Community: Real Life

Ellie gets married


Ellie's wedding

Ellie has been with David for three years and they've decided to tie the knot. She tells us how planning the big day can turn into something like a military operation.

The big day has finally arrived. The rehearsals go according to plan but will the real thing lead to matrimonial heaven?

The wedding day approached far too quickly. I couldn't quite believe it when I found myself at the rehearsal. The church was freezing cold and snow had been forecast, so the vicar decided to leave the heating on overnight to warm the place up. As soon as I left I started panicking because I had instantly forgotten everything the vicar had just talked us through. I think it's fair enough to say I was a complete nervous wreck, and David didn't look much better either.

I had to put all that to one side because our guests had begun to arrive and on my last night of 'freedom' I was determined to damn well enjoy myself. We picked people up from the Travel Lodge at Penrith and proceeded into town or yet another curry. What can I say; I just love curry. The restaurant, staff and food were all superb. I was serenaded by their Italian waiter (as was the Italian boyfriend of one of my friends!) and press-ganged into drinking free flaming black sambucas. After all the lovely food, I was hoping I'd sleep soundly, but it was not to be. The heavens opened and after listening to the rain on the roof all night, I only managed to get a few hours of restless sleep before giving up and getting up at 4am.

Luckily, by the morning, the rain clouds had melted away and there was a brighter, fresher feeling to the day. By fresh, I actually mean sub-zero. I was hoping to relax quietly before having to go to the church, but for some reason, my entire family decided to come to the house, and it was left to me to run round making cups of tea for everyone. I got so worked up, and all the people demanding things just made me snap. I spent an hour and a half hiding in my room waiting for them all to go. Because of this, I ran out of time and was only half ready when I was meant to be at church. The poor chauffeur had been waiting with his beautiful car for over half an hour before I was eventually ready to go. Everything was suddenly passing by in a blur, and I remember wishing very badly that I'd had a few stiff drinks before setting off. David teases me that I'm always late for everything, so I hoped he wouldn't be getting too worried waiting for me, but my tardiness wasn't helping my nerves at all.

"David has made my life special, and warm, and loving. With that as a foundation, I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can make together over our lifetimes."

As I got out of the car at the church, I noticed snow on the hills in the distance. The vicar was hurrying forwards and the photographer made me strike a few poses and then we were going in through the door. I've never liked people looking at me so I was glad I'd worn a veil.

The church was freezing. I later found out that some helpful soul had turned the heating off and the vicar had found out too late. I was holding David's hand very tight and the whole ceremony seemed to be over very quickly. I don't remember my vows at all. I have teased my mother for years since she admitted to me that she cried during her wedding, but I actually sobbed right through mine, which apparently set off most of the congregation.

Amazingly, as soon as the official stuff was finished, I felt this huge sense of relief and I really began to enjoy myself. Everyone was there for us and it was wonderful to see so many people who had travelled such a long way, including Susie, one of the moderators from TheSite itself, as well as other friends and family I hadn't seen for years. After more photographs, my new husband and I were whisked away in the gorgeous Rolls Royce to the reception, where we were greeting with champagne, Pimms, and more champagne. The alcohol may have encouraged some of the impromptu speeches, including one from my granddad and my mum, as well as the more traditional ones. Luckily, nobody asked my friends to make a speech; otherwise there would have been a lot more embarrassment. The cake my grandma had made was absolutely beautiful and tasted wonderful, and in a bizarre twist of fate, she was the lucky person to catch my bouquet after I'd thrown it, which I couldn't have managed if I'd tried.

The evening Ceilidh was a very tipsy success, despite the fact that my dress wasn't really designed for mad drunken dancing. I ended up kicking my shoes off and dancing barefoot, which I paid for the next day. I danced, with pretty much everyone. The day was going by so fast and I didn't want it to end. I'm still adjusting to the idea that I am now Mrs David, rather than Miss Ellie. People ring up asking for this woman, and it still takes me by surprise when I realise they are asking for me. Being married doesn't feel that different from before, but at the same time it does. It's solidified our relationship into something unbreakable. David has made my life special, and warm, and loving. With that as a foundation, I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can make together over our lifetimes.


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