The One

I thought it only right that I update the old journal, in fact, this post has been smouldering away for a few months, so lazy am I!

Obviously, there was a wedding, given the content of the last post.

This wedding, my friends, was all I could hope for. I am going to start sounding rather immodest here, but all this is just my praise and gratitude for those who helped to bring it together.

My gown was exactly what I invisioned - elegant, beautifully made by my mama, in just the right shades of white and pewter silk.

The shoes, oh, the shoes, snow-white kitten-heel peeptoe slingbacks with crystal detail. No one else saw them, but they were for me, it's nice knowing that you have something fabulous tucked under your skirt! I still wish I had a reason to wear them again - I may get another pair in an everyday shade.

My jewellery, heavy with rough hewn quartz crystal, had a vintage feel, that glistened rather than glittered - reminiscent of the whole event, really.

Invitations, bonbonniere, service booklets, thankyou cards and all the other accoutrements were similarly toned, chic in black, white and silver, with a nod to my Japanese addiction by way of a stylised cherry blossom print.

The cake, lovingly constructed by mum, was gorgeous, dripping with silver baubles and hand made blooms. It was also delicious, thick with rich, dark flavour. Yes, t'was fruit cake, out of respect of mum's preference (and the fact that I actually like it), but we had other desserts so all palates were catered for.

The venues also fitted our ideals perfectly - an original redbrick Anglican chapel, and a tasteful country retreat. No ostentation, just graceful refinement, focussing on the things that matter. Aside from forgetting the specially ordered guest book, I feel like we covered all the bases, and did so in a way that was so 'us'.

But really, that's all stuff. The whole day is about rituals, and gestures which represent the couple. The epitome being the ceremony, which was romantic, respectful, and very personal. The string quartet gave me shivers, so splendid was their contribution.

Most special were the vows, though it is fashionable to read the personalised vow, having memorised our sacred lines made them so meaningful to us. There was no repetition from an officiant, no flowery statements about the ocean, just us, making a solemn promise to each other, like millions before us.

My bridesmaids, parents, hairdresser - everyone really - were so supportive and kind, and I teared up quite a few times, so generous were their compliments.

Another personal touch was, by way of a game, to give my bouquet to the woman who had been married the longest, Stuart's Granny. I thought this far more civilised than tossing the flowers at my friends, and it meant to much to Granny-in-law.

Oh, and my delicious husband had secretly learnt guitar and visited a vocal coach, so that he could perfom 'our song' to me after his lovely speech. I cried, it was so wonderful. I still swoon to think of it!
I'm not surprised that he did it, because he's such a warm, generous soul, and that is what every day of our marriage has been like. We recently celebrated a year of wedded bliss, and despite the challenges that the outside world hurls at us, we get through it because we know we have each other, and we are so grateful for it.