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Claire & Matthew Franks
Our first bride to be columnist tells us how she ties the knot in Bath
Our first bride to be columnist tells us how she ties the knot in Bath
On my wedding day I was up like a shot, dashing to the window to look at the weather. Even though it appeared overcast and a little windy, there were no looming rain clouds, nor had any rain fallen during the night. I decided to show my excitement to my sister who was still snoring, fast asleep. Jumping on the bed I squeaked: “Whose wedding day was it? My wedding day!”
We enjoyed a lazy breakfast in the hotel and sitting amongst my bridesmaid and sister I started to feel excited about the day ahead. As we were finishing off our breakfast, the hair and make up artist arrived and started on the bridesmaids.
My sister and I headed down to the venue to put out the lawn games and decorations. I was disappointed that the terrace which I had planned to use for the arrival drinks was right in the wind’s path. It would be too chilly for the guests. But I was not about to let a bit of wind ruin my wedding day.
We arrived back from the venue I had a long and hot shower which helped to get rid of a few pre-wedding jitters. Once I was out the shower and dressed, everyone gathered in the bridal suite where my sister gave us a pedicure and we all enjoyed a few giggles. Finally it was my turn to get ready. My photographer turned up, which meant that I was captured at my most unflattering position with no make up and in rollers. Great!
Then my carefully planned arrangements fell through. I had arranged for my sister to drive our car down to the ceremony so that afterwards, she and the photographer could drive in convoy with us. Unfortunately, my sister was having her hair and make-up done, so I had to ask my bridesmaid to go instead. She got lost and couldn’t find any parking. She had not taken her mobile with her, and we were in a complete panic as we were meant to be leaving for the ceremony. She hadn’t even gotten dressed! I don't know how I stayed calm. We eventually found the missing bridesmaid, got her dressed and headed for the ceremony. On arrival we were so pleased to hear that the ceremony was running late in any event because of a previous wedding.
It was amazing walking into the ceremony room, with all our friends and family surrounding us with smiles and love. When I saw my H2B waiting for me everything faded into insignificance. In that moment I was sure that he was the person I wanted get old with. The nerves evaporated and we were clutching each other’s hands. My father-in-law and my sister both did a wonderful reading and my husband and I made our own promises to one another as we exchanged wedding rings.
The reception dinner was a casual affair with starters and dessert served at our tables whilst guests were able to choose their own main meal from the barbecue buffet. We had decided to have our speeches after starters as the best man was so nervous about giving his speech that we knew he would not be able to relax. Luckily the sun came out during our meal which allowed for us to get some great photographs on the lawn.
Then it was time to cut the cake and have our first dance. I had tried to get my husband to practice the first dance a couple of times with me in our front room before the wedding, but he would have none of it, and boy did our lack of practice show on the dance floor! It was fun though, and I wouldn’t have wished for it to be any different. Later in the evening I threw my bouquet and the garter. One of my bridesmaids caught the bouquet, but from nowhere, my husband’s Nan flew in and grabbed the bouquet. It was so funny at the time.
It was all over so fast and now guests were saying goodnight. We had decided that we would like a traditional send off and had our car adorned with balloons and tin cans. Had it not been raining at this point, we would have had sparklers lit to help light our way. However by that time, I just wanted to make my escape with my new husband so it hardly mattered!
Even though some arrangements didn't go as planned, I really did have a perfect day which I shall treasure for the rest of my life. Surrounded by all our guests, and watching them enjoy themselves was one of the best parts of the day.
We enjoyed a lazy breakfast in the hotel and sitting amongst my bridesmaid and sister I started to feel excited about the day ahead. As we were finishing off our breakfast, the hair and make up artist arrived and started on the bridesmaids.
My sister and I headed down to the venue to put out the lawn games and decorations. I was disappointed that the terrace which I had planned to use for the arrival drinks was right in the wind’s path. It would be too chilly for the guests. But I was not about to let a bit of wind ruin my wedding day.
We arrived back from the venue I had a long and hot shower which helped to get rid of a few pre-wedding jitters. Once I was out the shower and dressed, everyone gathered in the bridal suite where my sister gave us a pedicure and we all enjoyed a few giggles. Finally it was my turn to get ready. My photographer turned up, which meant that I was captured at my most unflattering position with no make up and in rollers. Great!
Then my carefully planned arrangements fell through. I had arranged for my sister to drive our car down to the ceremony so that afterwards, she and the photographer could drive in convoy with us. Unfortunately, my sister was having her hair and make-up done, so I had to ask my bridesmaid to go instead. She got lost and couldn’t find any parking. She had not taken her mobile with her, and we were in a complete panic as we were meant to be leaving for the ceremony. She hadn’t even gotten dressed! I don't know how I stayed calm. We eventually found the missing bridesmaid, got her dressed and headed for the ceremony. On arrival we were so pleased to hear that the ceremony was running late in any event because of a previous wedding.
It was amazing walking into the ceremony room, with all our friends and family surrounding us with smiles and love. When I saw my H2B waiting for me everything faded into insignificance. In that moment I was sure that he was the person I wanted get old with. The nerves evaporated and we were clutching each other’s hands. My father-in-law and my sister both did a wonderful reading and my husband and I made our own promises to one another as we exchanged wedding rings.
The reception dinner was a casual affair with starters and dessert served at our tables whilst guests were able to choose their own main meal from the barbecue buffet. We had decided to have our speeches after starters as the best man was so nervous about giving his speech that we knew he would not be able to relax. Luckily the sun came out during our meal which allowed for us to get some great photographs on the lawn.
Then it was time to cut the cake and have our first dance. I had tried to get my husband to practice the first dance a couple of times with me in our front room before the wedding, but he would have none of it, and boy did our lack of practice show on the dance floor! It was fun though, and I wouldn’t have wished for it to be any different. Later in the evening I threw my bouquet and the garter. One of my bridesmaids caught the bouquet, but from nowhere, my husband’s Nan flew in and grabbed the bouquet. It was so funny at the time.
It was all over so fast and now guests were saying goodnight. We had decided that we would like a traditional send off and had our car adorned with balloons and tin cans. Had it not been raining at this point, we would have had sparklers lit to help light our way. However by that time, I just wanted to make my escape with my new husband so it hardly mattered!
Even though some arrangements didn't go as planned, I really did have a perfect day which I shall treasure for the rest of my life. Surrounded by all our guests, and watching them enjoy themselves was one of the best parts of the day.
