Introducing The Ablard's (Part2)

... So we left the hotel and began our walk to the church.

This was comical in itself as it took both myself and all of the girls to carry the train of the dress.

Dad decided to lead the way to the church which was just next door. Then I realised something I should of pre -empted Dad was going the wrong way. Now I must stress this wasn't because Dad wanted to keep me as far from the church as possible but just that he has a poor sense of direction. This included one time driving home from Birmingham and ending up in Wales... when we were heading for Lincolnshire!

So whilst we started heading the wrong route I had to highlight this to him - which did mean a small detour around some bins. It was hilarious! The giggles certainly made the nerves disappear.

Arrival at the church was the most nervous I think I've ever felt but relying on both our vicar Donald and Eileen the Administrator we were in good hands. Before I had a chance to take in the moment the music was playing and Eileen was directing the Bridesmaids like a conductor with a symphony. But then the girls in front of me had disappeared and it was just me and Dad!

A whisper came into my right ear "Your turn, off you go!"

Now a ceremony of marriage is extremely personal and one I will continue to share only in the memories of my dear guests that witnessed it that day. I don't mind sharing several facts but the rest is ours.

Walking down the aisle to Pachabel's Canon all I can remember was craning my head down the 'L' shaped aisle to him. And there he was, everyone else a blur and not a tear was shed from me - just a gigantic smile. He looked perfect, so smart and ready.

Our service was perfect, we didn't screw up our words and we joined together to light a candle. Both our readings read by Kerry and Laura were perfect. One kind guest explained it was the "best service they'd ever been too!" Robust hymns of Jerusalem, Give me oil in my lamp and Lord of the Dance were sang so that they had some welly and that we weren't relying on one elderly relative to carry the tune. Who needs a choir when you've got our lot.

Within 45mins we were Mr & Mrs Ablard.

We didn't leave our church to the traditional wedding march, it's not really my thing so instead we chose one of Vivaldi's 4 seasons.

Confetti was thrown and hugs given out (definitely should have thought twice about the veil) arms from everyone wrapped round my neck and pretty much yanked it off every time. It was lovely to see everyone though as you don't get a chance to wave walking down the aisle.

I noticed that when a couple get married everyone likes to offer so much advice, for me I'm glad they did. One crucial pearl of wisdom was don't get separated as you won't see each other much, I'm happy to report we managed to stay together and not get separated for the majority of the day, a success!

After the official photographs, we went to see our room - it was beautiful. The room was the 17th century part of the hotel and I had specifically chosen tall candelabra's to off set the high ceilings. These were twisted with roses and made stunning centre pieces. We also made a last minute change to the arrangement on the mantel piece opting for a lot of green foliage, mixed with a few flowers and candles amongst them. We really did bring the enchanted forest to life.

The tables were scattered with clear crystals with a jam jar of sweets, and everyone got a small silver chocolate heart, and our signature sloe gin's in tiny glass bottles with drink me labels. The four tiered masterpiece stood pride of place in the bay window with my two teddy ornaments (dressed as bride and groom) on top.

The story about the teddy's is quite lovely. I was bought the bride teddy when I was a little girl, not quite sure how old maybe 8 or 9. I loved her but she was always alone. When I was a teenager I happened to go into an antique store in Long Sutton, low and behold I found the groom. They've been together ever since. So it was their little love story I wanted to represent and that's why teddy's were on the top of our wedding cake.

Method in my madness.

I couldn't of been prouder of the way that room looked - when we walked in it took our breath away.

Now we got to have a sneaky look and then were fished out to stand by the door and greet all the guests. My favourite moment was when one of Luke's friends thanked us for coming ... getting rather mixed up. Luke's response... "Thanks for inviting us." Once in the room the grand oak doors were closed and we were announced in, that moment is one of my favourite of the day, my new married name was used and the round of applause we received I will never forget.

Dinner was lovely although we did not eat much, and then came the speeches.

Well done to all. The speeches began with my Dad, followed by my husband, followed by me (yes, unconventional) and finally the best man. All were wonderful, but what topped it off was my sneaky Maid of Honor going around organising a sweep stake on the total time. The winning table was approx 5 seconds out and thank you to them as they very kindly gave me and Luke half the proceeds.

Soon it was time to clear out of the room for it to be turned down for the evening reception, giving some time to change, others time to get more boozy. Whilst evening guests began to arrive our room was finally ready which meant cutting that fabulous cake and followed by the first dance.

Here is my moment of honesty - I hated the first dance. I felt awkward, embarrassed and thank goodness my Maid of Honor jumped on the dance floor with Kerry when I gave her the nod - life saver yet again (all these little duties add up for a Maid of Honor).

It was a lovely song "Thousand Years" by Christina Perry but I just felt a bit of an idiot. My advice to all, choose fast paced and go for funny. On reflection Luke and I should of done our usual drunken attempt of the Tango to Roxanne from Moulin Rouge. I say drunken as we always believe we can do it once we've had a drink.

After our first dance the incredible band Infuzion came on. Based in Northampton, these guys were incredible, the dance floor was never empty and the music was superb. I can't thank them enough for their tunes, all a mixture but very motown, soul and modern.

We had a frame going round from the photographer and we set up our own props table. There are some cracking shots.

By the end of the night the weight of the dress finally had the better of me but I danced till the very end.

I want to take the opportunity to thank absolutely everyone. Everyone involved in making the dream a reality. Everyone who came from near and far to support us on our day. All those who came to the Sunday garden party. The generosity of everyone was incredible we can never thank you all enough.

We've come to the end of my wedding blog, there have certainly been up's and down's in the planning. At the end of the day i'm sat here smiling into 2015, knowing that 2014 was the most incredible year of my life. I married my best friend and we both had a wedding that was far beyond what either of us could imagine. I don't think I will ever tire of weddings so anyone out there who needs help I'm your lady to ask. :)

My blogs will continue but after 2 years of writing
this one is now completed.

Lots of love to all those who've read.

Mrs Ablard

Introducing the new Mr & Mrs Ablard (Part1)

We stood there, the other side of the door, all our loved ones had already entered the Great Hall and for a few seconds it was just us. Breathe .... What just happened ? We've just got married? Thoughts were racing around ...

"Introducing Mr and Mrs Ablard " - Wait that's us... 

The large wooden doors swung open and we were greeted by the warmest round of applause I've ever heard. In we go. 

Fast forward two days and I began writing this blog sat here in Dubai. Despite me and my husband (I HAVE A HUSBAND) straining to keep our eyes open (it's already ready been a long journey and we are only half way) we finally have some time to reflect on the entire weekend's festivities and what actually happened. 

(We fell asleep)

Fast forward again another few days and we are now on Day 3 of our honeymoon in the stunning Lux Grand Gaube, Mauritius. I'm writing this sat down in paradise on a golden sandy beach. Luke is taking a dip in the turquoise waters and now I decide to begin the last part of this wedding blog. (Although I will be writing it in several blogs to not exhaust it).

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The Thursday before the wedding was the morning we had to say goodbye. We kept it routine so that we both didn't get over emotional. Luke went to work and i waved him off knowing that the next time I saw him I would be walking down the aisle. 

That day consisted of a lot of jobs, picking up my ring, collecting my dress buying enough cat food to cover our absence. Fortunately our kitten Sushi was going on her holidays too but to my mum and dad's.

Looking back on the week before it was so hectic an absolute nightmare. We found ourselves up every night till gone 11:00pm trying to finish one of the many jobs. If I can give any advice to new brides it would be get all those jobs done in advance. Your supposed to look like the blushing bride not haggard grey exhausted - which is certainly how I felt. 

Even getting my nails done on the Friday was a trauma. Me, Mum and Lis planned a glorious spa day including nails. Unfortunately although Mums and Lis's looked stunning mine were a disaster...

I couldn't stop thoughts running through my mind like "Oh God that first nightmare I had is coming true... I'm not going to get my nails done" Fortunately a small complaint led to the complete renovation of my nails but subsequently I lost my spa morning. 

The arrival of the bridesmaids is when my mood finally changed. As we were all staying at Mum & Dad's there was an element of me that had to host. So in terms of the wedding if it wasn't done by the Friday evening then it never would be. 

That evening was perfect, bottles of champagne, Chinese take away, followed by a loveable movie 'Bridesmaids.' I must gasp a sigh of relief that the Chinese consumed did not lead to me getting any form of food poisoning and there was no reenacting of that famous scene. 

THE MORNING OF - 

That morning was interesting I woke with Lis in bed next to me and a newly tanned umpa-lumpa called Lucy on the mattress on the floor. 

That immediate squeak of 'You're Getting Married Today' is when the anxiety descended. Heart pounding out of my chest, a certain nausea waving over me. 

Well girls, for any new bride who's concerned about feeling this way - we've found a cure ! When Lis had nipped to the shower, my dear Maid of Honour sensed I was off and climbed into bed with me and put on some Taylor Swift. That's the cure !! Taylor Swift is the cure !!! 

Me and Luce danced in bed with the song on repeat, we even choreographed a routine to the chorus of "Shake it off." I was so happy I couldn't stop laughing and that made me realise all those around me that day just wanted us to be happy. This was the cure to my wedding day jitters - Lucy Deeley it was all down to you - certainly the best girl for the job! 

The rest of the morning flew by. We arrived at the hotel where Bridezilla nearly reared her ugly head when our room wasn't ready to get ready in. However, after a swift response from the hotel and maybe added pressure that I threatened to pick up the hoover myself, we were swiftly back on track. Katie our hairdresser stepped up to the task of completing 7 women's hair's, so we were ready by 1.15pm. Well done Katie - you did it. 

The Bridesmaids looked stunning !! The black dresses were perfect and the girls looked a vision. All with pretty pink flowers in their hair and gorgeous posies of dusky pinks, ivory's and greens. 

That morning we all pitched in and helped one another out. They gathered all the breakfast, Kay provided Kirsty's nail varnish, Lucy helped Mum with room decor, Lis did my makeup and Paz kindly wrote up my speech that was typed on my phone. 

It was unbelievably calm.

I must now mention my sister doing my wedding makeup. A huge well done to her ! We had many a test session (one of the benefits when it's your sister). We've been able to iron out what does/doesn't work for the past year. For the record no I don't look good with mascara on my bottom lashes I look like a bleeding ventriloquist doll. Lis you did amazing, everything was flawless and it was exactly what I hoped it would be - thank you sister dear.

During the morning of - everyone questioned how at times I was so calm. That was simple, I was marrying Luke, that's what the day was about, although my dearest husband nearly started  my tears when a beautiful bouquet of my favourite roses showed up. That right there was why I was marrying him.

By the time it came to the hair I was starting to be aware that we didn't have long to go. 'Hair by Kate' thank you for all of the hard work you put in. I'm glad I was able to leave it to you because by the time that was done everything was a blur. I wish I was able to go back in time and take back a minute to stop and spend some time appreciating it. So thank you. You must have been knackered and sorry for trying to plough you with champagne. Good job you refused ;)

That brings us to the big dress unveil and I believe everyone loved it. What a princess. That was it though, the second I saw it I wanted to wear it. The rest of that time was blurry, my Granny came for a sneak peak and then came my Dad... He looked lovely,, so dapper. I was so proud.

When he asked "How's the heart?" I believe that was when some tears surfaced although i think they were mainly from the bridesmaids!

We didn't do to badly though and we all held it together, several of the girls even found time to wolf down a pack of Ready Salted Walkers seconds before leaving the room.

And then we were off to the church .....