I've been a bit AWOL because this week was SO busy - preparing to go on holiday always is. Anyway, yesterday I went off to Manchester for my niece's wedding. I didn't realise it was only 2 hours from our station on the fast Virgin train. We should go up there more often! By the way, time for a quick aside: people love to bash Virgin and other train operators, but I was most impressed. I was in a "quiet zone" where mobiles are banned and people are asked to keep the noise down; the seats are comfy and spacious, plenty of leg room; the train was clean and the staff were lovely. I'll definitely be using them again.
So, the wedding: I got to the Town Hall in perfect time, to meet up with two of my sisters and their hubbies. We were all ushered upstairs to a beautiful spacious room, where a friend of the happy couple was playing the piano while we waited. I greeted my sister in law,
who has been so poorly this past year, and then we all sat down. When the wedding party arrived we were all asked to stand, and in walked the bridesmaids, one by one, followed by my oh so proud brother and my niece. The service was lovely and I was perfectly placed to snap some pics - I couldn't help myself. Of course, I cried.
Gemma looked so beautiful and happy, and the groom looked so proud too.
Katy, my goddaughter and Gemma's sister, read out a most moving poem she'd written specially for the occasion, setting off my tears again.
And then another friend sang a song for them (Oasis, who I despise, but the girl did it beautifully).
After the ceremony we all filed outside to wait for the happy couple to come out so we could throw confetti etc.
We had to laugh, because there was a group of Japanese tourists out there, taking pictures and lapping it all up. Some of them apparently even asked to have their photo taken with the bride and groom!
On to the reception, which was wonderful. While we were waiting upstairs, having a welcome coooooold drink (boy was it hot!), Gemma and Steven had some wedding pics taken by the canal. When they walked back towards the venue, a famous (apparently) American basketball star who was out on the terrace started clapping, and the whole crowd followed suit until everyone was applauding and cheering. It was brilliant!
We all sat down to dinner and then it was time for the speeches. My brother's was short and very sweet; the groom had us in tears with his tender words for his new wife; and the best man was so funny and endearing. I am so glad I was able to be there, even though I was sad it hadn't been possible for Wayne or Claire to come too. Unfortunately, I had to leave on the 8.45pm train back to London, but I had a wonderful, wonderful day, and I know they'll have a long and happy life together. The rest of my pictures can be found here.
Right, now I've got to go out and cut the grass before we leave as we're off to stay with Mummy on Monday. Can't wait!
Thank you for the report-- the pictures are glorious, and go a long way to making up for us not being able to be there. The look on the bride's face during the groom's speech tells me this will be a long and happy marriage. Aren't the girls beautiful? Have a lovely week with Mummy!
Posted by: joan | 07/26/2008 at 05:30 PM
Yes! Ditto what Joan said!! Thank you!
Posted by: SR | 07/26/2008 at 06:21 PM