Excuses, excuses

Well.

It would be remiss of me not to mention my absence. But this time, I have a rather good excuse, which, you'll be happy to hear, can only be used once.

I went and got married! Yup, the boy and I are officially hitched!

It came from 6 months of frantic planning, countless trips to the North East of England, coordination between people in 4 countries, kind, patient parents and a hefty chunk of change.

But was it worth it?

HELL YEAH!!

Highlights included:

The absolutely incredibly gorgeous, 14 degrees weather. Yep. You heard right, 14 degrees in the North East in FEBRUARY, ladies and gentlemen. Which means yes, God was on our side!

Our wonderful family and friends who helped us pull it all off and the incredible amount of air miles our friends put in to join us. We were truly honored.

The old London double decker we rented, complete with uniformed conductor, to drive guests to and from the church.

The response of the boy when the Vicar asked him when he knew why brides wore white.... I'll never live that one down.

The Northumbrian piper when we walked in and the Ceiligh band which kicked off the evening.

The candy buffet which featured candy and treats from Hong Kong, Canada and the United Kingdom (my personal favorites were the Coffee Crisps, Black Jacks and of course dark sugar embedded sour plums!).

The dance coordinated by my fantabulous sister-in-law... a shock to many, including the boy, when the bridesmaids and I sauntered to the dance floor in a "choreographed" cheesy dance to... wait for it.... "Play that Funky Music White Boy".

My four dresses... and of course my snow cape! Hey, it went from 9am to 2am, a girl's got to have some fun!

Now, for those of you who are here for the food!! I'm sad to report it wasn't all that...

Dinner homemade tomato soup served with warm rolls (which were so good my Uncle had 4!!), Oven baked Loin of Cheviot Lam flavoured with Rosemary and served with a Redcurrant Jus and finished with Pear flavoured Bavarois topped with Glazed Pears and edged with Raspberry Coulis. I didn't get a chance to take any photos but Aaron, my Matron of Honour's husband, who was a STAR the whole day, thought of Sui Mai and snapped this one. Thank you!

Although I didn't get near it, I was told that the evening buffet of roast beef and pork with all the accompaniments (gravy, applesauce, mustard, etc.) was outstanding. And for those who worried about my veg head friends, they were catered for with veggie burgers. Prompting of course my father to ask what that "weird burger" was after the wedding.

There is so much more to say and people to thank but I will do that on another medium. However, I did want to publicly thank everyone who was there, people who sent their well wishes and those of you who were there with me in spirit.

Thank you for the cards, the gifts and your support. It is more than I could ever have hoped for.