Congratulations Mr & Mrs Thomas xxx

 

Today was the day that my nephew Michael got married to Lillie and after a truly awful day yesterday, weatherwise, we were blessed with a cold bright day which remained dry until about 10pm which was great because it meant we could make the most of the amazing venue they had chosen - Shustoke Barn.  Everything took place either in the barn or outside in the beautiful courtyard with fabulous mature olive trees.

Initially the Barn was set up like a church with seating down each side and an area at the front where the ceremony took place.  It was beautiful.  Michael and Lillie had asked that no photographs were taken during the service save for those being taken by the official photographer so I don't have any of the service being a good girl.

After the service we moved outside for drinks and canapes and the photographs.  As I said it was warm enough to do so which was good.  Here they brought bubbles and canapes which were lovely and in the corner a hog roast was going on which was for later in the evening.

Kaye was delighted to have all her immediate family around her, eldest son Matthew with wife Loren and baby Esme (who was unwell unfortunately so only put in a brief appearance), daughter Elena and husband Andy with the irascible Jack (who was a very proud and conscientious ring barer), younger son Mike (the groom) and now his wife Lillie to complete the group.  Her late husband Richard's two brothers were also there with their wives, Clive and Sharon had come up from Bridport and Paul and Tina from Australia.

After drinks and canapes the room had been transformed into a dining room with beautifully decorated tables.  At each place setting there was a personalised message from the bride and groom which was a lovely touch.  The food was excellent and the speeches heart-felt and amusing.

The room was finally changed so that there was a dance floor and seating area.  More people arrived for the evening and more food was on offer including the hog roast!  The band were amazing and featured a number of members of staff from Lillie's school!

It was a fabulous day although I must admit I would have enjoyed it so much more had John been able to come with me.  These sorts of celebrations can make you feel a bit lonely when you are on the outside.  My sister's family is very very close knit.  I was grateful to her friend Vanessa and her neighbour Barbara for making sure I had some company and conversation during the evening.

We eventually called it a day at around half past midnight and made our way to a nearby Hotel for a few hours sleep (Kaye had to be up relatively early to go and rescue her car from the venue before it got locked in by the cleaners).

On getting to our room the request for twin beds had been ignored and it was a double room, the bed was pretty big but I haven't slept with my sister for the best part of 55 years + so not sure either of us got much shut eye although I can confirm that she definitely snores and apparently so do I!

We made it though and I was so glad that everything had gone to plan for the happy couple and I must send a big thank-you to my nephew Matthew who managed to find my phone when it fell out of my bag and must have been kicked across the dancefloor at some point during the evening.  I have to say I was a tad panicky when I found it missing.