The day was as perfect as we had both imagined. The sun shone, our friends and family were with us and the atmosphere was relaxed. The girls spent all morning pampering and getting themselves ready, while Paul took all the boys into the town for a steak (his so-called last meal as a free man!) Everyone was relaxed and there was no stess, even though the venue for the ceremony changed about 3 times due to the wind! The ceremony was due to start at 3 o'clock and Paul was still in the pool at 2:30-relaxed as ever... We were kept separate due to old traditions although this proved tricky in a relatively small villa. It all added to the anticipation though!! I was fashionably late (brides perogative!) although I found out later that the groom was almost as late as I was due to his buttonhole falling off at the last minute! I had butterflies in my stomach as I walked down the rose petal covered path on my dad's arm. It was an amzing feeling-one I'll never forget. The ceremony went without a hitch and even fewer dry eyes, it was very emotional. Afterwards came drinks on the lawn with chocolate covered strawberries and lots of photographs. Tim took us to vineyards, railway lines and hillsides to take more photographs to capture the amzing day.

The happy couple

Next was a journey to the medieval fort at Montalcino where we celebrated with Italian wine and had more photos on the ramparts followed by confetti throwing and a procession into town towards the restaurant. We had lots of smiles from locals probably thinking "mad English people!" We had a delicious meal at Il Grifo restaurant where the staff couldn't do enough for us. We enjoyed speeches from my dad and Paul and then it was on to the ice-cream parlour to finish off the night Yummmmm!! When we arrived back at the villa we had the best mans speech and had our first dance by candlelight. What a great way to end a fantastic day... It was better than I could have dreamed of and the memories will last forever. A huge thank you to our parents for making it all possible, especially my mum who played a massive part in helping to plan and organise and whose creative talents with flowers, cakes, dress, invitations, hair etc were greatly appreciated!

It has been relatively calm in the house - I guess true colours can be shown when the bride gets "white dress syndrome" after all these princesses have been dreaming of their wedding day since kindergarten!! To be fair, apart from the diets and a few little shopping sprees it has been totally calm on that front, I know I have got a good one!!!

I have still learnt to keep quiet or should I say I have learnt that it is more beneficial to stay quiet. I have also learnt how to muster enthusiasm on tap – definitely a skill to add to the cv (right then Mr Vasey –what can you bring to this organisation. Well Mr Interviewer I have learnt to stop what I am doing, look up and immediately reply with an array of comments –that’s wonderful, I like what you were thinking, that was made for you, what a fantastic idea, no I am not just saying that so I can go back to watching the rugby!) I have heard many recollections of peoples weddings and the general consensus is that it is best just to turn up.

Weddings are a funny thing, if anything it highlights who is and who isn’t reliable in your life. So called friends are seen for what and who they are, and it is definitely a positive because you can sieve the crap from the gems!

To be contined!

The old "Ball and Chain!!"

Congratulations!

Last night was my hen night... I'd been dreading the thought of being made to wear a dodgy outfit and carry rude props around with me all night on a mission to attract lots of unwanted attention!! It is sooo predictable, tacky and not me..
Luckily for me my chief bridesmaid Vicky was on my wavelength and we decided on a sophisticated theme to the evening with all the girls dressing up, going for a meal then drinking cocktails and dancing until the early hours! Thank you to everyone who came-it was a really special night-just what I wanted! I was surprised with gifts, balloons, cake and lots of bottles of bubbly which made the evening go with a swing! We all had a fabulous time despite the English weather-it poured with rain the whole night... but it didn't dampen our spirits! Here are some pictures...

Afternoon cocktails

Zizzis.. where else?!

Girls night out!

Vicky & Rachel

A massive thank you to Vicky for helping to arrange the whole night... including designing the invites, making a photo album, ordering food, decorations, music and gifts!! I really appreciate it-you're a star! xx

A surprise delivery!

The weeks seem to be flying by very fast and i'm sure the big day will be here before we know it!

No dodgy requests please!!

Footie match

Chocolate heaven!