‘But I don’t want to go, I don’t want it to be over’.
I looked into my husband’s eyes and wished we could stay frozen in the moment forever, that our wedding day could go on indefinitely, that our guests would keep dancing, that the party would never end. People around us were clapping and cheering. The best man replaced the microphone on the table having finished his announcement and we reluctantly headed towards the door of the ballroom. I waved energetically at the blurred faces of our friends and family and, knowing that the experience was fleeting, tried to burn the image of them smiling and cheering at us into my mind forever.
We walked through the bar and along the dimly lit corridor towards the exit of Heatherden Hall. A crowd slowly gathered behind us and followed us towards the weighty oak doors. We were stalled by something, I struggle to recall what now. Perhaps a key player was missing, a parent or a bridesmaid. I saw our photographer through the window, camera poised, ready to capture our departure. I remember thinking she must be cold.
They were ready for us, and we stepped out into the cold night air. I looked straight ahead of me, and then down at the red carpet beneath my feet, as we were pelted with hundreds of pressed flower petals. Everyone whooped and cheered and the homemade confetti whirled and twirled though the air. I shook it from my fringe and dusted it from my lips before throwing my arms round our parents to say thank you and goodbye. We posed for one final photo and Izzy hurled the last of her petals over us.
I hugged Eliza who was suddenly there at my side. ‘Stay in touch,’ she said, ‘after the photos I mean’. ‘I’m afraid you’re stuck with me!’ I joked, inwardly wondering if everyone wants to be best friends with their wedding photographer.
The driver opened the door and I slid into the car. Carl was beside me moments later and we waved at the crowd that had gathered to see us off, until their cheers and laughter could no longer be heard and we were too far away to be seen through the velvety darkness of the cold January night.
‘I’m your wife’ I whispered, holding Carl’s hand in mine.
‘I know. I’m your husband’ he replied.
Back in the hotel room I slipped into the bathroom to undress. I removed my pale grey pencil skirt and folded it neatly on top of my suitcase, stowed there earlier that day to give my bridesmaids more room to get ready.
I had my back to the mirror as I unbuttoned the matching jacket. I slowly lifted my black top over my head, looking down at the tiled floor of the bathroom as I did so.
A sudden burst of confetti cascaded over my bare feet and the tiled floor was bathed in petals. Pale gold with tiny flecks of blue and purple and pink. I laughed out loud, pushing open the bathroom door as I did, and begun to tell my husband what had just happened.
Loveaudrey xxx
My ‘Going Away’ outfit ~ Suit {past season}, shoes and clutch from LK Bennett, black body {worn underneath} from net-a-porter, pearl bracelet {just seen} by Erin Cox, and a bespoke hat from Hello Strumpet. Overwhelming love, joy and happiness: Model’s own 😉
Photography copyright (c) 2012 Eliza Claire She’s a genius. Book her, book her NOW.
You had me at “I’m your wife”… I have to admit to getting a little glassy eyed then!
I adore your going away outfit – so elegant. I doubt I’ll really get the chance to wear a going away outfit since we won’t be leaving the venue at all – we’re staying in a tipi at the venue.
xx
Oooooh I LOVE wedding tipis, so romantic! I am SO excited for your day now Emma, I just know it’s going to be amazing.
I was pretty glassy eyes myself at the time, I can assure you 😉
xxx
You look just lovely..what a lovely account of the end of your wedding. Sounds like a wonderful day x
Thank you Lauren, it really was 🙂
xxx
I didn’t think weddings like yours existed. You had my fantasy pinterest wedding “tears”
Awwww! Thank you. This wedding pretty much started out as a pinterest board so, you know, anything is possible!
xxx
It still feels amzing saying ‘husband’ out loud. I get goosebumps whenever I spy his wedding ring on his finger too. Can’t quite believe we actually did it!
xxx
Oh my. Ok, like Emma, I got glassy eyed at the I’m your wife bit! Amazing!
fan-flipping-tastic. I walked down the aisle to the Hans Zimmer TR theme too, then Sky went and used it in their advert and everyone kept asking me why I walked down the aisle to the sky advert tune? *rage*
What a truly awesome day, glad you managed to take a couple of moments to soak it all up x
Ooooh we’re wedding music twins! Yay! It’s such a beautiful track. I’ve never seen the Sky ad but I can understand your rage. Reminds me of when Izzy was born and people asked us if we had named her after the character in Hollyoaks :S xxx
I love reading your posts and was getting emotional reading this on the trian on my phone – you look so timeless and beautiful and you write so beautifully – it’s hard not to be swept away with it. I’m so happy for you both and I’m now popping over to Love My Dress to enjoy the pics as I drink a cup of chai tea.xxx
Thank you lovely lady 🙂 You always leave such kind comments on my posts, they really mean a lot to me. xxx
Now you’ve made me look at wedding blogs and wedding dresses, not good, not good 😉 I was looking at the photos over at Love my Dress and reading about your preparations for the wedding and it’s amazing how much thought went into every little detail. And of course, you looked stunning and so happy! xx
I do apologise! They’re pretty addictive, let me tell you!! Thank you so much, I did work very hard on it all, but it paid off as our guests seemed to have a truly wonderful time 🙂 xxx
Oh by the way I decided on the first dance – checked with friends and they are not going to use Fleetwood Mac. Also decided on walk down the aisle theme – The Love Theme from Bladerunner 🙂 I think you may approve of that?
Oooooh AWESOME music choices, love them both. Your wedding is going to be incredible! xxx
Awwwwww, simply beautiful, the perfect day from end to finish..!! Thank you for sharing your big day with us, really feel privileged to have read all about your amazing day..!! Here’s to the next 50 years..!! I hope you’ll be sharing your ruby, golden, diamond etc, wedding anniversaries with us all..!!
Here’s to Franky and Carl and all my best wishes for your future..!! Xxx
Thank you Rucksana, such a kind comment. I wonder if I’ll still be blogging then….!! xxx
Absolutely the sweetest. So many congratulations to you, dear, and you looked absolutely beautiful! Just like a fairytale. 🙂
Thank you so much. I must admit, I feel that way too when I look at the pictures, like it can’t really be me in them! They’re just too beautiful! xxx
From the photos I’ve seen, I think your wedding is the absolutely most beautiful event I’ve ever even heard of. Congratulations to both of you, I’m so touched by all of your posts it’s ridiculous 🙂
Oh it’s so nice to know you’re reading my wedding posts Rocaille! I can remember pouring over yours a few years ago, way before I was even engaged. Thank you for your kind words 🙂 xxx
Thank you, what a wonderful comment.
I will be doing a blog post on my lipstick/nail polish/perfume etc but in the meantime I can tell you that it was Chanel Rouge Coco in No 19 Gabrielle. It’s beautiful, I’d highly recommend it! xxx
You look so gorgeous, the suit reminds me a little of the skirt suit my mum wore on her wedding day, it was dusky pink silk… and a very similar style! x
And now I’m properly crying… you should write a novel, honestly. You’re amazing. xx