Almost the end

The past couple of weeks have been a bit tough. The post-wedding blues have started to set in and the realisation that the best day of my life (because in my wildest dreams I couldn't imagine a better one!) has been and gone is hard to stomach. Everything wedding related is being wrapped up and we now have our photographs and video - although the official album isn't due to arrive until just before Christmas. My passport has been sent off to start the process of changing my name and a number of companies have been informed. As I've already mentioned though there is the potential that my ribbon roses may start to take off...

With all the above in mind and with the important business to hand of getting on with married life, paying off the wedding, looking after the menagerie and dealing with my rota it seemed appropriate that the wedding blog should come to an end. By popular demand it shall do so with one final post - one I never really intended to share but it would seem a shame not to.

Read on for the wedding in detail, as documented over the course of the flight out to Kenya!

The speech I would have made

Even now people are saying to me they are surprised and disappointed that I didn't make a speech on the day. The truth is the thought had crossed my mind - many times. A draft speech had also been rehearsed. On the day itself though there were four things that stopped me:

Firstly I realised I really didn't need to pressure

Secondly everything I wanted to say was said by others

Thirdly I knew James was strongly against the idea (although I've no idea why)

And lastly I knew we were running over an hour behind schedule and the last thing that was needed was an impromptu speech on my part. 

If I had spoken though this is what I would have said:

Thank-you so much to everybody here for making such an effort to spend the day with us. It genuinely means the world and I'm overwhelmed to see you all here. I can't imagine a more wonderful bunch of people to share in what has truly been the best day of my life. I would just like to take a moment to mention the people who couldn't be here - most noteably my late friend, Alison, whose support and guidance I always cherished and my Grandfather, with whom I had the absolute pleasure of sharing an incredibly close bond for the first 18 years of my life. I know both would have loved to be here today and I also know they would have both been so pleased for me and for us. 

More thank-yous are due to my bridal party. To the simply gorgeous Darcey for looking so lovely and performing her duties to perfection; to Tabitha, my goddaughter, who is now a stunning young woman and who it's been a delight to have as a bridesmaid; to Klara, first and foremost for being the reason we are all here today. For those of you who don't know she is the mutual friend through whom we met and I can only hope that in repaying the favour and introducing her to Hugh they will find an equally happy ending. Finally to Emz. Thank-you for being my best friend for the last 15 years. Thank-you for sharing my laughter and my tears. Thank-you for always being there and I hope that that will never change. 

I wouldn't be here today without the love and support of my parents. Those of you who know them know what wonderful people they are. They have always surrounded my by love and I couldn't have imagined a better start in life than the one they have given me. Everything I am today is because of them and they have made me into the person that James loves and wants to spend the rest of his life with. 

To round off I have to say a special thank-you to my wonderful husband. Thank-you for making me laugh from the moment we met. Thank-you for loving cuddles almost as much as I do. Thank-you for indulging some of my girlish whims and for being my protective knight in shining armour. Thank-you for being you and for loving me.

The wedding video

As any readers of the blog will know it was a very difficult decision for us to make about whether or not to have the wedding filmed. In the end at the 11th hour we decided to go for it. We found a chap who seemed to appreciate our desire for discrete filming on the day and we hired him. There were w few bumps on the day itself regarding locations for filming, in particular in the church, but you wouldn't know this from the end result. On Friday night we sat down with our hour long video to relive again the magic of the day. The long video includes the guests and my own arrival at the church, the vows and the signing on the register. It then includes filming of the guests at the reception venue, our entry to down the staircase, the address to the haggis, the speeches in their entirety, our first dance and some ceilidhing. We are utterly delighted and very very pleased to have had it done. Anybody wishing to view the web version can do so here. Enjoy! We certainly have!

The surprises

After months of hinting I think it only fair now to come clean about the surprises that we kept up our sleeves prior to the big day:

1. The welcome to the church. When James and I had the idea of me being piped into the church to highland cathedral we simply couldn't resist.

2. The welcome to the reception. Whisky and mocktails are very us. The mocktail  of choice was a virgin sunrise which combines orange juice and grenadine. 

3. The wedding dance. It was a rumba to Rita Coolige's All Time High. For the uninitiated that was the theme tune to the James Bond film, octopussy

4. The wedding dress. By blue bridal my dress was an adaptation of the Bardot dress. The sparkle was removed and the straps were added to make it more me. 

5. The second wedding dress. Kept secret from all but James until the day I bought my second dress from monsoon in order to allow me to dance freely at the reception. 

C and J Creative Crafts

They say one thing leads to another and so has been the story of the wedding and indeed of the year. Yesterday I went down to Brides of Winchester to take my beautiful dress in for cleaning and storing. I also took along the photographs as I knew they wanted to see them. On the back of seeing the photos they have offered me an opportunity I feel I would be stupid to miss out on. Brides of Winchester have offered to exhibit an item or two of my silk roses and see if any interest is generated. As such I have placed an order for some business cards, started a facebook page and set up a dedicated email account so that I can start creating roses, calligraphy and favours, as seen at our own wedding, for future brides and grooms as well as for other special occasions. I had so much fun designing and creating various items for the wedding including table plans, posies, bouquets, favours and invitations that I would love to share the joy I found in the end result with others. My imagination was my limitation although I'm pleased with what I came up with I would relish being set ever more ambitions tasks so watch this space and feel free to get in touch to commission works for your own occasions.

The honeymoon

I don't think the wedding blog would be complete without a post about the honeymoon. As I've already mentioned we chose Madagascar because of our desire to go somewhere a bit different and to see some unique wildlife, given our shared love of nature.

Thus it was that the day after our wedding we set out for Heathrow where we boarded an air Kenya flight to Nairobi and then on to Antananarivo (Tana to locals) the capital of Madagascar. We were
collected at the airport and taken to the lokanga boutique hotel for our first night. The hustle and bustle of a busy capital city in a developing country came as a bit of a shock to me but our hotel was a charming oasis in the French colonial style overlooking the city. We stayed in the hotel for the afternoon, soaking up the atmosphere, enjoying the traditional food and fantastic fruit juices and appreciating the sunset.

The next morning (or middle of the night!) we started the next stretch of our journey with two connecting flights to antsiranana or Diego Suarez to the locals. Here we met our guide for the rest of our time on the mainland, Laurent. We spent the morning exploring the town and seeing the local markets although without our suncream and insect repellent we were reluctant to get out of the car! After lunch we drove out of the city towards the outskirts of the Montagna d'Ambre national park. The roads were somewhat bumpy to say the least and the drive took a number of hours. We spent the afternoon exploring the rainforest and seeing our first lemurs (common brown and crowned) and chameleons. For the next two nights we stayed at the litchi tree guest house. The beautifully appointed property was in stark contrast to the surrounding poverty. It's french owner was a superb cook and we enjoyed beautiful food. The room was lovely although we only had electricity for a few hours in the evening. We enjoyed a full day in the national park on the Tuesday and a particular highlight for James was finding the worlds smallest chameleon.

On the Wednesday we journeyed onwards to the Ankarana national park. I found this by far the hardest day as the heat in this arid area was oppressive and the walking was tough! The scenery was stark but magnificent and we saw our third species of lemur - the sportive lemur. By the time we reached our lunchtime stop I could barely stumble one foot in front of the other and I think James was quite concerned about me. I revived sightly as we sat in the picnic area and shared our lunch with a crowned lemur. Afterwards I agreed to walk down to a bat cave, where the footing was treacherous and where my newly dodgy knee almost gave out on me. The walk was curtailed due to my exhaustion and we travelled on to the Iharana Bush Camp where we were to spend the next two days. By the time we arrived I felt like I'd been through a spin cycle backwards. Iharana was not what I was expecting - it was truly a bush camp but a rather luxury one - all the same I had anticipated a honeymoon with locking doors and floor to ceiling walls. As it was we shared our room with a multitude of frogs but had a truly amazing experience and I wouldn't have swapped it for the world. Thankfully the bed was surrounded by an industrial strength mosquito net - so much so that I struggled to get in and on more than one occasion brought the whole structure crashing down.

The Thursday saw us start the day with an early morning walk - or so I naively thought when we set out, little knowing that we were to scale the nearby tsingy. It turned increasingly treacherous and was akin to rock climbing but without any safety equipment. It reached a point where going onwards seemed the safer option than trying to turn around and the panoramic views from the top were magnificent. The descent wasn't what I expected - we walked down the inside of the tsingy through a network of caves. Yet another life experience I'd never expected to have. On reaching the bottom we were given the afternoon to relax and enjoy ourselves. We reached straight for our books and sequestered two sunloungers overlooking the lake and the tsingy and spent a blissful afternoon. As the sun began to set we were ushered to a traditional madagascan rowing boat to sail around the lake with cocktails and watch the sun go down - very romantic! Following another fabulous dinner of fresh fish we retired to our room for our last night on mainland Madagascar.

Friday saw another prolonged drive along more unmade roads as we headed towards the honeymoon island of Tsarabanjina. Shortly before reaching the harbour for the first stretch of our journey by boat we stopped at a Madagascan plantation where we bought some vanilla and coffee. The scent of them still lingers and it is truly spectacular. At the harbour we had a very stressful experience with more hostile Madagascan officials and we were marched around the harbour town having to show our passport to all and sundry before being mobbed beside the boat as we embarked for the first speed boat trip. After 40 minutes on the water we arrived on the Island of Nosy Be. Here we were met by another car and driver and were transferred to the fabulous Manga Soa hotel. We enjoyed an A La Carte lunch and met 'African Sam' - a small cream coloured dog who reminded me of my parents. We then had a couple of hours to sit by the pool and enjoy the views and the passing dolphins before being collected by the Constance Lodge speedboat.

For me this was where the more traditional aspect of the honeymoon started. We disembarked onto a white sandy beach and were met and escorted to the bar area where we were given iced tea and introduced to the ethos of the island. Afterwards we were walked through the centre of the island to our bungalow where the massive double bed afforded us view straight out the patio doors to the balcony and beyond to the beach and the ocean. Flower petals had been scattered throughout the bungalow and it was beautifully appointed. This part of the honeymoon was all inclusive meaning that we had access to the mini bar, island activities and all meals and drinks at the restaurant. Given the company of my esteemed husband I was surprised that when we left the bar had not been drunk dry!

The ensuing week was spent in idyllic harmony and relaxation. We both consumed roughly a book a day, luxuriating in the warm temperatures and guilt free existence of being uncoupled from technology. Over the course of the week we went on a guided botanical walk of the Island, enjoyed sunset cocktails on the hill and on a boat. We went snorkelling most days, equipment being provided and saw some truly incredible fish. One day we went out snorkelling on the boat and saw an even greater variety in the natural reefs - sadly that day James got slightly sunburnt. One day we took a sailing lesson and James enjoyed taking the lead while I clung on terrified for dear life. Later that particular day he took me on a brief kayaking trip. We enjoyed a complimentary couples massage and I made a few forays to the shop where we bought a handful of souvenirs and gifts. We also enjoyed a romantic candle-lit dinner on the beach one night. Breakfasts and lunches were buffets, with a heavy bias towards fresh fish. Dinners were a la carte. The overall experience was one of indulgence and luxury and we've vowed to have a similar holiday once every five years. Here's hoping that that plan doesn't have to meet with reality too soon!

All too soon our week drew to a close and after a short flight back to Nosy Be we spent our last night in Madagascar back in the Lokanga Boutique Hotel in Antananarivo. Once again we appreciated the food and the hospitality. On Saturday 11th October we began the long and arduous journey home. Our flight back to Kenya was uneventful.  There followed 12 hours in the airport waiting for our connecting flight back to Heathrow. At the rate of approximately one second per second (a favourite phrase of James') time passed and with a small amount of duty free to show for our wait we were finally homeward bound. Our honeymoon was over but our life together was only just beginning. 

The Wedding: The Groom's View

Let me start by saying that I think my wife has done a fantastic job of cataloging much of the build-up to our wedding as well as documenting the day itself. However, on reflection, there were one or two details that were missed. Being a helpful sort of chap, I thought it decent to point out some of these. Forthcoming with encouragement as always, Cat eventually said, "Why don't you write a bloody post yourself then." So here goes...

As has been mentioned many times before, we were aiming to import as much of Scotland as possible to our big day (short of imposing passport controls should the independence lobby have won the prior referendum). Part of this was getting as many men in kilts as possible. Some conventional "wisdom" would dictate that the kilts of the groom and the groomsmen should be standardised however, to me, one's kilt is a personal means of self-expression. It's a way of identifying with one's heritage and showing one's personal taste. A kilt is also a fairly common gift for a significant birthday such as an 18th or a 21st which adds another layer of sentimental value. For these reasons, and the fact that I was adamant I wanted to wear my own kilt (snug though it is) we asked the ushers who were wearing kilts and my best man to wear their own. This had the additional advantage of ensuring several tartans were on show.

I was wearing the Modern Dress Robertson tartan; a base of red with green and navy blue elements. My dad was wearing the modern hunting version of the same. Unsurprisingly this had a green base. Part of the pleasure of kilts, as well as the initial visual impact, is the detailing that goes with them. My sgian dubh (translation: black knife, the dagger that is worn in the sock) had the clan crest engraved on it as did dad's kilt pin. Mine was a sword topped with the logo of my beloved alma mater St. Andrews. My cufflinks (another sartorial detail I love) were the graduate cufflinks. Dad meanwhile was wearing rowing themed ones; very appropriate given his history in the sport.

We did have a slight wardrobe dilemma... Hugh and Ross by sheer coincidence had the same family tartan. The ancient Douglas. This lead to detailed discussion the night before about which flashes and socks would be worn by each in order to differentiate themselves slightly. In addition Hugh, a serving army officer, wore cufflinks made from shell casings of bullets that had been fired (hopefully not at him) in action.

Finally, last but certainly not least, Fraser (Cat's cousin) wore the Help for Heroes tartan. He was the only non-Scot to wear a kilt and the gesture was hugely appreciated. We opted for that tartan a) because we liked the colours of the tartan and b) because a portion of the hire fee went to the above charity. The unifying theme through the kilts and suits was a purple cravat tie; the tying of which caused more than mild frustration on the day. Despite my spare shirts, I was determined not to spill anything to avoid re-tying.

Continuing with the Scottish theme, we had whisky at the reception. The one we opted for was a Chivas Regal 12 year old; chosen as it was a good all-rounder and should appeal to most palettes. There was another bottle involved too. I had smuggled (with the manager's permission) a bottle of Talisker 10 year old into the dining room so that I and the guys in the bridal party could have a dram with the toasts... I'm not being sexist, the girls just didn't like it. This one was chosen because it's the only malt my father-in-law likes and I wanted him to be able to join in this ritual.

The bottle made a re-appearance later in the evening. I had given all of the ushers quaichs as a thank-you for helping (along with a miniature of Cardhu 12 year old - the whisky I drank while planning). This is a shallow bowl for drinking whisky and I think translates roughly to cup. Traditionally whisky is consumed from this (in no small volume) as part of a ceremonial toast. As the lads had given me a quaich too (great minds thinking alike) I'm sure you can see where this is going. Helen managed to get some fabulous photos of it.

As favours we gave our guests another traditional Scottish touch; tablet. For those of you reading that haven't encountered it, it's a concoction of sugar, condensed milk, butter and milk with a flavour similar to fudge and a texture like kendal mint cake. If you weren't diabetic before hand, you would be afterwards. This was home made to a recipe I pinched off a family friend many years ago. I hope I did it justice. I was also glad to be able to contribute materially to the craft efforts of the day.

A final food and drink touch was one of the beers behind the bar; Bishop's Finger. This was the first beer Cat ever got in for me and confirmed that she was a keeper!

It has been mentioned that I made a strong (nay winning) case for our first dance to be a Bond theme tune. Being a life-long Bond fan this mean a lot. The Bond theme continued accidentally in the form of the Piper, Steve Duffy, who also played the pipes in The World is Not Enough. A fact I only found out after we booked him. We did briefly toy with the idea of hiring an ex-Bond Aston Martin as our wedding car however getting in and out in a wedding dress was decided to be impractical. I also didn't fancy having to try and peel my wife (and possibly my mother) off the Daniel Craig lookalike (and stunt double) who drove the car. Instead we opted for a 1929 Rolls Royce; a truly beautiful car and ideal for the day.

Finally, from my part was my speech. From the length of this post I'm sure you will get the impression that finding words isn't usually a problem for me. The trouble in this case was finding the right ones. I have a fairly active sense of humour as many will testify (ideally at my trial for crimes against jokes). Although the day was a serious occasion, I wanted to get a few laughs in. Not to would have made the speech sound like it was ghost written for me. After all, my function was as a warm-up act for Ross. In the end, I'm happy I judged it right. I got laughs where I was aiming for them and dignified silence (punctuated with a couple of quiet sobs) where I was being serious. Performing the speech was rather good fun too although if ever I was going to have a sympathetic crowd, I hope my wedding would be it. Feedback afterwards confirmed it had the effect I was looking for.

So that's it from me; the gap-filling is hopefully complete.

Thank-you

The thank-you's are finally completed. Over the next few days a variety of shapes, sizes and designs of thank-you cards will be winging their way around the world. I've taken sole responsibility for writing all the card on the basis that James would never get around to it and if he did the recipient would be unable to read his writing! We're yet to receive all the gift list items - I think they're being delivered on Monday so there will be more excitement when they arrive. I've sent out preemptive thank-you's anyway.