Saturday 21st May The Party

As we couldnt get everyone in the garden yesterday we planned a party for our friends and family, the hall we booked was very restricted with the number of people but we thought we would not even have that many guests but as we started drawing up the list we found we had far too many family members and friends, I know who would have thought it (I guess Tania is very popular), so unfortunately we had to cull so many please dont make us sadder than we are already about this.
We left the hotel, after breakfast with my mum and dad, still in our wedding clothes. We had to pick up the key for the hall and get instructions on its use, I have had key experience before but you never know they may do it differently in this part of the country, one indoctrinated we returned to our house to continue the whirlwind day. We returned home to fill the cars with decorations and drinks, collected our conscripts and returned to the hall then after emptying the car Tania and I abandoned everyone.
Tania had an appointment with the hairdresser, and gave me instructions to collect her in a few hours. Again I had a list, cheques into bank and beers for hall, after dutifully fulfilling my required chores I returned to our house just as my mother-in-law and party where trying to leave for the party. Tristan came to collect me but had been stuck in traffic so Tania had plenty of time to be refitted into her dress.
On arrival we where surprised to have a microphone thrust into our hands, neither of us was sure what we where supposed to do with this and I had to talk, I have no recollection of what I said but the party had started. Whilst waiting for us, David had claimed the crown for longest ride on the rodeo bull, he was not to keep this for too long. Jim was cooking and we tried to greet and catch up with everyone. We really had no time to do this the evening went so fast and we missed out on talking, not that i do this a lot but It would have been good to have more time with each person, many had come a long way for this. Thank you all for making this day so enjoyable. The highlight, was not our first dance with the gangnam style twist which had been planned as a surprise for those who saw it on the Friday, of the evening was the Bull. As I mentioned David was in the lead, I had been given instructions not to ride in case of injury so had to watch as all the children had fun. Tania even went on it and after some assistance to stabilise lasted an outstanding one second, I really did not want to be left out and Tania eventually gave in and let me try I didnt even make it to the start Im not sure why because in my mind I was a rodeo king and thought I could stay on until the gears ceased up. The Crown, and the bottle that went with it, was claimed after a number of valiant contenders by Reduan as Astala's time was not taken into account on account of her having a little assistance.
It was a far to fast but really lovely day. It ended with Chris and Donna helping Pam and Jim clean up the hall, I dont think they even got any tips for it.

Friday 20th May wedding

We woke early, but not too early, in the hotel. The clock was ticking and we both had a schedule. Tania was to go to hairdressers and I had a list, it wasnt a complicated one but I had to do it. Italian shop for sugared almonds, bread from Tesco and take dad to house. There was enough time before we parted to give Tania a little gift and make sure she was ready and looking forward to the day. At the House everything was done and ready, Laura and Lorena had made everything beautiful, Tanias mum and Antonio had made all the lovely food. The time ticked away so fast and then I had to go, I was going to take Tristans car but Chris offered to take me. I'm so glad he did, we where misplaced and the sat nav misbehaved and I directed us the wrong way and it was looking like I was going to be late. I had calls from Laura and Tania who where waiting and i'm sure now wondering if I was ever going to turn up to the registry office. We arrived with no time to spare then everything slowed down to a dream like pace. After checking some details Tania and I where standing next to each other and the ceremony had started, I thought to myself that I am getting married, that it was actually happening. I wanted the moment to last for ever but it moved on, we where legally married and ready to get married for real.
 We drove back to our house slowly, chatting and enjoying the moments until we arrived. Tania was taken away from me and I was left to wander aimlessly in the garden, with occasional greetings to our family. Everyone was ready and started to be directed to their positions and I waited for the music to start. Tania had chosen a particular piece of music, thousand  years, so I knew when it was to happen. The music started then changed, Tristan thrust a light sabre into my hand as I was suddenly in the presence of Darth Vader himself as I was told I had to fight for my bride. I had no choice, fight and gain the most amazing prize or death and disgrace. He was a strong opponent and I only had thoughts of overcoming this obstacle and claiming my bride, little did I know what the cost would be. As I mad the final thrust I heard the sith lord say "Sean, I am your son" as the let go of his last breath.
I had no time to understand or grieve as as soon as he fell the blade was taken from me and I saw Tania walking towards me, such a beautiful sight I would not have dared to imagine it happen. We stood together as Tristan performed his ceremony and we exchanged vows. We then went to the park to be photographed, we lost some of our guests on the journey but fortunately found them again. Then an amazing meal together as we talked and enjoyed the beautiful day. As the guests left and we where alone with Laura and Tristan, I was so happy to watch and listen to Tania read Astala to sleep, she even let me try. Astala didn't really like my Deutsche sprechen and took the book from me, gave it to Tania and then lay down again. We spent the rest of the evening in the marquee chatting all together until sleep overcame us and we left. It was the most perfect day, I couldnt have wished for better.