5 Years Ago Today…

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Five years ago today, I married the love of my life. Five whole years. Today feels different to the four other anniversaries that have preceded this one; five is a nice, round number isn’t it? A proper little milestone.

Shortly after our wedding on the first day of Spring, March 2009, I put pen to paper and wrote everything down that I could remember about our wedding day, in story telling style. Every little vivid recollection I had of our beautiful, Spring sunshine wedding day was captured in words that flowed like a river of love from my heart! I called it my ‘wedding report’, and I stole as many little moments of time here and there as I could to work on it – time during lunch breaks and in the evenings, whenever I could. As my wedding report took shape, I would share it’s progress via a forum for brides, hosted by ‘You & Your Wedding‘. I had discovered the forum about a year prior and loved visiting to share ideas and seek inspiration from other brides to be as I was planning our nuptials. I can remember the very afternoon I stumbled on the forum and set about creating a user account. I spent an age that day figuring out a forum name to log-in with and after much deliberation, I settled on ‘lovemydress’. Little did I know that forum name would end up becoming an internationally recognised, award winning wedding blog that would change my career and life in ways I could have only ever dreamt about.

Every time I shared a new part of my wedding report on the forum, members would comment in their droves about how much they loved it. And so, I carried on writing and sharing more of my beautiful day. It gave me such pleasure to recall everything in such perfect, fresh detail – to share and inspire other brides. Over 25,000 words (yes!) and several ‘chapters’ later, I had finally finished my report. Shortly after, I was asked by a newly established wedding blog if I would share my wedding day experience – and be one of their very first ‘real wedding features’. It was right about then that a little light bulb moment occurred, and I thought to myself ‘you know what, I think I’d rather set up my own little blog and share the story myself’. The rest, as they say, is history.

There will only be one blog post today and I’d like to dedicate it to my husband – my wonderful, loving, long suffering husband! If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here now, doing what I love. If it wasn’t for him having proposed to me that rainy Christmas Eve in 2007, I’d never have turned my attention to the world of weddings and fallen in love with an industry I knew little about. My husband has sacrificed a great deal in the past four and a half years since I’ve been blogging to enable me and my career to flourish and today, I feel I owe him.

I’ve also been working really hard behind the scenes of late – we’re about 3 months away from launching a beautiful new blog design, new services and resources. I can’t wait to share these changes in due course, but just for today, I’d like to take a step back and celebrate that moment 5 years ago that changed everything for me. I really want to be present and in the moment and appreciate some rare quality time with the one I love.

Whilst I’m away, I thought you might enjoy reading through a few extracts from my original wedding report. I’ve shared these extracts below, along with some of our wedding photographs taken by our photographer Karen McGowran.

Have a lovely day everyone.

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘My wonderful husband to be and bridesmaid haul all my bumf downstairs as I pull on some jeans and heels and spray a little perfume about my neck. A few moments later, I am kissing my darling husband to be goodbye downstairs on our driveway – he looks a treat, dressed in white vest and trousers rolled up to his knee – he had been working hard in the sun in our garden, making last minute preparations on the flowers and plants, that he has nurtured for months now, that will decorate our wedding venue; an exquisite magnolia tree, pretty hellebore, narcissi, little potted herbs with moss bedding. He looks me in the eye and says “see you tomorrow – now go!”‘

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘I feel a moment of anxiety, which quickly passes, and I jump into Amanda’s car bursting at the seams with excitement. I look back briefly to see him mopping his brow with the back of his hand in the middle of loading huge tubs of greenery into the boot of his car.’

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘Our journey lasts around an hour, and we cruise down the M1 chatting about dress fittings, shoes and hair-do’s. This hour and a half of my life will remain a fond memory forever, as I recall Amanda and I sharing laughter and excitement – such a special friend, she had taken the day off work and had told me she was at my beck and call. I felt I was in the very best of hands, and smiled to myself at my excellent choice of bridesmaid, and friend. Amanda was full of excitement in her own right, having purchased her own wedding dress that very day! She, being due to wed in October 2009, to our best man, Ian, had her own wedding to plan.’

‘Amanda refused to speak of her exciting news, reminding me it was my special time for now, and that we’d chat about her dress later. I insisted she told me everything, of course. I could sense her glee and remember how thrilled I felt, driving in the opposite direction back up the M1, towards home, some 6 months earlier, having just found my own dream wedding dress. Only a bride to be could possibly understand that kind of excitement.’

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

There were voices at the door, “Helloooo…..can we come in?” came an excited sounding voice. It was my darling Sister, Camilla – my other ‘grownup’ Bridesmaid. She looked so happy! She had with her, her eldest daughter, Freyja – the third of my four Bridesmaids. Both entered the room with a mixed look of delight and trepidation! I welcomed each and we did some brief introductions around the room. Immediately, Deborah and Debbie set about making everyone feel comfortable and relaxed.’

”Is Phil here yet, anyone?’, I asked. My husband to be was supposed to be arriving at 08:30 to set up the table-centres and decorate the venues wit his flowers and potted plants. “Er, I’m sure he won’t be long – he’ll be here soon.” It was almost 09:00. I started to panic. Phil was not a man who was late!’

‘Camilla disappeared briefly and reappeared at around 09:15 – literally bursting into the room full of excitement. “Your GROOM is here! …and he’s all full of tears and happiness and…..and….oh, it’s all just so lovely!” squealed my Sister. The whole room erupted in a union of “AHHHHH!!!”. A huge, silent wave of relief swept over me at once. He’d arrived.”

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘I suddenly realised the room was void of any music! Music plays such an important part in both mine and Philip‟s life, it didn’t feel right not having even just the faintest of background music on, like it almost usually is in our house. I recall my Sister telling me that one of the loveliest things about visiting, is that there is always music to be heard to lift ones spirits. I turned my laptop on, opened up iTunes and clicked on an album called ‘Baby I’m a Fool’.’

‘This was a new album that Phil had discovered, of romantic jazz music, sung by the American jazz singer and musician, Melody Gardot. Her album was full of themes of love and romance and sung so beautifully from the heart. Almost immediately, the sound began to weave it‟s romance and into every corner of the room. “What lovely music for a day like this!” declared Deborah.’

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

“I just have to repeat after you, don’t I, I don’t have to remember anything??” I said to the Registrar. My head suddenly felt shot and I knew that in a matter of minutes, I’d be making my way downstairs to enter a room full of 60 wedding guests, and, no doubt a very nervous Groom. “Someone – please, can you get Caroline?'” – Caroline was our venue’s wedding co-ordinator – “I think she needs to be here to listen to this”. “Caroline is very busy downstairs, all you need to do is focus on what I’m telling you, and stay calm” replied the Registrar, smiling kindly back at me.’

‘All at once, I sensed her authority, as she looked at me, dipping her head gently and ever so slightly raising her brow. “Sorry” I whispered, leaning forward again to listen. I glanced over to see our photographer Karen and her Assistant sat patiently waiting on the bed. Karen smiled her cheeky smile back at me. I spent most of the next few moments nodding back to acknowledge the Registrar; “uhu, yes, yes, ok.’

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘The Registrar suddenly stood back, straightened her back and posed to close her book, she asked me “Do you have any questions?”. “No, I don’t think so”, I responded. “OK, we shall see you very soon – stay cool”. They left the room. Almost immediately, Caroline the co-ordinator stepped forward to take my hand and bring me to stand by the main entrance to the Bridal Suite. “Someone’s here to see you” she whispered. She opened the door slowly – teasingly almost and there, stood in the hallway, was my Dad.’

‘A huge wave of emotion raced up from the pit of my stomach, to my chest, and proceeded to catch the bottom of my throat – leading my hands to clutch round my neck suddenly, and take in a short sharp breath. Dad’s eyes widened, his mouth gaping – he leaned backwards, genuinely taken by surprise. “Bel? Oh my Goodness!”.’

‘And for those few intimate moments between Father and Daughter that followed, nothing else needed to be said as we hugged closely together and Dad dabbed ever-so-gently at my eyes with his pocket-tissue.’

Photographs from our wedding on 20th March 2009 to celebrate our 5 year anniversary_0007

‘He looked so incredibly smart in his dark navy blue suit. I noticed his buttonhole looking fresh and beautiful, the creamy whites of the Spring flowers contrasting beautifully against the suit fabric. I felt immensely proud. The night prior, he had been sharing his speech with me, kept hidden before then on a neatly folded piece of paper he had in his pocket. He had admitted to me fairly recently, that he had been a bit nervous about the prospect. I knew he’d be just fine.’

‘Lots of shuffling and whispering and all of a sudden, I could sense a gathering momentum – it was time to make our procession downstairs to the Oak Room – the room that would host our wedding ceremony.

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘Then there it was, the song I had been waiting for, ‘Moon River’. The sound resonated beautifully from the wood panelling in the Oak Room and floated gently through into the hallway. This was perfect, this was exactly the way I had dreamt it would be.’

‘We need to go!” I whispered. “Wait!”, said Caroline – she nodded to Amanda, who was holding on to my niece Freyja’s hand. In they went, followed moments later by my sister and daughter. I glanced up as they disappeared into the entrance. I could see a very smart looking young man, standing tall and proud and looking like he held authority of some kind, just inside the entrance of the room – I found out later that day he was the son of Carol, who owned the wedding venue, and that he enjoyed helping out during weddings, having gotten married himself there only recently. I remember having a fleeting thought about what a wonderful family-run business it was.’

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

“OK, go…” said Caroline. I looked at Dad, feeling only excitement and anticipation – my nerves really had abandoned me on my day of need. We entered the tighly packed room, just big enough to comfortably hold the number in our wedding party. I heard a gasp from one of our guests as we passed them on the left, before turning 90 degrees to our right to make our way directly ahead to my Groom.’

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘The harp sounded heavenly – I very briefly closed my eyes, took a slow draw of air through my nose and let it out gently through my mouth. And suddenly, there he was. Up ahead, stood my Groom and soon to be Husband. My best friend and love of almost eight and a half years, Father to my little girl – light of my life. I felt momentarily choked, but the second we clasped eyes together, my protective and caring instinct kicked in. What greeted me were the deepest, loving, most tearful eyes I have ever seen. My darling man was already so overwhelmed with emotion; he wiped away the tears with this hand.’

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘Philip looked amazing and so handsome! He wore a beautifully fitted, very dark chocolate colour pinstripe suit, with a cream silk cravat that I know he had made himself only two days earlier. I felt so proud, I felt so much love!’

‘We are just your typical couple, we’ve been through thick and thin like the rest, but all of a sudden it felt like we were the only two people in the room. I didn’t even notice our daughter holding on to her Father’s leg! She had escaped the clutches of her Grandma as soon as she had saxt down, apparently, saying “I want my Daddy!”. This, I learned later, had practically reduced the entire room to sobs!’

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

Our daughter Eska, then 3, now 8, clung to her Daddy’s leg during the ceremony. I hadn’t even realised it had been captured on camera until we got our photographs back!

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘It was time for our third, and final reading. Our dear friend, and one of Philip’s Ushers, Scott, stepped to the front of the room. Here was a Managing Director of his own business, who regularly has to stand up and give presentations to win business contracts, who is known for his confidence and bravado – a real ‘gift of the gab’, and yet, as he ushered past me to take his place before the guests, I could sense his nerves. Scott looked at us both, took a gentle breath in, and began…’

“Today is Spring Equinox – the very first day of Spring. It is not by chance that Philip and Annabel chose today to celebrate their coming together in marriage and the start of a new chapter in their life.

In Spring time, all of nature comes alive; the flowers of the plants breathing sweetly, give life and hope to a new beginning. Nature is stable and orderly and each Spring, the spirit of love returns, like the plants and leaves.

The power of the garden to inspire love, is expressed in this poem that was inscribed by an Egyptian Girl on a papyrus many years ago;

I belong to you, like this plot of land, that I planted with flowers
and sweet smelling herbs.

Sweet in it’s stream,
shy by your hand,
refreshing in the North Wind.

A lovely place to wonder in, Your hand in my hand.”

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘I remember looking across the terrace and seeing work colleagues mingling with my family, friends introducing themselves to new friends, and across the way, on the beautiful grass, children continued to run around and chase each other, bare foot. Grandad Charlie was enjoying keeping them busy and active!’

‘”Can I get more champagne for the Bride?” asked Sharon once or twice in between takes. “Yes please!” came my eager reply :)’

‘Next it was turn for me to be photographed, at my request with three of my best friends from my home town. Each of these girls meant something so special to me, I had received endless texts, emails and calls in the run up to the wedding checking if I was ok and telling me how much they were looking forward to spending the day with us. We all had a giggle together and shared brief hugs after the photo had been taken, chinking glasses before the next shot was called for.’

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

“OK hen’s, I hope you’re ready!” called Karen. I had asked for a photograph of just me, with all the lovely ladies that had attended my Hen Weekend a month prior and made me feel so special; they had all chipped in together and presented me with a gift on the Saturday evening after our Tapas meal, of a beautiful, art-deco style bracelet, that looked like it had been made to be worn with my wedding ring! I was stunned! “We have been listening to you describe your ring, and thought you’d like this…” my friend Su (sic.) had said.

As we posed for our wedding day photographs, the hen’s congregated around me, all giggling like cheeky school children and recalling the high jinx of that weekend in February. “45 degrees ladies! Soft hands!” called my sister – and we all fell about laughing hysterically. She was repeating the posing advice we had been given by Karen at the Hen Weekend (never stand straight on in front of the camera ladies….it’s a 45 degree angle, and watch those hands, don’t make them look harsh). Moments later, we were recreating our Charlie’s Angels pose, that we had had so much fun attempting at the Hen Weekend.’

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘As the photographs above were being taken, I was standing on the Terrace, chatting to friends, looking out across the view that lay before me; I heard giggles and jokes being shared, I observed friends tossing their heads back with laughter, and chinking glasses whilst pronouncing “cheers!”, I saw Phil playing with the children on the lawn, chasing and tickling them, laughter rising helplessly from their tiny bodies as limbs flew all over, wriggling, giggling – good old fashioned fun. The sky was blue, there wasn’t even a breeze. This vision that I saw shall remain a snapshot in my mind of everything our wedding day ended up being; the most perfect day i could possibly imagine.’

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘I looked at the table decorations and smiled with glee! Such simple yet such very elegant presentations of Spring narcissi – each and every one grown from seed in our own garden, cropped the day before, and transformed into table decorations that very morning by Philip himself. He had wanted only seasonal, spring flowers for each table centre piece, nothing extravagant – and it all looked beautiful. “Wow, Phil, you’ve done a fabulous job, well done”. Each stem had been cut to perfection, to match the length of the lovely long tall dark glass vases they were housed in.’

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘Placed around the base of each vase, were pretty ‘silver scatter flowers’, a gorgeous little find from Cox and Cox, that I had asked to be quite literally scattered over all the surfaces for wedding breakfast. They added such a lovely element of sparkle and shine to each table. Next to them, were the cutest little heart shaped shells, another lucky find from The Lavender Room – and, stunning little mussel shells, boasting the loveliest dark blues, browns and pearlescent type colours – Philip had spent an entire evening removing the actual mussels from these shells in the past week, preserving their delicate cases as decor for our tables.’

Photographs from our wedding on 20th March 2009 to celebrate our 5 year anniversary_0028

‘I realised that the background music had started to play; the playlist that Philip had so carefully and painstakingly put together over the past few months; each and every song relaxing in it’s nature, loving and romantic in it’s themes – every single track meaning something to us both personally. The only thing was, we couldn’t hear it properly!…all we could hear was bass, gently booming it’s presence into the room and vying, somewhat unsuccessfully, for attention above the conversation that now filled the Terrace Suite. I motioned for Caroline the co-ordinator to come over to us both and asked if the music could be turned up.’

‘Several moments later, Phil and I were clutching our hands together beneath the table and smiling to one another, as the first of the songs started to filter it’s beautiful lyrics around the room. I don’t think anyone else noticed or even if they had, would realise the significance, but it didn’t matter; we knew.’

Taken from the album ‘Aerial’, by Kate Bush…

We’re gonna be laughing about this We’re gonna be dancing around
It’s gonna be so good now
It’s gonna be so good

Oh so exciting, mmh go on and on Every time you leave us
So Summer will be gone
So you’ll never grow old to us

It’s gonna be so good now
It’s gonna be so good
Can you see the lark ascending?

‘Philip drew even closer towards me and told something that had happened earlier that day. “I was on my way up to Dunsley Hall with the flowers, and had just turned off the moors road, when this beautiful lark fluttered down near the bonnet, then swooped and ascended high into the sky above, he followed me all the way to Dunsley Hall. I thought of you and started crying – I couldn’t stop crying after that.”

‘I knew instantly the significance of what Philip was telling me; ‘The Lark Ascending’ is a classical piece of music, written by the British Composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams; it was one of my favourite pieces of music ever, that still moves me to tears and gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it. I recall us both sitting in the car one sunny day, having had a picnic in the pretty village of Lealholm, and being parked up near to The Board Inn, overlooking the river Esk in the valley, when this exquisite piece of music had come on the radio, and I’d made Philip sit and listen to every second of it it.’

‘I was to shed a gentle tear at the moment the solo violin soars up, reaching octanes that only the most talented of string musicians could possibly achieve. It truly is a moment of musical brilliance, evoking visions of a lark swooping elegantly through the skies, soaring towards the clouds and dancing, almost heavenly, way high above it’s beloved and beautiful landscape. Philip knows how much this piece of music means to me, and so when Kate Bush uttered the lyrics from her beautiful song above, his eyes had started to well up, as he recounted his early morning experience to me.’

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘The lyrics continued…’

Oh so romantic, swept me off my feet Like some kind of magic
Like the light in Italy
Lost its way across the sea

What a lovely afternoon, oh, what a lovely afternoon

‘I made a point of mentally recording that very moment in the safest vaults of my memory; ‘what a lovely afternoon’. Indeed, I thought, nothing could have been more true. I pinched my wrist gently. This is real. This IS real. I reminded myself to enjoy absolutely every single second of it.’

‘The music continued as we set about enjoying our delicious meals; always the first to be served for each course by efficient, well dressed and smiley hotel staff – it really had started to feel like we were a couple of VIPs! I thought there and then how strange it was that you work so hard preparing for this one day, but on the day itself, you are wrapped in a bubble; kept well distanced from any mishaps that may have occurred, treated impeccably by everyone; after all the months of commitment to this one special day, you are left on the day itself not having to lift a finger – everything is done for you and everything is wonderful. I started to really relax and enjoy the amazing atmosphere.’

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘Soon, Elvis Costello was singing to us and again, Phil looked over to smile at me – he knew how I loved this song and it’s lyrics…’

Let Me Tell You About Her, by Elvis Costello

I wasn’t very indiscreet and yet
That is a notion that I might as well forget Friends look at me these days with fond surprise But when I start to speak they roll their eyes

Let me tell you about her
Hush now, I’ve said too much
There’s something indescribable I can’t quite catch Let me tell you about her
The way that she makes me feel
Then draw a curtain on this scene I shan’t reveal

Some things are too personal
Too intimate to spill
And gentlemen don’t speak of them And this one never will

I wasn’t very conversational
Except to say that, “You’re sensational” Friends now regard me with indulgent smiles But when I start to speak they run for miles

Let me tell you about her
Hush now, I’ve said too much
There’s something indescribable I can’t quite catch Let me tell you about her
The way that she makes me feel
Then draw a curtain on this scene I shan’t reveal

‘Over the next hour or so, fresh dishes were served, wine was poured and laughter and merriment ensued. Karen, our photographer, returned from her break. “Hello Mr and Mrs Beeforth! Did you enjoy you meal?” she asked, truly beaming at us and taking time to share a congratulatory hug and kiss with each of us. “It’s getting nice and dark outside now, why don’t we go out on to the Terrace for some night-time shots – just you two?” We left the Terrace Suite and thanked Caroline for all her hard work…”I’ll come and get you shortly before 7.30pm” said Caroline. We were due to cut the cake at that time – even though we had posed earlier for some ‘pretend cutting the cake’ shots.’

‘Making our way past reception, and the beautiful rooms that my Parents and Grandparents were staying in, we were soon back in the Library room. Quite a few of our guests had already retired to this room and once again, we observed nothing but warm smiles and happy faces, and heard only laughter and pleasant conversation, filling the room with a lovely ambient feel.’

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘We stepped, once again, through the large doors onto the terrace outside. Such a beautiful evening – we looked up and saw an evening ocean full of stars, twinkling and shining brightly – millions of light years away as they were, they felt so near that night. The stars reminded me of the tiny, precious diamonds on my wedding ring. The moon was a slither of creamy grey, like a pretty pendant, suspended elegantly in the night skies. I looked out over to darkened view and spotted a few tiny little lights, glistening and bobbing gently up and down on the see as they did. All at once, I felt so at peace – I squeezed my hand a little tighter around Philip’s and took another long, deep breath of fresh air in, closing my eyes and holding my head back slightly as I released it back out.’

‘Turning back to face Dunsley Hall, we saw warm light flooding out of each lattice window. We drew closer and hugged closely. We could hear Karen clicking away on her camera. Over the next 20 minutes or so, we danced around, kissed and embraced each other affectionately – once again, I barely noticed Karen was there, so quiet was she, as she skillfully shot what would turn out to be two of our favourite photographs of the entire weekend.’

‘And now ladies and gentleman, your Bride and Groom shall have the first dance. Jamie Cullum’s ‘Our Day Will Come’ started to pour it’s happy, care-free sounds from the speakers on the dance floor.’

Our day will come
And we’ll have everything. We’ll share the joy
Falling in love can bring.

No one can tell me
That I’m too young to know Cause I love you so
And you love me, love me.

Our day will come
If we just wait a while.
No tears for us
Think love and wear a smile.

And our dreams are meant to be Because we’ll always stay
In love this way
Our day will come.

‘Well, whilst it was ‘announced’ as a first dance, it really was something more akin to a shuffle! Our then 3 year old daughter, Eska, adores dancing with a passion, and as soon as she saw her Mummy and Daddy embrace, she had wanted to be a part of it! Despite my sister’s very best attempts to keep her back just whilst Jamie was doing his thing, nothing was going to stop our girl! Her Daddy scooped her up in his arms and all three of us danced together.’

‘I think Eska would rather have just danced with Daddy, if I’m honest, but we hugged her and kissed her, telling her again what a well-behaved little girl she had been. I gently nuzzled my face into Philip’s. l truly wasn’t even conscious that we had an audience – we, or I at least, was lost in that little moment of loveliness – where once again, it felt like it was just ‘us’, in that room.’

Photographs from our wedding on 20th March 2009 to celebrate our 5 year anniversary_0033

‘Before the wedding, I’d have been mortified at the idea that some kind of imperfection might have occurred on the day, but you know what? It really didn’t matter, and in hind-sight, I realise that there are just some little things that will always not quite turn out just as you had planned, but, it’s really not the end of the world. Phil and I embraced on the dance floor, loving every moment of everything that was happening all around us. This was what all that hard work and planning had been about….love, laughter, music and merriment, being surrounded by people we love.’

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘Philip and I decided to go and get a little bite to eat from one of the tables and stopped briefly, by the Cards and Gifts table, to take note of some of the comments that had been written inside our Guestbook. I had purchased the book from Paperchase, and personalised it with the same image that was on the front of our Order of the Day booklets – and of course, a little adhesive sparkle and shine. Here are but a few of the lovely entries we read there and then, tears rolling down our cheeks!’

“Annabel and Phil, The look of love – in all my life, I have never seen a wedding like it. You are two souls who should always be together. Annabel, you looked beautiful, and Phil, what a handsome bugger you are!! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together.”

“Annabel and Phil, You were both exquisite. A memorable occasion, delightful setting. Cherish yesterday, dream tomorrow, live today…”

“To you both, A wonderfully beautiful day, very emotional and heart rendering – thank you for letting us share your special day.”

“Dear Annabel and Philip, Thank you for letting us be part of your special day. So beautiful! So special and so fantastic. So perfect – even down to the last minute detail. Bel, you will always be special to be, even though we live miles apart, I feel I will be with you forever. I’ve had a wonderful time and may you and Phil have many wonderful years together, children together and grandchildren together.”

“….we will never forget and for so many reasons; it was a privilege to be part of it – may the sun that shone today continue to shine through a long and happy life together…”

“Thank you for letting us share this day and all the emotions and anticipation with you. We have seen your relationship from it’s first encounter, blossom into a truly beautiful love story (flowers, music and all the emotions of the day)….We wish you all the happiness in the world for your future together….”

“….we had a wonderful time at your wedding today, it was perfect – in every way, and all your attention to detail made for such a memorable day…”

“…..what a GREAT day, fantastic and lovely, we truly enjoyed it….”

Photographs from our wedding in Whitby on 20th March 2009 - the first day of Spring that year, 5 years ago today

‘My friend Su and I nipped out, for a little moment, to the bridal suite. I wanted to show her our beautiful room! As we entered, Su embraced me lovingly and said “Bel, I am just stunned and amazed, you have put on the most beautiful day….look at this!” she said, holding her arm out and casting her gaze around the room and out through the window. We sat for a while in the plush, comfy leather chairs, enjoying the quiet of the room and giggling, as we made our way through my Hen Weekend photograph album. I directed Su to my secret stash of vintage champagne and we popped a cork there and then, giggling like school children as the bubbles burst to the top of the bottle and spilt over into the two glasses I had grabbed from the bathroom; “Cheers! … to good friends, good times and good health…”.

‘We chinked our glasses, then turned round to look out through the window to the friends who had gathered in a small group outside. Laughter was rising in abundance up to our window, and we could her the gentle boom of the bass from the DJ set playing downstairs, resonating up through the floor. “Come on, we can’t stay up here, people will be wondering where we are.” We made our way back down stairs and within minutes we were joining friends and family on the dance floor again.’

‘As the night progressed, we continued to dance our lives away, laughing and giggling – Phil reaching for a bunch of the daffodils and placing one between his teeth as the Cure’s ‘It’s Friday, I’m In Love’ track began to play. I started to feel tired and weary, and was looking to leave the dancefloor and take a seat. And then, I heard those infamous words being sung; ‘Now I’ve had the time of my liiiiiiiiiife……’

‘Never in my life have I danced with such passion! I never requested this track and it never even occurred to me how much of an impact it could possibly end up having on me, but it touched me like I never have imagined. As the track entered it’s encore mid-way through, Phil grabbed me and made an attempt to hold me high, ala Dirty Dancing….hehehe!’

‘The track had to end, of course, at some point, and on so doing, I left the dancefloor to take a seat, and burst into floods of tears. Phil approached me swiftly and bent down to give me a hug….tears streaming from his own eyes. The song we’d just danced our lives away to had captured the spirit of our day beautifully in it’s lyrics….and I was left a jibbering wreck as I tried to compose myself. “What’s wrong, is she OK?” I recall my Mum asking. “She’s fine”, said Phil, “She’s just a little overwhelmed, we both are”.’

Photographs from our wedding on 20th March 2009 to celebrate our 5 year anniversary_0026

‘It felt like all the emotion of the day had come showering down on me at once. It felt like I was already mourning the close of a day, that I’d been planning for the past 15 months. I knew there and then, that there would probably never be another moment like this in my life, where I was surrounded by everyone that meant anything to me, everyone loved up, everyone laughing and enjoying themselves and having genuine fun, everyone smiling, everyone there to share in witnessing two people commit their lives to one another; two people who loved each other more than they loved life itself. I can’t even articulate exactly what it felt like, but I could not stop crying for what felt like an eternity.’

Photographs from our wedding on 20th March 2009 to celebrate our 5 year anniversary_0018

Thank you so much for allowing me a little time to step away from Love My Dress today dear readers – I really hope that you have enjoyed reading through a few of my precious wedding day memories.

And Happy Anniversary dear, darling Philip.

Love Annabel x

Annabel

Annabel View all Annabel's articles

Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.

35 thoughts on “5 Years Ago Today…

  1. What a beautiful report and fabulous way to remember and honour your incredibly special day. Happy Anniversary – hope you both enjoy every minute. Nicola x

  2. Wow, Annabel! I like to think I’m pretty stoic, but your beautiful story has had me reaching for the Kleenex! Thank you for making me even more excited about my own Big Day! It’s so lovely to read a blog about how you actually felt on the day, you’ve really captured these special moments, I feel I was there! Happy anniversary to you both!

  3. Ah, was not prepared to cry this early on a Thursday morning. Just beautiful!!
    I have all these special little moments to come. We are going through a difficult time at the moment with family and health issues – this has re-focused me and reminded me just what really matters, the love of two people =)
    Thank you x

    1. Hehe! Sorry about that Claire! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a lovely comment – so sweet of you. I really hope things are on the up for you and I send you lots of love and energy in this little reply. Stay focussed on what really matters. All my love, Annabel xXx

  4. Wow your precious wedding day memories
    blew me away!!!! Truly beautifully put…and what a magical day you had
    together….I loved reading it all so wonderful x x x

  5. This is a beautiful post and seeing your gorgeous photos and how you describe your day and your husband is just lovely. You have brought tears to my eyes and made me think about my own special day, that I was lucky enough to have you share on love my dress.

    This blog and your writing has helped me to fulfill my dream of having my own wedding dress shop after years of working for someone else. Hearing your story about how this venture started for you is lovely for me.

    1. What a lovely, lovely comment BridalHenley, thank you so very much indeed. I’m so delighted that my experience has inspired you and thrilled you’ve been able to go on and realise your own dreams too 🙂

      Have a lovely day today xXx

  6. Wow, this brought tears to my eyes! Happy anniversary! I shall definitely write a wedding report now. Seems like a lovely and fitting way to remember your lovely special day. Thanks for sharing.

  7. Oh Annabel, this made me feel really teary – so lovely to read. You looked BEAUTIFUL and that photo of Eska holding onto your husbands leg is adorable. Happy Anniversary!

    1. Thank you so much Amy – hope you had some tissues close! 😉 Yes, she was a pesky little 3 year old than and probably rather bewildered at what was going on all around her! She loved it though 🙂 Thank you again xXx

  8. it’s the anniversary of our friendship too! Thank you again for wearing our shearer comb and cuff so beautifully! xx

    1. I used to idolise you, still do! Only now, I idolise you as a brilliant business woman as well as a designer of the most beautiful bridal adornments! True story! 😉 Thank you so much Kirstie xXx

  9. Happy Anniversary Annabel. I can’t believe its been over 5 years since you visited Poppy Bridal and chose your gorgeous Jenny Packham gown. How the years have flown and I’m delighted to see how your incredible wedding blog has gone from strength to strength. I recall your emails to me regarding elements around your dress and accessory choices and how even then they were pieces of beautiful prose! You have found your forte and I wish you every continued success for the future. Paula, Poppy Bridal, Darlington x

    1. Hello!!!! I can’t believe it either! I was so deflated as I’d had a bad wedding dress boutique experience so discovering you and realising that there are amazing boutiques out there who really genuinely care about the customer experience was a revelation! I loved visiting Poppy and will never forget that day I found my dress – I drove home on such a high – and when it came to this day 5 years ago, I felt so glamorous and beautiful in my gorgeous Jenny Packham gown. You made the whole experience a wonderful one Paula, thank you xXx

  10. I guess I owe Phil some thanks too, as Love My Dress has become such an important part of my life over the last 2 years. Wishing you both so much love today.

    Franky xxx

    1. Thank you lovely friend of mine – one thing is for sure, Love My Dress would not be what it is today without you – you are the best editorial partner ever and I love working with you. You’ve enabled me to take Love My Dress on to the next level and I’m SO proud of it and our achievement – so thank you Franky xXx

  11. Happy Anniversary Annabel!! thanks so much for sharing such lovely memories from your special day. I’m still so in love with your wedding photos, they really captured your happiness. I feel such a connection to my own day when I see them, especially seeing your beautiful dress. Lovemydress has been a constant companion for me over the past 4 years 🙂 Enjoy your day with your lovely husband xx

  12. Happy Anniversary! What a lovely post. Your writing is just lovely and I am always drawn back to read the lovely posts you put together. You make me think of my own special day that I am so looking forward to in september. I hope it is as perfect. 🙂
    Hope you have many more years together, you look like a perfect couple. 🙂
    http://www.emilyhearts.com

    1. Thank you so much Emily, what a lovely sweet comment, I’m so touched – I hope you thoroughly enjoy the rest of your wedding planning time – your day is going to be wonderful! xXx

  13. Happy Anniversary, I just love the way you wrote this as it totally transports you to the moment. I hope you have a wonderful weekend celebrating.
    X

  14. Oh my god this is amazing. I hope that one day, when I get married, I’ll be able to capture all the moments like you did.. The words are so genuine and filled with emotion.. This is something you’ll have for the rest of your life, whenever there’s trouble you can read this and re-live all those wonderful emotions.. What a great way to memorise such a lovely day

  15. I was one of those very brides!!!! Because of you I went on to Poppy Bridal and also Karen Mcgowran. I am still inspired by you Annabel. Happy anniversary lovely lady xxxxxx

  16. Oh my goodness. This was so beautiful and so much emotion comes through in your writing. Happy Anniversary. Thank you for sharing. x

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