Share:                  Turn on Javascript!

Memories of Our Wedding and 3 Things I’d Tell My Engaged Self

This September, my husband and I will have been married 29 years. I don’t need much of an excuse to talk about our wedding day. It was truly wonderful, and I have asked my husband many times if we can do it all over again! Today, I thought I’d share some of the details and a few things I’ve learned about marriage since that memorable day…

Married in Nottingham

I met my husband in Nottingham when we were both students (Post Grad for him, Law for me), so it was an obvious choice for our wedding. Once we’d made this decision, we had the complicated task of co-ordinating arrangements with the close family and friends we wanted to attend, many of whom live in London, North Yorkshire, New York and Barbados. We gave everyone plenty of notice, asking them to save the date almost 18 months ahead.

We arranged hotel and guest house accommodation for all those who made the journey. Many of them arrived in Nottingham the day before and joined us at the church for the rehearsal. We then enjoyed a few drinks and a bite to eat in the bar of the Swans Hotel in West Bridgford where some of our guests were staying. We also spent our wedding night there in the bridal suite.

Mother of the Bride

My mum wore a fabulous Liz Claiborne three-piece suit with beautiful Van Dal peep toe shoes, a matching clutch and a fabulous broad rim hat. We had lots of fun shopping for her outfit, including finding an amazing traditional cobbler on Kings Walk in Nottingham who dyed my mum's shoes to match the colour of her clutch.

My Wedding Dress

My wedding dress was a fabulous bespoke number created by my wonderful friend and Chief Bridesmaid Alison. I had 5 bridesmaids a page boy and 3 ushers. They were all friends and family who had travelled across the Atlantic and up and down the M1 to play their part in making our day very special. My husband, dad, brothers, nephew and cousins all looked very dapper in their matching tailcoats, grey pinstriped trousers, waistcoats and cravats.

September Sunshine and a Rolls Royce

We were truly blessed with the September weather as we enjoyed glorious sunshine for most of the day. I was driven to the church in a beautiful white classic Rolls Royce accompanied by my dad. On arrival at the church, I could feel my usual calm self slowly disappear as I realised I had arrived without my bouquet! Luckily, the church was only a few minutes away from home, so the chauffeur whisked Alison back to retrieve my beautiful flowers.

We were married by Reverend Liz Carrington at St Leodegarius church in Nottingham. Of course, I shed a few tears at the altar while singing Hosanna, a childhood favourite of mine! Our reception was held in the Derek Randall Suite of Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Although I am never short of a few words, I couldn’t muster the courage to make a speech, so I left this task in the capable hands of my husband and his best man and lifelong friend, Keldy. So many memories of our day are precious, but Keldy’s involvement and support has become particularly poignant as sadly he has since passed away.

Food, Drinks and Lots of Dancing!

Our guests have told us many times the food at our wedding breakfast and evening reception was amazing, but I can honestly say I was so caught up in the moment, I don't remember eating much of anything!

Our friends, Steve and Bryan, provided the music for the evening with a selection of new, old, popular and some unheard-of tunes! Our first dance was ‘Breathe Again’ by Toni Braxton. We didn’t invest in first dance lessons, we simply decided to let the champagne, wine and brandy fuel our dance steps. I think we did ourselves proud!

3 Things I Would Tell My Engaged Self

It’s fair to say I’ve been married a long time! Relationships are a constant work in progress, but there are a few things I know for sure. If I could go back in time, here’s what I‘d tell my engaged self:

1. Listening to each other is as important as talking to each other.
2. Spending time together, just the two of you, should be a priority, especially during those times where it seems next to impossible.
3. You will fall in and out of love with each other at times. In these moments, you need to remind yourself that you chose this person for a reason.

Thank you for letting me share some of my happiest memories with you all! I’d love to help you create some of your own. Whether you’re getting married in the UK or overseas, Benessamy can help. Discover our Wedding Planning Services or get in touch to arrange a consultation.

Val x

Share:                  Turn on Javascript!