Thanks for the memories...

Planning a wedding can be stressful; in amongst the piles of invites, table plans, torn out pages from wedding magazines and family emails questioning decisions, it’s easy to get caught up in the details and forget the bigger picture. I've been to so many weddings when afterwards the most mused about moments didn't cost a thing. Priceless moments that you will never forget and just 'make' the day. With that in mind, I've been rooting out some of those memories to share with you...

Our very own Mrs R remembers being driven to her country house venue by her father in his classic sports car, just the two of them, flying through the tiny lanes to the roar of the engine. “Clambering in and out of the car in my dress and Choos wasn’t easy, but it was most definitely worth it to share that time with the other important man in my life.” Her top moment, though, was leaving the ceremony to Mr R's rather awesome choice of recessional music: the theme tune to Indiana Jones!

Sarah from Telford was married by the sea and laughs as she remembers her guests sitting on the sea front wearing sunglasses. Later that day she was surrounded by friends and family as the sun set: "You remember that they are there for you and, if things aren't going entirely to the perfect plan you had in mind, they take to their roles seamlessly and iron out anything unexpected."

Vanessa from Sutton was sure her wedding in Mauritius would be rain-free, but it wasn't to be! "The rain held out for us until we decided to leave the 'after party' in our hotel. On came the tropical thunderstorm, frogs hopping out from the bushes and a mad dash to our hotel room, it made for quite a dramatic exit I can tell you!"

A really touching memory comes from Jennifer in Eltham: "The best moment for me was seeing my husband when I walked into the church. Although I thought I would be very nervous I just couldn't help smiling at everyone as I walked down the aisle - totally the opposite to how I thought I would react. Seeing everyone from all parts of our life - university friends talking to playschool friends was amazing.” 

Another bride, Natalie from Chandlers Ford was married abroad and it was an unexpected moment that sticks in her mind. "My husband and I chose to get married in Barbados on our own. The day was perfect, we were married on the beach and it was really intimate and romantic... But earlier in the day as I got ready alone, I realised I was making a mistake not having friends and family there. Suddenly I felt so alone and quite sad that my mum and sister couldn’t help me get ready. I carried on, but felt something was missing. 

"After the ceremony, we saw a family on the beach who had come to watch us. The tiniest member of the group - a little girl of about five - ran over and asked if we could have our picture taken together. She thought I looked like a real princess! My heart melted and suddenly I didn't feel so alone. I wished I had a copy of the photograph because I'm sure it spoke a thousand words.”

And don’t you just love Gemma from Hertford’s story? "My dad was too choked up to say much in his speech, but he was able to let our guests know that we were raffling off our table centres to raise money for the hospice fund who cared for my mum before she died. Everyone gave so generously, and we raised over £700. Some even refused to take the flowers home so I put them on my mum's grave the next day along with my bouquet. We got a lovely letter from the charity telling us how the money had been spent, it really meant a lot."

So whilst you’re worrying about the perfect favours and place settings, remember what your wedding’s really about. You and your intended sharing one of the biggest days of your life with your loved ones. Now, pass me a tissue!

LML x

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