The stag

I accept that I will never know the intimate details of the stag do. However I have been able to establish this much... 

James headed up to Scotland overnight on Thursday. Friday was spent procuring a lot of meat prior to the arrival of five more stags in the evening for a barbecue. I was kindly kept updated via Facebook and the best man about the loss of James' eyebrows to the flames but thankfully it seems they exaggerated slightly - although I'll grant the boys that the flames did look impressive. I think copious amounts of beer were consumed and a late night was had by all. 

I understand that the Saturday saw the boys up early and off to karting. James kindly informed me that he was the stig. He later revealed that he'd come third to his best man and one of his former flat mates after a tense battle with another. 

Then the boys headed off to clay pigeon shooting and I understand that James found he had a natural flair for it, coming second only to his dad, who grew up on a farm. In James' own words a monster had been created and he can't wait for his next opportunity to shoot things out the sky (not aeroplanes I promise!). 

Dinner was at the whisky rooms in leith. I saw a picture of James with about 15 whisky tasting glasses in front of him. He looked very happy, me probably less so. I understand the food was out of this world and James has promised to take me back there to experience it for myself. 

I think the next port of call was Baby Dolls. I think least said soonest mended is probably my best approach to that! 

Dad and James arrived back at home late afternoon on Sunday, while I was still happily ensconced at the races. Clearly not too worse for wear they repaired to the pub for a couple before we got back.

9 weeks to go... 

The grand finale

The hen party day 3 kicked off with a queue for the bathroom as eight of us battled to get ready. Mum had let slip on Saturday what we were going to be getting up to- ladies day at the Stratford races. 

I'd never been to the races before and was very excited. Thankfully I'd been told to bring a nice dress and had a vibrant phase eight dress and black wedges for the occasion. We later realised that I could have really been stitched up be being given a list of random things that I 'needed' to bring but thankfully for my sake that particular trick was missed. The lunchtime train saw the arrival of four more friends from uni and my other bridesmaid. 

After a celebratory glass of champagne it was off to the races in a complicated convoy of cars. As we arrived the skies cleared and the sun shone. We took a number of photos before eventually locating our box. 

With 13 of us it was a little cramped in the box but with overspill onto the balcony we all fitted in fine. We were introduced to Diane who was our waitress for the day and after another glass of champagne we all agreed it was lunchtime. Only one person had been to the races before, the rest of us were clueless when it came to the betting. Most people went to the tote but I headed off to betfred having heard a rumour that you got better odds there and it had the added benefit of being able to place all your bets at once.

In total there were seven races over the course of the day. I decided to put on a bet in each at £1 each way or £2 to win, thus staking £14 over the course of the day - my logic being that it was all I could afford to lose at the moment. 

As it happened my horse won in three of the races, was a non-runner in one, came second in another and in just two races failed to place. The result was that I ended the day £7.80 in profit and was the biggest winner in our group. About half of us ended in profit and the rest in loss but we all had great time and got thoroughly involved in watching the races from the balcony. Most were over hurdles but the last race of the day was on the flat. 

I chose who to place my bets on mainly by the names, although I did put money on the horses my dad tipped and also back one that was being ridden by AP McCoy. 

In between races we managed to have a lovely hot buffet lunch. I went for the chicken and mushrooms with rice and this was followed by a delicious cheesecake. Drinks flowed freely throughout the day and we were able to step out the back of our box to watch the beautiful horses parading prior to the race, or out the front to watch them in the winners enclosure after the race. 

At one point I went to put a bet on for my aunt at the independent stands. I can't remember what they're called but it was very fast paced and exciting watching the odds changing and picking the best queue. I wishes that I'd done that. 

Further amusement was gained by people watching. We all disagreed with the winners of best dresses and I felt that they must have been short listed by representatives from guide dogs for the blind. 

When the final race concluded we stayed to watch everybody leaving the grounds, commentating on almost every outfit that passed us. It was great fun. 

Overall it was a truly fabulous day. The sunshine really made it and everybody seemed to enjoy the opportunity of dressing up. We returned to sues for a little while after the races before delivering everybody back to the train and heading home myself.  I think I smiled all day! Thank-you so much to all those who came. I'm so lucky to have such brilliant friends and family. 

My only worry is what a comedown it was to get home after the hen and know that it was over. Heavens knows how much worse it'll be when the wedding is over although in the immediate aftermath we'll be on honeymoon! 

The hen day 2

Day two started with a leisurely breakfast and then it was in to town with the family for some retail therapy. Try as we might we failed to persuade my aunt to invest in her wedding outfit but I did spy a lovely little trinket box with 'bridesmaid' on the top that I bought for Darcey and she seemed quite enamoured with it. I was less enamoured with her choice of necklace for me for the big day so I didn't invest in that. Instead some gorgeous pearls were purchased for that purpose. We also managed to fit my cousin out with her wedding outfit, a stunning phase eight dress which I liked so much I bought one for myself too! 

Lunchtime saw the arrival of my chief bridesmaid and two of my former flat mates. The inevitable happened and I was presented with a tasteful pink bride to be sash and fluffy bride to be 'boppers'. We had lunch at my aunts before taking a sightseeing tour of Stratford. The torrential rain that struck as we dived onto the bus made for an interesting trip as we discovered the roof leaked! 

After that we collected one of my school friends from the train and did a supermarket run to stock up on alcohol and chocolate. Then it was back to sue's for takeaways and a very competitive round of logo. My team won and I wore my tacky medal with pride.

Then we all bunked down for the night, spread variously over beds, sofas and the floor. 

Hen do part 1

Last weekend was my hen do. Scheduled for the Saturday and Sunday I extended it at the last minute to join my mum, aunt, and future mother-in-law at my aunt's house in Stratford on Avon on the Friday night. We were also joined by my cousin and her angelic 5 year-old daughter (I refuse to believe that she's not the angel I see all the time). Apparently Darcey had got wind of the hen do and wanted to join in so she had her girly night of fun with us on the Friday.  We had a lovely pasta and prawn dish for dinner before relaxing on the sofas and putting the world to rights. We talked everything from hairstyles to assisted dying and as my aunt worked her way through the wine the conversation became increasingly hilarious. 

Before Darcey and Louise headed home I attempted a wedding hairstyle on myself and then attempted the equivalent on Darcey. She and I agreed that on the wedding day she is going to have the same hairstyle of me, which she was delighted by. I also showed her a picture of me in my dress and asked her if I looked like a princess. Her adoreable response was 'no, you look like a snow queen'. 

All in all it was a lovely night but we were all tired so headed to bed early - to everyone's amusement I got the top bunk! 

Hen do part 1

Last weekend was my hen do. Scheduled for the Saturday and Sunday I extended it at the last minute to join my mum, aunt, and future mother-in-law at my aunt's house in Stratford on Avon on the Friday night. We were also joined by my cousin and her angelic 5 year-old daughter (I refuse to believe that she's not the angel I see all the time). Apparently Darcey had got wind of the hen do and wanted to join in so she had her girly night of fun with us on the Friday.  We had a lovely pasta and prawn dish for dinner before relaxing on the sofas and putting the world to rights. We talked everything from hairstyles to assisted dying and as my aunt worked her way through the wine the conversation became increasingly hilarious. 

Before Darcey and Louise headed home I attempted a wedding hairstyle on myself and then attempted the equivalent on Darcey. She and I agreed that on the wedding day she is going to have the same hairstyle of me, which she was delighted by. I also showed her a picture of me in my dress and asked her if I looked like a princess. Her adoreable response was 'no, you look like a snow queen'. 

All in all it was a lovely night but we were all tired so headed to bed early - to everyone's amusement I got the top bunk! 

The cutest thing

My cousins truly angelic 5 year old is all set to be my flower girl. I have no doubt whatsoever that between Darcey and Sam I won't even get a look in on the day as they will steal the show. That aside the time has finally come purchase darcey's dress. I saw what I wanted months ago in a little Cotswold boutique but was advised that I should wait until nearer the time as Darcey would obviously grow a bit. My rota then intervened and it was decided that I would need to delegate the task of getting the dress to my mum. 

Unfortunately a search on the website of the shop revealed it was out of stock and delivery time would be after the wedding. Clearly no good. I then tried other websites and found the dress I liked and sent a picture of it to my cousin. I was really anxious that Darcey like the dress as it's her chance to be a princess. I am assured that Darcey LOVES it and I'm told that she asked her mum 'can I keep it when the weddings over?'. Sooo cute! 

All change

Today is a momentous day. I have decided that from now on the countdown shall be not in months... But in weeks! 

10 weeks today until it's mrs Reid! 

Exciting!

The groom and his father-in-law

This weekend is the hen and stag weekend. I imagine mine will be a fairly sedate affair although I'm not quite sure what. The stag do might be a different game altogether. I'm sure though that like most brides to be whose fathers are invited on the stag do I can sit back and relax safe in the knowledge that my dad will be keeping an eye on proceedings. Or not!

Depending upon how you look at it my dad and James get on together almost too well. They tell each other rude jokes, although, James at least censors the worst of his. They call each other names and were once heard referring to each other as 'duckie'. They dive into pubs long before midday and roll out of said pubs a long time after, somewhat merry. They like the same films, have a keen appreciation of the female form, have an identic sense of humour and share uncannily similar habits. In fact I frequently say that my dad and James are twins separated by 30 years. James is the son dad never had and James frequently tells me that we could never split up unless he were able to get custody of my dad! 

So while many a girl might be able to breathe easy at the thought of their father reining in the worst of her grooms excesses, I must instead endure a weekend of trepidation about what feats my father will invite James to. I just hope I get them both back in one piece!

Wedding mania

The last week has been a flurry of activity on the wedding front. Last Wednesday we met with a videographer, who surprise surprise we have commissioned for the wedding day. There followed the making of the table plan to the backdrop of wedding videos. 

Panic subsequently set in and the 'wedding to-do list' was born. I was almost overwhelmed by the number of outstanding tasks but have enlisted my mum to help with a lot of them and today was able to check off a huge number of them. These included a wedding present for James, thank you gifts for my bridesmaids, my hair and veil and the wedding post box. 

Friday also saw me draft the first version of the order of service. There are some elements of the ceremony that we want to maintain as a surprise and as such will need to be concealed from the order of service, which is a shame but necessary for maximum impact. 

Add to all this the fact that I finally elicited from James a copy of his guest list and the majority of his addresses. This has allowed almost all the invites to be sent out or be in the process of being sent out and has led to the first wedding blooper. I'd compiled a beautiful table in a word document clearly matching people and their addresses. Unfortunately the dividing lines were lost in translation en route to my mums iPad and a chance comment last night led to the discovery that two couples have been invited with 'their children' who they don't actually have and were in fact the names of two other couple for whom I was missing the surnames and addresses. One invite was stopped before it hit the post, the other was received by a very bemused guest today who tactfully emailed James to highlight the error so that the other two people wouldn't miss out. I had to laugh! 

Anyway that's enough for now. My fiancé is demanding my attention. I will at a later date elaborate about the various presents though. Watch this space. 

73 days...

Dress fitting number two

At the end of my night shift today I went down to Winchester in order to try on my actual dress for the first time. I was a girl on a mission and went equipped with my shoes, underwear and carefully curled hair in order to experiment with the full bridal look. I not only wanted to see the dress but to decide once and for all on my hair accessories and veil. It's safe to say that the mission has been accomplished. 

On Our arrival at the shop, me escorted by my mum and mother-in-law to be, we were greeted warmly and one of the assistants shyly asked if I would mind her re measuring me as she's being trained to do it. I had no problem with this and was thoroughly gratified when she was flummoxed by the first measurement and apologised as she must either have got it wrong or i'd lost an awful lot of weight. I confessed to it being the latter, which was followed by many congratulations. 

The downside to this was that by the time I came to clamber in to my dress - yes that is the only way in - it would barely stay up. With the arrival of the seamstress and a number if carefully placed pins everything started to come together. Sadly while getting under the skirt to make adjustments the dress got pushed up into my face and now has a lipstick mark on the skirt - I was hastily reassured that they will be able to get rid of it and I've chosen to take them at their word! 

Ultimately the dress was in situ and all doubts as to whether or not it was too plain we're eradicated, particularly when I tried it with a veil and hairpiece. I thought I'd already decided on a modest veil with silk trim but I was seduced by something else entirely. Then I tried on multiple hair accessories ranging from sparkly tiaras through to silk flowers and came to a slightly unexpected conclusion. 

I am not one to flatter myself but today I have to say I could not imagine ever seeing a more perfect version of myself. The dress, veil and hair accessory complemented me and one another beautifully and I felt like a princess and more importantly a bride. By the end of the fitting I was absolutely buzzing with excitement and cannot wait for the wedding day to come around so that I really won't have to take my dress off. I can't wait to see James' face as I walk down the aisle on dad's arm in my outfit. I felt more than a million dollars and am 100% certain that the dress and the extras are completely perfect. I am one happy bride to be. 

73 days and counting!!! 

After

A true labour of love. This is the product of months of work finally coming to fruition... Table plan anyone? 

During part 2

During part 2

During

Can you tell what it is yet?

Before

Leave to get wed

For the last week a black cloud has been hanging over me. The reason for this is that I got my rota last week for September/ October and despite my best efforts in notifying people the day I knew what job I had I was rota'd to work 7 shifts in the fortnight encompassing the wedding and honeymoon. 

Naturally as soon as I saw my shifts (which included 3 nights - the wedding day included! - 2 lates and 2 weekend longs) I was back in touch with the coordinators requesting that an email be sent immediately seeking swaps. 

Thus followed a week of radio silence during which I alternately despaired and talked daringly of throwing my teddy in the corner. I whinged and moaned to anybody and everybody who would listen and publicised the injustice of it on Facebook. Finally today during another moan the person I was talking to suggested I take some action. Accordingly I emailed the coordinator again asking what happens if no one swaps with me and making clear my intention of not working the shifts regardless. She emailed back by return, slightly perplexed as she'd had an email the previous week offering to cover my shifts which had appeared to be addressed to us both, but which had not made it to me. 

So the smile is firmly ensconced back on my face and everything once again seems right with the world, and more importantly with the wedding. 

As an article in the papers last weekend commented though, there is a lot of rightful discontent amongst the ranks of junior doctors regarding the practice of fixed leave and the inflexibility with which we are forced to live our lives. It's unsustainable and unfair but this also isn't the place. 

This blog, this wedding and this life are my happy place. 

79 days! So close! 

The banns

To get married in a Church of England church you need to meet certain criteria. Ironically this does not include being religious. It does however require a link to the parish in which you would like to be married. I easily fulfil the criteria for marrying in tredington as I was able to claim three connections to the parish/ church. My grandparents lived there, my parents married there and I was christened there. These were more than sufficient to allow us to avail ourselves of the church for our wedding. In days gone by this would not have been the case and one would have needed to personally live in the parish and be able to provide proof of this, or else be required to procure a special licence. One  would also have been required to attend marriage classes with the minister and to regularly attend the church, most particularly in the run up to the wedding. 

Most of these rules have now been relaxed but one antiquated tradition remains. That tradition is that in order to be allowed to proceed with the marriage ceremony there must first be the reading of the banns. The banns announce the intention of a couple to marry and are read in the church where the marriage will take place and in the church of the parish where they live. They are read three times in the run up to the wedding, normally on consecutive Sundays and in the days when everybody went to church, easily broadcast to those who knew the couple that they were intending to wed, thus allowing people who knew of any lawful impediment to the marriage taking place to raise their objections. I don't believe this now forms part of the ceremony but the reading of the banns continues. 

While the minister who is to marry us has arranged for the reading of the banns in the parish where the ceremony will take place, we had to arrange for the banns in the parish we have just moved to. This is all very well but as just mentioned we have only just moved there and thus time is of the essence. It is particularly tight as the parish church is very small and does not hold devices every Sunday. It seems though that we have just snuck in in time and tomorrow we will be heading to the local rectory to arrange for the banns to be read at our local church. Here's hoping nobody raises any objections!

Just 80 days now...

Flower power

We went up to the church last night to discuss flowers with the church florist. Although our florist has quoted for the church it turns out that it's probably easier to get the church florist to do it as she knows the layout better. 

The upshot is that we're going to have a pedestal display in the entry to the church. Six pillars and the font within the church will have flower decorations on them. We'll have little posies on the alter and on the table as we enter. There will also be flowers highlighting the screen that separates the congregation from the alter. 

Our florist will still do the bouquets and the tables at the venue. I'm so excited. 

84 days and counting... 

What lies beneath... Part 2

This is the spectacularly naff and tacky piece of tatt that my mum proudly brought back from her latest trip to Scotland. Well what can I say? I love it!!! 

85 days and counting. 

To video or not to video... Part 2!

Yet again the issue has arisen of whether or not to have the wedding filmed. Having decided that we weren't going to do it I'm still not sure that it's the right decision and the last thing I want is to live to regret it. 

All brides I've heard of who have had their wedding filmed wax lyrical about watching the footage later and universally comment that they watch the film more often than they look at the photographs. For someone with a brain like a sieve as I have I also think it will help me to remember as much of the day as possible. 

As such I finally got some quotes yesterday. The first came in at £1700. I was horrified. The second was a much more reasonable £1000. The issue is still to be debated finally but the chap who have the second quote sounded brilliant on the phone and rang me within minutes of me submitting my web enquiry. 

Thus the wedding may yet end up on celluloid. I shall keep you posted. 

I still have some reservations. The cost is definitely one. Another is my worry that I and the guests will act differently if they know they're being filmed. I will have to wait and see. 

86 days and counting