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!