Categories: uncategorized
Date: 16 December 2007 22:08:25
I got up early(ish) raring to go. Well, Stephen called round for me anyway.
We went around the corner to a local cafe for a big blowout fry-up breakfast before returning to my flat to get ready. Tina had given Stephen strict instructions to make sure I shaved properly and cleaned my fingernails.
The service was at 1.00, so somewhere between 11.30 and midday we set off to the pub opposite the church for myu last drink as a single man. A few members of my family were already in there, as was Geoff who was to preside at the Eucharist, and slowly other friends and relatives drifted in. After a while, members of the London Cantata, who were singing at the service and had beemn rehearsing in church, also joined us. It was about then I received a phone call from my soon-to-be brother-in-law Stevie Boy Wonder pointing out that G, the Vicar, was getting a bit annoyed that I wasn't in church yet.
We went over to church, did a last minute check of the registers and then sat down ready for the off.
Then I needed a pee, so went off to the loo and afterwards returned to my seat.
Then I decided I wanted just one more cigarette before the service, and figured I just about had enough time to nip outside quickly. On my return, Stephen made sure I had a Polo to take the smell of fags off my breath.
Tina arrived and as she entered the church, the choir sand "Alle Psallite", a 13th Century anthem written by that very popular composer "Anon".
We sang the frist hymn "God is love, let heaven adore him" (to the tune of "Blaenwern" of course). The first reading was read by Stevie Boy Wonder (who was by now getting even closer to becoming my Brother-in-law). The Gradual hymn was "Before the throne of God Above" followed by a Gospel Acclamation composed specially for the occasion by Peter Moorse who was conducting the choir. The Gospel was read by P, the curate from Tina's old church.
G preached the sermon and then came the actual marriage bit. We both said our vows. I was surprised that I wasn't nearly as nervous as I thought I'd be. In fact, I felt really calm. I was much more nervous about proposing in the first place!
After exchanging rings, we went off to sign the register while the choir sang "Thou o God art praised in Sion" by Malcolm Boyle. (A superb anthem. If you don't know it, listen out for it sometime).
The intercessions were led by my cousin's wife, C. Geoff introduced the Peace, after which we sang the POffertory hymn "All for Jesus". (Those of you who've been paying attention will understand why we chose this).
During the Communion, the choir sang the Mozart "Laudate Dominum" with my niece singing the soprano solo.
After the blessing, the final hymn was "Lord for the years", a favourite of both of us.
Pictures were taken outside the church and the Routemaster bus we'd hired turned up to take us all to the reception in Wimbledon, but not before I'd had a photo taken of me sitting in the driver's cab!
I really enjoyed the reception. It was great to be served first and watch everyone else have to wait! The Best Man's speech wasn't too embarrassing. (We'd known each other since we were 12 years old, so it could have been much, much worse)
The afternoon turned to evening and the Disco started. Now, I don't dance. I inherited my dad's dancing skills. He was a rugby playing policeman, and he danced like one. At least he always spared me the embarrassment that most kids go through by never dancing in public. I'm the same. So is Tina. Reluctantly, we both agreed to a "first dance". Then we stopped dancing.
All too soon, we ran out of evening and it was time to go. We were booked on an early flight the following morning, so were staying in a hotel near Gatwick Airport. The taxi arrived to take us and we left the party while it was still in full swing.
As the taxi reached the end of the drive, it conked out with clouds of steam appearing from under the bonnet. The driver assured us that everything was OK, but clearly it wasn't and about a mile up the road, the car died completely.
The driver radioed for a replacement cab. The driver was a real hippy type bloke with no sense of direction. Despite being given clear directions how to find the hotel, he still got lost.
Eventually we arrived.
The next morning, we got up early, caught our flight and spent ten wonderful days on the glorious island of Guernsey.