost shut myself off because I was so focused on getting everything ready and packed to go to the hotel. I was also afraid that if I started crying I wouldn’t be able to stop.

Has, my Dad, brother Paul and a few other friends had booked in for a game of golf at Nailcote in the morning. As my Dad raced around the house collecting various essential golf related items and moan about how somebody had scratched his BMW. I sat with Has and a cup of tea savoring the moments of normality. My brother Paul slowly made his way downstairs and soon after our friend Matt arrived. Wishing them all a good game I waved them off as Mom handed me another cup of tea and a few biscuits.

Has: The round of golf at the venue was a great way to relax the day before the wedding, as much as I had enjoyed the run up to the wedding it was nice not to think about anything for a couple of hours, apart from what tree my ball had ended up in.

We sat talking for a while about what we needed to do that day. I’m a huge list maker and often voice my to do lists as I find it helps me remember. My Mom is probably the only person who actually listens to my list making, so while I whittled on she sat diligently listening. Once I had got it out of my system she handed me a present. Carefully wrapped in purple paper was an album. Inside the pages held photographs of past family weddings, both of our parents, my grandparents and even great-grandparents. It was a beautiful idea and will be something I cherish forever.

I showered and readied myself to tackle Tesco. We had a few last minute bits to get to take to the hotel, like sandwiches, chocolates and drinks. Suzie came over around 11 so whilst Mom stacked up everything we needed to take in one corner of the living room Suzie and I went on the hunt for sparklers. After being unsuccessful in two shops we decided to hand over the responsibility to her husband Rob and head back home. Once home we found Hayley was there and together with Mom they had already began to pack up their two cars. It took all 3 cars to transport everything we needed and they were all full to the brim! A ridiculous amount to take but it was all necessary.

We arrived at Nailcote a little after 12.30 and as we pulled in to the driveway I beamed. Part of the appeal of Nailcote was the drive in, the building is so impressive and a lot of our guests commented on the gorgeous approach.

Image Credit: Stott Weddings

We pulled up and parked and found Has, Paul, Matt and Lee finishing their round of golf. My Dad was milling around looking bored and explained he’d actually finished over an hour ago and he was still waiting for the amateurs to finish. Whilst we waited for them to finish the last hole, we peeked through the windows of the marquee to see they had already moved the tables into position. Very exciting!

My godparents Trevor and Dawn and their son Lawrence arrived just in time to help carry in our 3 cars worth of boxes. Our coordinator came to say hello and asked me to explain what we had bought with us so she could let her staff know. I had labeled all of our boxes with instructions, I’m really glad I did this, it help the staff decorate the room exactly how I would have.

Because we had arrived before the official check-in time, only Suzie and Hayley’s room was ready so we hung up my dress, the suits and bridesmaid’s dresses on the wardrobe and made our way down to the bar. The 12 of us pretty much took over the space in the bar; whilst the others ordered alcoholic drinks I really just needed a cup of tea! The staff really looked after us providing biscuits and refills as we waited for Has’ parents to join us. They arrived just after 3 so we were able to give out our gifts. Our parents were really touched by their presents. We gave my parents an afternoon tea and wine tasting tour. They were both visibly moved with the sentiments we had written in their card as well as their tour. We presented Has’ Mom with a teddy bear charm from Thomas Sabo to wear. We also gave my brother and Usher Paul a gift of cufflinks and purple named socks. Has would be giving out the best men and our other Usher Tom their gifts later on that day.

Has and I then decided to have a few quiet moments alone together before having to say goodbye. We disappeared to the room I was staying in and exchanged presents. Has surprised me with a beautiful heart charm necklace from Tiffany’s.

Has: I knew I wanted to get something special to give Laura as a wedding gift, Laura had often said how she would love to have something from Tiffany’s and although she already had a necklace to wear for the big day I knew she would still love it.

I absolutely love it and have hardly taken it off since. It was a really odd feeling saying goodbye. I was feeling nervous and emotional and in any other situation I would have been clinging to Has for reassurance and comfort. But now he was leaving. Reluctantly we joined the rest of our family so Has’ parents could take him to his brother’s house. They had planned their perfect “last night of freedom” playing Xbox and eating KFC.

Has: I had always looked forward to this day, the golf in the morning, drinks with the parents, and finally Xbox and KFC with my brothers and usher. Once I arrived at my brother’s house, my sister in-law Amanda took good care of me sorting out my room and more importantly putting a beer in my hand. Me, my brother Mos and my nephew Louis then went to pick up the KFC, when Mos was buying the KFC I was left with 8 year old Louis, he was very excited about the next day and asked me “What does last night of freedom mean?”, I laughed and told him something smaultzy about 2 people becoming 1 the next day. KFC eaten I gave the best men and our usher Tom their presents and finished the night with a football tournament on the Xbox. Perfect.

After saying goodbye I took the girls and our heels to practice the stairs! With Calico Skies playing on my iPhone we carefully stepped up and down the stairs. Mindful that whatever we practised would definitely go out of the window by the next day, we didn’t spend too long on the staircase. As long as everyone knew the order in which we would be walking down it would be fine. With that it was off to the Jacuzzi! A blissful half an hour was spent bubbling before other members of my family; including my two other bridesmaids arrived.

Nailcote had generously arranged for all 16 of us to dine in a private room for our delicious set menu. Before we ate I invited everyone to my parent’s room so I could give the bridesmaids their presents. I was so pleased that they loved their gifts and with everyone in high spirits we made our way downstairs for a delicious 3 course meal of Chicken Liver Parfait, Smoked Salmon and Homemade Sponge with Custard.

It was such a great evening, everyone laughing and joking and obviously getting more and more excited about the following day. It wasn’t long before I started to slump over the table with fatigue and I announced I was retiring to my room.

When I reached the room I was sharing with my younger brother Paul I took a nice long hot shower to relax myself before bed and to wash my hair in preparation for the hairdressers. The moment I said good night to Paul I was suddenly very awake, I lay in the dark with my heart racing and knew I wasn’t in for a good night’s sleep! I tried hard to calm myself down but being alone with my thoughts for the first time that day made me anxious, nervous and incredibly excited. I had somewhat of a restless night and by 6.30 I was fully awake and decided to start the day.