The final post – The morning after the day before

After an excellent night’s sleep, we all gathered for breakfast. It was lovely to see quite a few wedding guests in casual clothes, in various states of recovery from the night before. Breakfast proved to be a lovely time to share tales from the BIG day. The breakfast menu was, I have to say immense – I have never had Eggs Benedict before so plumbed for that. Yummy!

We caught up with Julie G our family friend who has loved and supported Lucy for over 15 years ,  Granny and Grandpa, Lucy’s godparents my “old” college friend Auntie Janet and Uncle Kevin, with Matthew and Katie; our friends and Richard’s godparents Uncle Richard and Auntie Susan, then  Lucy and Mark, John and Avril, Jo & Chris and Theo, Ian and Claire, Janette, Dickon and Jack to name a few.

After the best eggs ever, we were all needing to get packed up and head off in all directions. Parting with Lucy and Mark was actually the most emotional I had been all weekend. And I really did have a wobbly moment when we hugged to say goodbye, as they set off home before heading off to the Outer Hebrides. Could you really go any further away?

We had a car full of our bags and belongings, then the 5 men’s suits I had offered to return, Lucy’s dress all rolled up in a ball (Sorry Alison and Julie!), my well worn hat;  we had gift bags with wedding presents and envelopes, flowers , bridesmaids paraphernalia, an eclectic mix of car contents to form almost  the end of the wedding story.

We headed west on A69, home bound and being followed by Avril and John who had offered to collect Jo’s belongings left on Saturday morning. Then the surreal return entering home, our home looking like a bomb site. So funny as I consider on reflection, there was a table full of disguarded hair extensions, empty false eye lash boxes (!!!) there were  a lot of half drunk cups of tea and even more empty bucks fizz glasses and there were chairs on tables ( used by Chrissy the photographer). I went upstairs and there were five abandoned ( each bridesmaids) coat hangers , Lucy’s towels from the 6.15am shower, her toothbrush...more empty boxes of eyelashes(!!) It took the best part of the day to tidy and clear – which I found very therapeutic. As a completer finisher, the whole event wasn’t done until the last few things were ticked off.

The men’s suits were returned to Greenwoods – I hadn’t thought how I was going to get the 5 bulky suit cases back on my own, through the Metrocentre until I had a brain wave (in M&S car park) get a trolley and ignore the stares of those pesky Christmas shoppers! 

My beautiful MOTB hat was returned to Get Ahead hats via a garage outlet in Hexham - as Carol's son offers a return service saving the driving to Blanchland . And with that everything kind of returned to normal. Whatever normal is!

On the Sunday, as I stood on the sidelines of Richard’s football cup tie match and the autumn sun and blustery wind blew away any cobwebs I may have had..I thought so, here we are then end of the road! As Frank Sinatra might say, the final curtain.

 I had looked back over the blog posts this year, I am so glad I did capture it along the way. It has been such an adventure, such a joy along with some emotional rollercoaster rides.

I am not a writer, simply a Mum who loves her daughter and new son in law very much.  At around New Year 2013 I read the two quotes below and it gave me the courage to set up and write the blog. I hope you have enjoyed. I know I have. Thank you .

“If you do not express your own original ideas, if you do not listen to your own being, you will have betrayed yourself. Also you will have betrayed our community in failing to make your contribution to the whole”

And finally,

“Make visible what, without you, might never have been seen” Robert Bresson

Penultimate post. The BIG day Part 3 Close House wedding breakfast in the afternoon and evening do!

We three - Neil, Richard and I travelled in the rain to Close House in the Qashqai, something of a come down from Mel’s much loved Jag!

On arrival we immediately seemed to be drawn into a whirl of activity. First on my list (even before my welcome Bucks Fizz) was for MOTB and her technical advisor to check that the laptop (for my multi media speech!) and microphone (for my quiet voice) were both functioning fine.  Next we added some glitter hearts and purple petals to each table, as the Bride had forgotten to bring this to Close House the day before. Hannah Wildflower’s table arrangements were simply stunning, White hydrangeas and white roses in mirrored vases set on a mirror tile and surrounded by 4 little tea lights, they looked so beautiful.

All of the reception rooms looked impressive. The decor is deliciously opulent, beautiful silvers and gold with sparkling mirrors and dazzling chandeliers. So we mingled with guests, at last putting faces to some of Mark’s family names - and still I didn’t manage to down my Bucks Fizz!

As the rain continued to pour down outside, most guests had arrived and been dropped off at the main door.  The next task was to pose for a few photographs inside. However, as they say, the sun shines on the righteous and we were blessed later with about half an hour of glorious sunshine.

Photographers Chrissy and Nigel  http://www.2tonephotography.co.uk/#home/  who had been  excellent at keeping things moving along and getting people lined up, had also been keeping a watchful eye on the weather and succeeded in doing the “everybody on this one” photo taken outside. They had told Lucy and Mark that the biggest compliment to them was when couples tell them that they hardly notice them being around. And that was so true, and “we” know that when the images come back they will give such a memorable record of the occasion.

Kelly, "our" excellent on the day event organiser, got Lucy and Mark to start greeting all guests in the line up, and then we knew breakfast wouldn’t be long.  As guests made their way to the tables, they were guided by the table plan.

The plan detailed the table names which reflected both Newcastle and Middlesbrough football “legends”. The choice of who made it to the list had been a great discussion over the few months before. Mark and his Dad deciding on the final 10 names, and Neil neatly writing them on the cards with his purple ink...

I have to say, the top table was somewhat squashed in to fit us all on. And rather unfortunately the bride in her thousand layers and me in my heavy lace dress were seated together next to radiator!! Talk about hot flushes...plenty of water required.!!

The wedding breakfast itself was spot on, with excellent service and all food was really delicious. Starting with red pepper and tomato soup, chicken wrapped in ham then strawberry drambuie cheesecake washed down with French La Brouette Plaimont white or red wine.

I had a couple of MOTB moments when looked out over the whole room. I surveyed the entire setting – from the top table I could see all of our friends and family joined together with our new family and new friends.  I considered all their own stories, everyone’s own lead up to the big day, be it their outfits or travel plans – all here to celebrate Lucy and Marks marriage.

To my left was Granny’s amazing creation of the three tiered wedding cake resplendent on the window sill.

When breakfast finished at around 5.30pm, the tables were cleared and all guests had been served a glass of fizz for toasts, as well as cups of tea or coffee and a little homemade chocolate! It was now time for the speeches. Mark’s cousin Ian who was acting as Master of Ceremonies, introduced this MOTB as “brilliant” – well I don’t know about that, but nice thought thank you..

And with all good speeches involving multi media there was a technical hitch. Neil’s advice “be prepared for it to fail” ringing in my ears! I thought I covered it well, meanwhile Neil was chuntering about some poor waiter who had put the lid down on the laptop. So while Neil sorted it out, I started...I was nervous but hope that it was delivered ok. Guests seemed to enjoy the mix of photos and musical clips.... next thing I knew, I was toasting Lucy and Mark, “May your life together always be filled with love, laughter and happiness” . Then thankfully it was time for a drink!

My Dad whose 81^st birthday is on the same day, Lucy’s dear Grandpa then said a few words. Beautifully sentimental words, about his only granddaughter growing up – the bit that really got me was when he said how kind and lovely Lucy is, and the world would be a better place if more people were like her.

Mark was next, and made a brilliant job of it. He thanked everyone he needed to ( as he confessed to checking on google about a grooms speech and who to thank!) and then shared how much he loved Lucy, becoming quite emotional ( which he blamed his Mum for!)

And then it was the turn of the Best Man, Andrew – Marks long standing friend - who it transpired had shared many a sporting and social adventure growing up on Teesside. Where I had waxed lyrical about the fine setting of Hexham Abbey and Close House, Andrew opened with a comment about “It’s alright here, but it’s hardly the Transporter Bridge”..

We had a little break before the evening do. And on leaving the Mansion house, my MOTB hat was a popular choice for a few guests to try – Richard, Glenn ( Lucy’s colleague Doctor of Chiropractic ) and Graham, Rachel Chief bridesmaid’s hubby. Such fun! Sorry I still cant get all images the right way round!

The brief break meant we could check in to the Courtyard rooms.  I was sharing with my Auntie Muriel, and Neil and Richard sharing another room. The rooms were amazing, and very luxurious. Danger time came when settling in, as I removed my shoes. There is no going back after that, is there? 

Anyway, by 8pm we were ready to hit the dancefloor, Richard desperate to meet up with his best buddy George who was accompanying Lucy’s 3 other adopted Mum's – Viv, Julie and Kris. Most evening guests had arrived at Number 19 function room and the disco was in full swing. It wasn't long before the cake was wheeled in, and cut to rousing cheers. Lucy and Mark then danced their first dance to Gary ( the singer/disco man) singing Take That “Rule the World” followed by Nat King Cole’s  “Unforgettable” . Ah bless..

Delicious bacon and sausage butties ( veggie versions too) were served with the wedding cake at around 9pm. Much appreciated sustenance for the hungry dancers and non dancers. MOTB busted a few dance moves, shoes abandoned under a table. 

My only one regret of the whole day was that Neil and I retired shortly after Granny and Auntie Muriel, at about 10.30pm and so missed much of the remaining fun. I make no excuses but it had been such a long day! 

So although sad to miss the further antics, we did however, have a lovely hour of debrief in PJ's with Auntie Muriel in our very comfortable room , while waiting up for Richard to come home! Really quite funny waiting up for our 14 year old son to come home!

And I have to say that once my very lacquered hair hit the scrumptiously soft pillow, that was me. MOTB no longer, over and out.

The BIG day part 2 – a sea of friendly faces and a magnificent service

The Reverend Phil came out the back of the Abbey to greet Lucy (and MOTB) . 

There was a crowd of neighbours and friends gathered there to see us in. It was so nice to have friendly faces there.  We waited at the back of the Abbey beside the monumental font and Rachel did a final fluffle of Lucy’s dress and put her veil over her face. Just gorgeous. And once little Lola joined Steph at the front of the bridesmaid lineup, we were ready to process.

As the organist played Wagner’s Bridal Chorus echoing magnificently around the whole Abbey, the girls led the way down the aisle. Both Lucy and I were delighted to see so many family and friends as we made our way to Mark. It meant such a lot to me that so many of our friends had come to take part in this special day.

Mark and Andrew were beaming as Lucy arrived at the front of the church, and as Rachel moved the veil back off Lucy’s face, Lucy and Mark smiled at each other – and I knew everything was perfect.

The service went to plan, the hymn “Love divine all loves excelling”, followed by Neil’s reading from Colossians and then the memorable sermon, themed on “All you need it love”. Rev’d Phil managed to combine traditional and contemporary to great effect.  The vows were beautiful, exchanging of rings was moving and then they were husband and wife.

As instructed, Mark kissed his bride, and when Mark and Lucy signed the register – which Avril and I witnessed, Sally Irving the daughter of Judith ( Splitz leader) sang the Pixie Lott ballad version of Kings of Leon “Use somebody”, then Elvis “ Can’t help falling in love” and finished with Take That “Rule the world”. The whole congregation applauded after each song. They were very beautifully sung.

We then had two further hymns, “Make me channel of your peace” then a reading by Jo’s husband Chris a poem called “The One” and then to finish was the rousing “Jerusalem” .

When the one whose hand you’re holding

Is the one who holds your heart

When the one whose eyes you gaze into

Gives your hopes and dreams their start,

When the one you think of first and last

Is the one who holds you tight,

And the things you plan together

Make the whole world seem just right,

When the one whom you believe in

Puts their faith and trust in you,

You have found the one and only love

You’ll share your whole life through.

Mrs and Mrs Norton – Ellison then processed back down the aisle to Mendelssohn’s Wedding March

and a very proud MOTB accompanied Mark’s Dad John following the happy couple. We were followed by Neil and Avril then all the Bridesmaids and Ushers.

There was then a really special time where some of our special Abbey guests came and greeted me – an impromptu MOTB line up!! As I said earlier I was so moved that so many had come. I may miss some out of this list, and apologise if I don’t mention you all – but here are some....my friend of almost 30 years (!) and one of Richard’s godmothers Sarah “Willy” Wilson; my former rowing team mate Cath and 2 of her 3 children Willow and Ed who had driven from Thirsk at very short notice; my former Tynedale council colleague Emma with her husband and little boy ( who just happened to be up visiting Emma’s parents who live in Allendale ) my former Hadrian’s Wall colleagues and friends Tamsin and her daughter Rosie; along with Elaine and her husband David who’d travelled from Warkworth; two of our football team Mum’s who have heard wedding details on football sidelines for more than a year now; Brenda my personal style guru; Sheila, Mum of one of Lucy’s godmothers Auntie Sharon who sadly couldn’t be at the wedding as working and holidaying in Malta; Lucy’s other godmother Auntie Janet’s Mum and sister – Audrey and Joan who had made a day of it by travelling by bus to Hexham from Sunderland. Many of my Mum’s friends  and some of our neighbours Anne and Erin; and George and Marion who have know Lucy as the girl over the road for the last 17 years and finally my friendly podiatrist Julia who later text me to say what a lovely service it was adding that my shoes were great! And they were just fine!

As MOTB was slowing things down by the impromptu line up; it appeared that Granny was also enjoying a line up of her own with all of her friends taking time to congratulate her on the lovely 

service.

The plan had been for Lucy and Mark to wait till all Abbey everyone else congregated outside on Beaumont Street entrance and then have a confetti throw as they headed to the waiting car. The one thing that clearly we had no control over was the weather. The heavens had opened , and so there was firm instruction from the Ushers that there was to be NO confetti. 

So as guests sheltered outside as best they could under umbrellas, others sheltering in the entrance porch of the Abbey Lucy and Mark were accompanied by Andrew and a massive umbrella to make the short dash to Mel’s car. And off they set for Close House.

On reflection of the Abbey service, I loved every second of it. I loved all the hymns in particular Jerusalem which felt like everyone really let go and sang their hearts out, I loved the readings and sermon, I loved Sally’s singing, I loved seeing how very happy Lucy and Mark were. I didn’t have any tears – just felt very calm and happy.

Well apart from the one wobble which really took me by surprise, and only happened because my beautiful daughter hadn’t told me they had planned this bit. When Lucy and Mark were at the High Alter in prayers, Reverend Phil mentioned loved ones who were not present on earth, and named Lucy and Mark’s late Grandparents which included our much loved (from a much earlier blog you will remember Frisky Grandma) Grandma Joyce. Joyce’s husband , Lucy’s dear John was present at the Abbey and once the happy newly weds had left for Close House, John and I walked hand in hand back through the Abbey to our cars parked at the back, and as we walked we were able to share that we were sure Joyce would be so proud. Thank goodness for waterproof mascara!

The BIG day – part 1 from dawn to the drive to the Abbey

The big day dawned early, my first awareness being Lucy heading for a shower at around 6.15am. I followed my daily routine by listening to a guided positive mediation. The bit that hit home was “ This is the day that the Lord hath made”. And so , here we go and breathe...

Then it was ALL go...

7am the doorbell rang (exactly as the specified time on the trusty and now dog-eared spreadsheet) it was the lovely Claire here to start and do Lucy’s make up. They headed on the frosty morning, to the very chilly, bunting festooned, conservatory. While Lucy wanted to stay cool, poor Claire kept her shoes and coat on! I pottered making tea and laying out the food and drinks for our imminent houseful.

Chief Bridesmaid to Princess Lucy, Rachel arrived at 7.30am, closely followed by Mark’s sister Jo. More tea was made, although the chilled Bucks Fizz was beginning to make its way to the refreshments table.

It was about this point, that I have witnesses heard me say, I don't need the spreadsheet - it will all happen.

Bang on 8am the doorbell rang again (bang on schedule) this time being Lucy’s long standing hairdresser Sophie. And pretty swiftly, Lucy was made up and her hair styling begun. As I took my turn in the make up department, the house began to fill with the remainder of the bridesmaids. Sarah and Kate had had their hair done at Hexham salons who’d opened early specially for them, so arrived in casual clothes looking beautiful. Steph, Mum of flower girl Lola had arrived at her Mum’s late the night before from London, came to the house already dressed and made up.

Lucy’s good friend another Rachel (given the additional name of Cardiff Rachel to distinguish between her and Chief Bridesmaid) had stayed with us the night before, so bless her was invaluable as a “runner” between kitchen, various temporary beauty stations and upstairs when the girls were getting ready. I don't know how we would have managed without her.

Funnily enough, both Neil and Richard kept a very low profile. They were useful though when (as planned) Best Man Andrew called at 9.30am to collect the buttonholes. The flowers hadn’t quite arrived, so as Mark sat with his eyes covered in the car with Andrew’s wife Kirsty, they all decided to head off for a hearty breakfast in Hexham, and Neil would bring all the buttonholes to the Abbey. 

We then had about 1and a half hours of delightful flurry. Claire working her make up magic on four of us, and three hair dressers all doing their own magic with much hair spray ... My lovely Jeanette, arriving ahead of her time slot of 8.45am, spruced up the youngest ushers hair and as Claire was finishing my make up at 9am ( spot on schedule) Jeanette  announced she had to be back in her shop by 9.15am. She was joking but apparently my face was a picture until the penny dropped.

One of the surreal moments of the day ( of which there are many) was Richard dressed in full Usher attire playing his guitar. He was like a serenading minstrel.

Hannah Wildflower delivered the flowers – Lucy’s bouquet crammed full of white hydrangea, white and lilac roses. The girls silk bouquets were similar without the lilac roses. Stunningly simple and all exquisite.

And suddenly we were all made up, and jostling for space upstairs to get ready. Lucy had her bridesmaids on call to help get her into her dress. I had to slip by them on the landing to get to my dressing room, as I had to wait for the full reveal of the dress; they all hid Lucy with towels (!) so I could get through.

Getting ready on my own, with all the girls bustling around Lucy was an odd experience. I quietly slipped into Auriole’s creation. With my hair and make up done, I was ready. All the time, I was very calm, very happy. Should I be more emotional? No, my daughter is so happy so why be any different.

A gaggle of bridesmaids  (not sure what the correct collective noun is for bridesmaids) gathered at the bottom of the stairs and the Bride – my daughter, my baby came downstairs. She was a vision of gorgeousness. Words can hardly describe..

And then after a few photographs with the charming Chrissy, part of the double act photography team, the first car ( with Daddy Mel – see previous blog) full of bridesmaids set off for the Abbey. At this point I realised that of course when Lucy and I left the house, none of us would be back till Sunday so whatever didn’t get put away now would be left out – what a mess. But such a lovely mess.

Once the second car of bridesmaids had gone it was just me and Lucy, a few precious moments to share before giving her away. We both agreed, no tears. Just both very happy, Lucy deliberating about her shoes till the last minute..

Mel arrived back and then we realised getting this beautiful lady and her many layers of a dress into the car might not be as elegant as we’d first imagined. Anyway, once Lucy was in, I got in and had to lean my head to one side to save the Blanchland ostrich feathers from being too bent. We did our short trip to the Abbey, feeling like the Queen and her princess waving at the Saturday morning shoppers. Children pointing at the car mouthing, Oh look there’s a bride. My daughter.

And then we were there, heading into the back of this ancient place of Christian worship to walk down the ailse together. And breathe..

I think we are done!

The past three days have flown over in a flurry of wedding related activity. The logistics of what or who needed to be where took on military like precision. However , can say we have all enjoy these final few days of preparation.

Guests have started to arrive, and stay. There have been beauty appointments galore. Oh, and I went to collect my hat. I don’t think I had blogged that the perfect topper for my outfit was secured a week or more ago, at Get Ahead Hats at Blanchland. Auriole kindly brought the work-in-progress dress, and Lucy and my Mum agreed with the choice of a complimentary creation for my head! So it was with great pleasure that I headed in autumnal splendour to Blanchland yesterday morning with my dear friend Barbara (here all the way from Muscat). Barbara and I can talk for England/Ireland so hardly had a moment in our couple of hours together to draw breathe, and I love a friend who you always have something you still have to discuss.

On Wednesday evening the wedding rehearsal took place in the Abbey. It was an absolutely delightful and most memorable occasion – mainly due to Reverend Phil. The group included Mark’s Mum and Dad, 4 of the 5 bridesmaids, lovely Rachel one of Lucy’s school friends who now lives in Wales, Tony and Richard representing the Ushers, Chris - Jo’s husband doing a reading, Granny and Auntie Moo, Neil doing a reading and on sound check  and me MOTB with my permanent lists!!

Revd Phil made everyone feel most welcome and has a charming sense of humour. And suddenly,  as we practised walking down the aisle, it was even more real. “We” had a couple of run throughs, quite a few laughs, and a prayer and then the cool vicar suggested we all go for a pint. Well it would have been rude not to!

So today we only had a couple, admittedly big, tasks to do. One was delivering everything to Close House. Granny and Auntie Moo had the cakes, we had table decorations, table plan, favours etc etc. It was one of those pinch yourself kind of moments, when you are concentrating on the details and then suddenly realise – this time tomorrow...

And so tonight, we have had a lovely quiet family meal to celebrate Grandpa’s 81^st birthday (also tomorrow) joined by the two Rachel’s at the Carts Bog. Mark and his family are meeting up for a meal in Hexham.

And so it’s almost time for bed. One more sleep!! The Bride needs to be up by 6am, ready for the preparations to start.

So it is over and out, I will be back sometime soon with as much as I can remember of the big day. The day I stop being MOTB and become MIL ( Mother in Law) 

Speech!

When Lucy asked me a long time ago, to give her away ( well loan her away  , you know what I mean) she also said I was welcome to do a MOTB speech. I agreed, and have over the past months being putting together a few words to toast the Bride and Groom.

 I did laugh when I perused the wedding etiquette booklet (referred to in previous blogs) as clearly in the early 1960’s – it would have been unthinkable for any lady at the wedding to speak. Let alone the MOTB.

So taking the place of traditional Father of the Bride – the etiquette booklet says I must “Toast the health and happiness of the Bride and Groom” (TICK) ...”at an opportune moment half way through the feast” ( I do hope Close House’s delicious three courses match up the expectation of a feast. No wonder I am not sleeping!) Also – Mark wants all the speeches at the end of the meal, so no tick there on the opportune moment. The Bride in one of her  recent “ Chill Mum” moments, told me that they are so cool with the speeches that it can be any order , and don’t have to follow any etiquette! David Monks the publisher of the book would spin in his grave!

I was therefore very amused, when I then read

“The Bride usually contents herself with a smiling expression of thanks, if she wishes, to the first toast.”  I sincerely hope that this Bride will be smiling with thanks all the way through!

Technology permitting, I hope to start the speeches off with some MOTB girl power , utilising several media! Of course this girl only has the power, if her techie hubby completes the presentation for a seamless speech. ( again, I refer to my temporary insomnia)

Last weekend, I enlisted the help of my friend Anne, to listen to the first run through. And am now practicing it as much as I can, whenever I can so that if emotions ( I say if, as it is bound to be when!) overtake me, I will be able to carry on!! And then the boys take over. And I will have my first drink(s) of the day. Not long now.....

Sunrise, sunset

I have developed a habit this last week of waking in the middle of the night. It is a combination of work and weddings. I have my lists beside me and while I know everything will be fine – there clearly is a lot on my mind!! 

So after giving up on sleep last night, I put my ipod on shuffle and guess what got played first?? "Sunrise, sunset" From Fiddler on the Roof! 

Once I started to listen, I had to go and find my tissues in the dark to mop a few tears, happy ones - then I hit my shin off the wooden bed frame and spoiled the moment - having a few tears of pain! Hopefully the shiner on my shin will be covered by my dress on Saturday ! Ha...

Anyway - to share

 
Is this the little girl I carried? 
Is this the little boy at play?

I don't remember growing older
When did they?

When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?




Wasn't it yesterday
When they were small?



Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze

Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears

What words of wisdom can I give them?
How can I help to ease their way?

Now they must learn from one another
Day by day

They look so natural together








Just like two newlyweds should be

Is there a canopy in store for me?
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue

In the busy times we are currently in, all good stuff – and hardly time to blog!! I had wanted to get Lucy something special for her “ Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”. So I found on “Not on the high street.com” a lovely keepsake pin which has a charm for each the new, old, borrowed and blue.

I then wondered what this old tradition was about.  Something Old: Represents the link with the bride's family and the past. A common solution many bride's choose is to wear a piece of family jewellery or their mother's or grandmother's wedding dress.

Something New: Represents good fortune and success in the bride's new life. The wedding dress is often chosen as the new item.

Something Borrowed: To remind the bride that friends and family will be there for her when help is needed. The borrowed object might be something such as a lace handkerchief or an item of jewellery.

Something Blue: Symbolises faithfulness and loyalty and dates back to biblical times when blue represented purity. Frequently the bride's garter is the blue item.

And while most of us are familiar with the rhyme of  “Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” not everyone is aware of the end line “and a silver sixpence in her shoe”. The silver sixpence symbolises wealth – not just financial wealth but also a wealth of happiness and joy throughout married life. 

So I dug out the sixpence which my Grandma ( My Mum’s Mum) gave me for my first wedding; which I had kept and used for the second one too! As you know by now, I’m not that good with real shoes anyway, but somehow I managed to slip the coin into my shoes on both occasions. 

My Grandma who enjoyed painting, often made little pictures to accompany things, and sure enough had made one for the sixpence.

So when I presented my daughter with her Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue pin and I gave her the family sixpence. We were both amazed that the little picture which must be over 27 years old has the most beautiful deep purple colour, which is almost exactly the shade of the bridesmaids dresses.

Suits you, part 2

We had a world record achievement today. My Dad, who was very proud to say that until this year, he had only ever been to the Metrocentre once. Today, he completed his third visit this year, making a grand total of 4 visits. Each of the four as brief as possible.

The visit today was timed to perfection, with me collecting Dad, then Richard from rowing and meeting Lucy at Greenwoods at precisely 3pm. Dad didn’t say much as we processed through the Metro which was bedecked with lavish Christmas decorations - errrr it is still October! and packed ( despite the local football derby being held at the Stadium of Light) with shoppers.

Richard and Dad both tried their suits on and as everything was in order, we were able to bring the suits away with us ready for the BIG day. We were back in the car, having met Auntie Moo who had been doing a little retail therapy of her own, and were all back in the car by 3.20pm. Dad physically exhaled as we came off the A1 back on to the A69.

Once we returned to the safe haven of # 10 we gathered with Granny to debrief the trip. The octogenarian of few words, then shared his experience which included reference to the fact that he’d been asked to change into the fine suit in “ a room smaller than our shower cabinet”. The young lady assistant had chatted him up, asking him “Are you ready for the big day?” * She was just being polite. He replied telling her that he still had so much to do. And told us it really was none of her business.

Anyway, this old MOTB who is quite emotional this last week, often having an unexpected tear at an unexpected moment ( sorry Jeanette!) was bursting with pride to see both my Dad and son looking so very smart in their suits. Photo below is obviously cropped to maintain the secret till the big day!

I had a lump in my throat and another tear in my eye when they stood side by side all suited up, with the Christmas decorations twinkling in the background...

Wedding cakes part 2 and 3

We hosted our very own Great British Bake off recently. 

My Mum aka Granny Pam with assistance from Richard completed the medium and large sponge wedding cakes. They were baked over two consecutive evenings, first the chocolate sponge and then the plain sponge.  Granny chose to bake them at our house as the oven is bigger, so the mammoth bake off began. Quantities of eggs, flour, sugar and butter were worked out like mathematical equations. The large borrowed tins were methodically lined with greaseproof paper.

Richard was called in to do the beating of sugar and butter as this took some muscle power!

The smell of the baking cakes was amazing, took me back to times when as a child when my Mum baked cakes at the weekend for a Sunday tea.

So the two cakes are currently safely stashed in the freezer, ready for icing sometime this next week!

Granny does make us laugh, in a good way. She has been saying for weeks, I must marzipan the fruit cake, I must marzipan the fruit cake – but somehow always ran out of time. Anyway, one day she rang to say “ I decided to stop talking about it, and just do it”!

Here she is below putting the white icing on the fruit cake which will form the top layer.

Apparently the bride has approved bridesmaid Sarah’s designs of sugared flowers, and is sorted for next week for Sarah and Granny to do the final planning of how it will all work together. TICK!!

We plough the fields and scatter..just chill!

So as we slip into late October, and the days are getting shorter – we have had a few gloomy days weather wise. Dull grey days that make you want to curl up with a hot Ribena! But no slacking here, we have reached the stage where there are almost daily wedding things to be done. I love it.

The Bride, Groom, Granny and I are keeping each other on track to make sure nothing gets missed. Have to say though, when I mentioned icing flowers for the cake to Lucy again today, she laughed at me and said, “Everyone just needs to take a lesson from Lucy and chill a bit!”

One of the nice wedding related things to do which brightened my day today , was to finally collect my outfit. There was a little bit of sunshine for a change which highlighted the beautiful reds and golds of autumn leaves on the trees on the road to Gunnerton.  One of the previous visits earlier this month, the fields near Chollerton had been ploughed and the birds in the fields were making the most of it! Beautiful.

Auriole B really is a Brilliant seamstress and has completed the MOTB dress project with amazing skill. We both agreed that we love the colour, material and style. As I drove home with the outfit concealed in a white suit cover I had a tingle. A tingle of excitement that we are so close.

So the whole outfit is coming together, although I have had a slight shoe dilemma to share – which thankfully has now been solved! My dyed kitten heels after 10 minutes of wear trying hats on the other week, lead to the little cap on the heel twisting off at an angle. I couldn’t move it back by hand so the ever helpful AJ Bridalwear had them back to the manufacturer  faster than you can say John Barrowman, and hey presto they are repaired and ready to collect.

Now what’s next?? Icing flowers!!

The eagle has landed

One can always tell there is something special happening in our family when Auntie Moo arrives. 

Moo being the affectionate name for my Mum’s sister Muriel , who resides in Vancouver. So since goodness knows when, this year has been a bit of a blur – we all had in our diaries "Auntie Moo is arriving on 16^th October".

And suddenly as Granny and I killed time in Dobbies garden centre on Wednesday evening, browsing the Christmas aisles (!!!) waiting for a slightly delayed flight, it dawned on us that it was here. And that we really are speeding towards the BIG day.

The “eagle” admitted herself to having slightly ruffled feathers and a drip on her beak, from our delightful Newcastle weather but seemed to be in good spirits. 

Lucy has enjoyed many special times with her Great Aunt including three trips to Canada, one aged 7 then 9, and the most recent aged 21.

The first trip included us being there for Lucy’s 7^th birthday so Auntie Moo treated Lucy to her first, and only ice cream birthday cake.

The last trip taken with Granny, provided the intrepid three with some very memorable adventures including a trip up Mount Whistler, where Granny amused all the mountain visitors that day with her eccentric British antics by wearing her socks on the outside of her shoes “for a better grip you know”. 

Order, Order and purple ink!

We recently took delivery of the Order of Service covers. Once the final content for the inside is approved, Neil (Hubby of MOTB) has offered to print them off (as he is the only one who can work out how to set and print it as an A5 booklet!) In fact once he accepted the task, being such a perfectionist he treated himself to a long arm stapler and a guillotine in preparation.

I have to say, the Bride and Groom have chosen some lovely hymns and other music along with a couple of readings to complement the Church of England ceremony. Among them, Lucy has chosen a hymn which reminds her of her time as a child going to Trinity Church with Granny, and Mark loves Last Night of the Proms, so there’s a traditional stirring hymn - sure to have the Abbey roof metaphorically raised on the day.

We now have all the stationery, the Lucy and Mark logo has been carried through on everything. Thanks so much to Helen and Allan  http://www.wearetrust.co.uk/   for their respective project management & design and printing. All top notch! I have really appreciated all their help, and know guests have already and will love the exceptional high quality and attention to detail.

Lucy had recently asked Neil , as he has the neatest handwriting in the family (!) if he would write all the table names and the individual name place cards. I always think he has robot writing, but as he said, "Have you ever seen a robot write?" Again, being the perfectionist he is, Neil duly ordered a new fountain pen set with many a nib and some purple ink. 

The weather last weekend made it impossible for Neil to do some much needed autumn gardening. So he set about the task of writing each guests name (twice – double sided place cards making it easy for all guests to get to know everyone’s name on the table)  Neil did have some initial serious ink issues, which resulted in some loud grumblings from his office, muttering that there was ink everywhere and he was going to throw the **!?!* blummin pen out! 

However, after a nib change, all was well and Neil methodically went through the list. 

Next day, Neil tackled the table names. Larger cards, double sided again. I came home from a morning of taxi duty with Richard at rugby then football, to be asked if I could confirm the names were correct and to verify the spelling of each. He is quite formal sometimes! 

I did this on google, spotted one correction and hopefully if Wikipedia doesn’t let me down we are now all done. Such fun!

The hole in the spreadsheet....

It had to happen, as we hurtle closer to the big day, something would reveal itself as not being covered on the master spreadsheet.

As someone who has to be organised, and gets real satisfaction at ticking things off any list - not just the wedding spreadsheet, you can only imagine the horror when, whilst bobbing up and down in our regular aquafit class, my good friend Anne ( who has patiently listened to every tiny detail of the big day, every week now for almost the past year!!) said, “And of course you will be sending a report to the Hexham Courant...”

 I stopped bobbing and took a deep breath then confessed it wasn’t on the spreadsheet or even anywhere in my head!

Anne kindly texted me a reminder that evening, as being in the pool can bring on goldfish memory issues, and I can report with great relief that not only is it added to the list, I have rung the Courant and they are sending me the forms electronically. Phew!

What happens in the Lakes.....

Well, what a fabulous weekend. I have just about recovered! The venue sourced by Rachel was amazing.

http://theoldhomestead.co.uk/

The first cars to travel over were Rachel and her Mum Ruth and Catriona – and then MOTB, Jo, Sarah and Granny. After a few adventures en route, my car following Rachel with her Sat Nav - Rachel stopped  for diesel  and we didn’t realise so a few texts and phone calls and we were back in convoy again. Then actually finding the secluded venue – but when we arrived and were greeted by the hosts Jane and Zen – the 7 of us having the introductory tour oohing and ahhing all the way round. It was perfect.

We then had team unloading of the cars, Rachel’s being filled with all manner of foods and drink! Once unpacked and the special wine chiller fridge fully stocked, we set about putting up decorations. Hen party balloons, the purple bunting, photos of Lucy over the years, and some of Lucy and Mark along with Granny’s sage quotations about love and marriage. It looked really great. And then there were Sarah's cup cakes 

The Hen and remainder of the Friday group were all en route, so it wasn’t long before we got a call to go out into the car park to greet the bride. Julie had kindly volunteered to transport the Bride to be, along with Amy. Julie had pimped her Audi, and so made sure everyone on the A69 and A595 knew there was an important passenger on board.

“Aunty” Clare, Jodie and Kate arrived soon after and we were complete. We had a nice easy tea pizza, salad and a few drinkies! Most of the conversation ended up with raucous laughter, and a fine evening was had by all. If not a little squiffy.

Saturday morning was cosy and comfy, most hens wandering around in PJ’s or “onesies”  enjoying a leisurely late breakfast . Plans were hatched to meet in Cockermouth for lunch, and people went to get ready, or head off to enjoy the surroundings.

The peace and tranquillity of the Vale of Lorton was momentarily broken by the arrival of the Splitz ladies. Judith, Eleri, Suzanne and Maureen were equally as impressed with the tour of the whole place as we were the night previously. Their journey from the east made them parched, so they were all ready for a liquid refreshment.

So we all met for liquid (and food) refreshment over long lunch at The Trout , a charming Hotel in Cockermouth, which just happened to have room  for an ever expanding group now at 20 strong including Avril,Vicky and Janet. We all headed back to the Old Homestead later afternoon, and everyone enjoyed the garden with a stunning view.

Ruth was head chef with Rachel assisting, MOTB with Kate, and Amy on veggies preparing other dishes. Rachel’s only instruction being everything had to be Lucy’s favourites. So on the menu there was “Wynyard chicken”, lasagne, chicken pie, broccoli, sweetcorn, garlic bread  - enough to feed the 5000. The plan was to start the in house entertainment, then eat, then resume the entertainment. All the hens were asked to wear or accessorise with something sparkly, and the beauty of the Old Homestead meant that everyone was able to get ready quickly, appear in sparkles, and then slip in to slippers.

Granny’s was keen to bring a bit of our family connections with North American to the event, so together with Rachel organised a bridal shower. An upturned umbrella ( shower the bride with gifts!!) was home to all the hens little gifts for Lucy and Mark’s new home – either kitchen or bathroom. Lucy LOVED this – she loved Christmas growing up, and she loves opening gifts. So a good time was had by all when Lucy opened each one and tried to guess who had donated it. Rachel then organised the hens into two teams and set them on making a wedding dress in 10 minutes. Hilarious antics, and a good way for everyone to get to know each other.

Meanwhile the heat in the kitchen was on full power, poor Ruth almost melting . Not only had Ruth made most of the dinner she’d brought delicious puddings too. So dinner was served, and enjoyed by all. Rachel prepared party bags for everyone, which included things you need for a hen party including a hair tie, paracetamol, toothbrush, Love Hearts sweets and a willie straw (!)  Such fun....

Everyone helped to clear up, and then we all settled in the lounge for a Mr and Mrs quiz; another game where everyone had given answers to Rachel to the following questions,

Your first memory of Lucy

One tip for marriage

The only recipe you'll ever need

One thing no one tells you about marriage

One item that you will need during married life

And then Lucy randomly pulled out the answers and had to guess who had said what. Even more fun!

And just when you think your chuckle muscles cant take anymore....Granny Pam and Julie appeared dressed as nuns getting everyone to sing “Oh happy day”. (This wasn’t as weird as it sounds, as Lucy had expressed a desire to have a gospel choir at the wedding ceremony. It was a bit too much for the Abbey to cope with so this was their way of giving that experience to Lucy!!)

Once recovered from the gospel session, the Splitz ladies set about an impromptu dance routine. It was all go. On both nights one of the very popular and messy challenges was the "After Eight" game. Who'd have thought you could have so much fun waiting for an After Eight chocolate to melt balanced on your forehead, to catch it in your mouth. MOTB abstained from this game but got some brilliant photos.

There were many other moments which I won’t recount on a public blog, but it was all good! 

As MOTB it was a lovely experience, at times very emotional caught up in the joy of it all. Then suddenly realised it was my baby girl...this is a right of passage.

Lucy has such a lovely group of friends, and family. The delight of wherever you went in the Old Homestead, there was generally laughter. Often real deep belly laughter – the kind that makes your belly and jaws ache. Even the hens who didn’t know each other soon got on well, and they were united by the fun and games, and their affection for the Bride to be.

And so as the sun rose over Catbells, the Sunday morning meant we all cleaned up, packed up and headed home.

All credit went to Rachel and Ruth for the preparation, and then organisation of the perfect weekend. 

As I mentioned in the last blog, I am not experienced in hen parties . BUT I have to say I loved every minute of this one. So much so, I am thinking I could do it all again!