A lovely little lie in was enjoyed this morning! I like those!
We decided that we should be proactive and attempt to make a start on our Christmas shopping! This never happens! What is with us?!
We headed into town and each went our separate way for a little while, having a look around. I have to be honest, I spent most of the time looking for things for Ted!
I started to get very annoyed with the amount of people in town, as it normally is on a Saturday, but I don't do well when surrounded by people. How do people love shopping?! I don't understand how you could want to be one of those hoards of people!
So once Paul and I met up and had a spot of lunch we looked for a couple of bits, then I got really claustrophobic with all the people milling around John Lewis, so we left, quit shopping and went to have a drink somewhere to discuss presents rather than actually buy them.
Paul took this attractive picture of me on the IPad. Thanks.
I enjoyed a couple of glasses of mulled wine, as it's my favourite drink of choice this year, and came up with a few ideas for gifts.
We took a seat inside this time as the courtyard was really busy. It was nice but I was getting tired and cranky and just wanted to get home!
Upon arrival at the house I plonked myself on the sofa and didn't really get up again, watching the usual Saturday night tv. Nice.
Yay! It's Paul's birthday! Today he turned...30! Yeah, let's go with 30!
We had a day of informative fun planned but first, PRESENTS!
This is my present to Paul!
Ok, not really. Maia just took up residence in the bag when Paul had opened the gift from my parents.
Barney was a bit jealous.
As well as getting Paul the rather offensive 'Cards Against Humanity' game, I also bought him a couple of plots of land in Scotland, which now officially make him 'Lord Kirkham'! The land stays conserved and Paul gets a title! Pretty awesome present, right?!
After a brew or two, we headed to town for our day of fun! We headed to The Museum of Liverpool to take in some local history!
This is The Lion - a Liverpool to Manchester locomotive which has been restored. It's very pretty!
We learnt a lot about Liverpool's connections with China, it's railway history and also Liverpool in the War.
Then, some cultural history!
Ah, Brookside! Where I first learnt how to do a Liverpool (Scouse) accent! The first tv show to air a pre-watershed lesbian kiss, starring Anna Friel. Great stuff!
There was also the Liverpool music scene, of course, which wasn't all about The Beatles, which may surprise you! Also a sports section, for the football teams, the racing and other sporting goodies.
I really recommend it, if you can get there! It's interesting stuff! I also learnt what Small Pox looks like. Which is useful...
We then headed to get some food as Paul was feeling peckish. Can't have the birthday boy going hungry now, can we?!
Totally should have got him a badge. My bad.
We thought we'd get a small selection of snacky bits to see us through a few hours...yeah...we may have misjudged that one...
Salt and pepper chicken wings, duck spring rolls, chicken pate, a Gruyère tart (which I was looking for more information on and it's not listed on the website menu as existing...which is a shame as I loved it!) and bacon, leek and potato gratin. It was all very delicious and all very filling. We wouldn't need to be eating for some time I don't think!
From there, we headed back towards the Docks and went to the Maritime Museum! Not necessarily my usual thing, but it was quite interesting, reading the tales of the child migrants to Canada and Australia back in the day. It's quite mad really to think that happened.
Plus there were lots of interesting bits of 'art' on display. The following boat art perplexed me a little...
I don't think legs bend that way...do they? Or am I the broken one?! That's got to hurt the hips a little. Although maybe they do yoga?
We looked around the exhibitions. Paul enjoyed the boat models and I liked the paintings. There is a large Titanic exhibition in there which ended our tour on a sad note. It was really quite sad. Much more moving than the movie...but anyway...
The museum closed at 5, so we were kicked out. We had a quick drink at the nearby pub while we decided what to do. The answer being we didn't know! We have kinda exhausted the many wonders of this city in which we live!
We wandered the streets for a little while and came upon a place that we have never been before so decided 'why not?!' It's called Kazimier and we sat in a little outdoor area which was actually very interesting! Not in a 'mum' way either!
It was quite quiet but then again, it is Tuesday evening!
It wasn't overly cold but not the warmest of evenings and my beer wasn't quite cutting it. So this place then became my favourite place ever...as it sells one of my favourite winter vittles!
Mulled wine! It was very delicious too...very hot, but very yum!
We sat here for a while but then decided that as we weren't hungry, we weren't going to go for a meal, so we picked up a couple of snacky bits and went home!
I had a really bad night's sleep so was pretty exhausted, especially from all the walking, but we sat up for a while then headed to bed.
We awoke to glorious sunshine and the sound of birds singing in the trees. I love the countryside!
We headed for breakfast, where I had crumpets with bacon and homemade ketchup, which were delicious, and then had a brew or two before deciding to head out and explore Appleby a little!
This is the front of our hotel. Rather grand, is it not?!
We decided to walk it into the village, as it was only a mile or two and such a lovely day!
A pretty view over the river. Seriously quaint stuff here!
We followed a little information sheet to see what there was to see, and then headed up to the Castle, hoping to get a tour. Unfortunately there wasn't one until 2pm, so we had some time to kill before walking to the tourist information centre to book
Doomgate. Not something I think you'd want as part of your address. Although now I type it, it could be quite cool!
Sadly they weren't running the castle tours today, but we booked onto one for the next day! So for the rest of the early afternoon we wandered around the village, checking out the cute views!
Extremely low level in the river!
A whole half pint!
We wandered back up to the hotel after a while, and then went for a stroll around the gardens at the hotel. We made a few friends and once again took in the view.
Just so pretty!
We went back indoor and Paul decided that we should take full advantage of the leisure suite at the hotel! By leisure suite. it had a rather dingy looking pool, a jacuzzi, and steam room (which didn't seem to work) and a sauna. We partook in a jacuzzi and sauna and relaxed as much as you can in a bathing suit surrounded by completely glass walls and strangers walking past!
Once back in our room, it was after 5pm so we cracked open a bottle of wine to toast our last night away!
Yes, we drank the wine out of champagne flutes. We had no option!
We headed down to the in-house bistro for dinner. Not quite as lavish as our first night's scran but equally delicious. We shared some picky bits as a starter and then I had a locally sourced Ploughmans while Paul had a pork and chorizo casserole. That was AMAZING. I was very jealous!
We both had puddings which were nice, then we headed back up to our room to finish our bottle of wine.
We were both quite tired and had lots to do tomorrow.
Man, we had the best sleep ever! We woke up so refreshed and relaxed and ready to start our special day!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I tell the funniest jokes!
I was fast asleep and Paul was dozing when just before midnight we heard a knocking on our door. We were a bit confused and disorientated when there was another knock and the door started opening!
WHAT?!
Paul leapt out of bed, grabbed a dressing gown and headed to the door to find out what was going on. I was now wide awake and really confused myself!
There were two guys from the bar. One was carrying a bottle of champagne and the other had a cocktail glass full of strawberries.
"We didn't think you would be back until after midnight, these are a gift from Jodie, Mark and Amy!" Um, who?
We told them that we didn't know a Jodie, Mark and Amy. (Stupid, I know...damnit)
After a lot of awkward apologies and standing around, they left and Paul came back to bed. We lay there for a while, completely awake.
"We get married today" I said, looking at the clock.
Paul put on some clothes and headed down to reception to find out what was going on. Apparently the people that should have had the champagne and strawberries were supposed to be in our room but for some reason we were switched. Which is odd, considering we wanted the other room. We have since figured that the other couple were actually getting married at Formby Hall, and therefore got first choice as to which room they wanted, and also picked the same one we wanted. It's really not a big deal, except for the lack of sleep!
We eventually got back to sleep and woke up at a reasonable time. We also woke up to the sound of heavy rain on the roof over us. GREAT.
And thanks to Alanis Morisette, for the rest of the morning I was singing 'Ironic' to myself.
Paul decided to shower before breakfast, so while he was there, I packed up most of his stuff and tried to take some arty shots of our wedding rings before they were packed away for the best woman.
Not bad. Could do better. Never mind.
Once Paul was suitably suitable, we headed down to the restaurant for breakfast. And watched all the rain as it poured down by the bucketload. Nice weather for ducks...and there were plenty of ducks!
Paul had a nice big breakfast to set him up for the day.
Me...well...I'd been quite sick during the night. I woke up feeling REALLY queasy at around 3, and put it down to nerves. Until I knew I was going to be sick. And boooooy was I sick! I don't think it was nerves that produced that amount of vomit. Not that you needed to know that!
So, my stomach feeling a little better, I had a lighter breakfast.
Actually, this isn't really my breakfast at all. I didn't eat those pastries! I took them back to the room and forgot about them! I had the yogurt and also a big bowl of porridge, which was perfect for me.
We went back upstairs and made our last few preparations before Katie (best woman) came to collect Paul.
He was collecting his toiletries from the bathroom when I had a call from reception.
"Just a courtesy call to let you know your florist is here."
Jacqui arrived, who was looking after all our flowers for the day and boy, they did not disappoint.
I think I was too excited to take a picture but I think Mum did, so I'll be cheeky and steal one of hers.
Ignore the bumpf in front of the box.
AREN'T THEY GORGEOUS?!
From just a few pics I had taken in, they had done an amazing job at creating the perfect bouquets for my girls and I!
Paul was still here and getting very nervous now. Katie was late.
My make up ladies arrived and started setting up but obviously I couldn't start getting ready until he left. So after a while I kicked him out! He was stressing me out! Jacqui took him downstairs to the bar and sat with him until Katie got to him and then he was her responsibility! I look forward to seeing what they got up to!
I got in the shower and then was put in the chair to get my hair done first. While I was in the shower, our photographer arrived and was raring to go when I got in the chair. I was having a 'curly blow'. Well, having never had one before, I wasn't sure what to expect. Certainly not this:
Yes, internet - make up free Caroline. You're welcome.
You're also welcome for the image of me with over 40 hair brushes in my face. Why she couldn't just use rollers is beyond me. But they were heavy. And prickly!
I know I have a lot of hair but I kinda felt this was overkill!
Then they did my face. That was when people started to arrive. My brother and parents got to us first, and my brother ran away before I was really able to talk to him! Then, while I was in the middle of being spray painted (I had airbrush make up) the bridesmaids arrived as well. And promptly had a picnic in the middle of the floor. Which I couldn't join in with as I was being painted. Humph.
We were running a little behind schedule, so everyone started to get their glad rags on while I was finishing up.
I had originally wanted my hair up for the wedding, knowing how hot I can get and how frizzy it can go. My make up lady's daughter, who had come to help, was dead against it, thinking I should have my hair half up as it had curled so nicely. We took a vote and everyone decided that it looked nice half up. Ok, I guess it did look nice, but if I had known I was going to have it half up, I would have planned a different style. Meh, hindsight!
Once the bathroom was free, I asked everyone to look the other way while I transferred my dress into the bathroom. I wanted the big reveal to be completely new. I didn't want people to catch a glimpse of the dress before I was wearing it. Ok, so Lucy, Mum and A had seen it before, but still. Not while I was all pretty!
I think they liked it!
Mum took pictures, but as they're hers I might not steal one this time.
Then the call came that the car had arrived. It was a bit early but still. EEEK!
My beautiful camper van!
Chris (Lucy's hubby) was driving the other girls to the venue, so they loaded up the car with my Dad's help so they could get on the way.
Leaving me alone for the first time. It was weird. I ate a banana and helped myself to a glass of champagne which my Dad had provided (and hardly anyone drank) and psyched myself up to go get married.
Oh, and take a selfie, of course!
Ready to see me as a bride?
...
...
...
...
...
...
Ok then!
Dad came back and said that he had spoken to the driver and that we didn't need to rush.
So Dad and I finished our champagne and topped our glasses up with that which was left by everyone else!
I also got a pic of my Dad with my flowers!
Aw!
Then off we went!
I can't really tell you much about the day to be honest. Just as everyone tells you, the day goes by so quickly.
I remember have a laugh with Dad in the camper van on the way to the venue.
I remember the nerves setting in as we drove up the long driveway to the barn.
I remember seeing someone in a green dress running ahead of the van as they realised that we were coming and they would be late!
I remember nervous jokes with the registrar while we were confirming all the details.
I remember walking through a puddle and laughing that my dress would be getting dirty even before the wedding ceremony.
Before I knew it, it was time for the ceremony! We stumbled across the cobbles and headed to the back of the barn and the bottom of the aisle! A wouldn't walk on her own so S went first, followed by A and Lucy, and then Annabel (and bump) brought up the rear. Then it was my turn!
Next few pics are guest photos.
I think it's fair to say that I was really excited and so happy to finally be getting married! :)
The ceremony was wonderful. It went really fast, but it was the important part of the day and so I was determined to savour every last second.
I have watched back the video and golly gosh I sounded posh! I think I recited my vows using my telephone voice!
We also had a couple of tiny bits of geeky stuff in the ceremony. I bet no-one really noticed one of them as it was less...obvious...than the other!
Our Unity Candles, which were made for us by Eden Candles, featured a Claddagh, which is a little nod to one of my favourite shows, Buffy! :)
The other was during the signing of the register. Our wonderful string quartet, The Manchester String Quartet played the song which got them hired in the first place, 'Concerning Hobbits' from Lord of the Rings. Because...well...it's a Hobbit tune!
Time for a couple of close ups!
Aren't we pretty?!
From there it's a bit of a blur! We walked back down the aisle and headed out back for a couple of pictures. Then the rain absolutely lashed down and we retreated back into the rear foyer. It was time for confetti and in this weather I was afraid it wasn't going to happen!
I needn't have been afraid. They allowed us to do it part inside! After Mum had put so much effort into the confetti, we got to get covered from head to toe in coloured flower petals!
We headed into the coach house and greeted all our guests and chatted for a while before heading back to the camper van to go on a little drive around for 10 minutes or so.
In truth, we could have been gone for hours. I just had no concept of time!
We came back and had more pics taken and mingled some more! We got to sample our canapés (which were delicious!), supped more fizz and had a great time!
Before we knew it, we were asked to head back into the barn to see how it looked before all the guests were in it.
It was perfect. I can't say it was exactly how I imagined it because I can't say exactly what I imagined! I knew what bits of the table would look like but had no idea on the flower displays, merely the holders.
It blew my mind. Absolutely breathtaking.
Plus, there was the cake. I mean, the cakeS! Plural!
Isn't it GORGEOUS! The cheese was just fantastic! We also had a proper cake cake as well, which was so pretty and beautifully decorated!
Skipping forward a little, here we are cutting said cake!
Fabulous.
The wedding breakfast was very good indeed. We managed to speak to most people but we both seemed to miss the same table! Gah. Feel awful.
Anyway. Food turned into speeches. First up was my Dad who did a cracking job. Then Paul, who was also fab. My turn was next. I can't bring myself to watch it but what I have seen, people were bored! Lots of serious looking faces. I had an 'Umbridge' moment. Talking about seeing a sea of smiling faces, and not actually seeing one! Ah well! Then it was Katie's turn and I think she did a wonderful job. She didn't slander Paul like a boy would have done, but just gave a lovely speech! Well done Best Woman!
Then it was time to leave the barn again so they could set up for the evening do. Evening guests started arriving and more pictures were taken!
Then time to PARTY!
Except it didn't quite go...to plan...
You see, the band started and then the power went off. Everyone thought we were doing something a bit different, you know, some rehearsed routine.
NOPE.
The band blew the power! And couldn't put it back on again! So Paul and I were ready for our first dance and there was nothing to dance to! We were in hold and everything!
After what felt like ages (not that it really mattered - it meant I got to speak with people some more) and Paul's cousin, who's an electrician coming to the rescue, the show got back on the road and we got to dance our first dance.
Not a traditional first dance slow number. That's not our style. Our first dance was to this.
Orson - Happiness. Can only find a live version. Hope that's ok!
This song went on for AAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSS!
Luckily some people came to join in and that made it much easier to get to the end!
And then the party continued!
I took these pics. I needed to take a few of my own pictures of the day!
So we danced and we sang and other people drank (I was surprisingly sober) and had a blast!
Again, I had no concept of time. Paul and I snuck away from everyone when we managed to meet at one point and spend a few minutes just the two of us. I'm sure the people that witnessed us walking off into the darkness had other ideas but we just wanted a few minutes in each others' company! We didn't seem to spend that much time together!
Then back and more partying! HARD HARD WORK!
The hair is looking a bit tired now.
Paul and Jim show the band how it's done!
I do believe that this was a mighty fine rendition of Mr Brightside by The Killers by my cousin and I!
By this point, I have to be honest, my feet were killing me! Lucky for me my Matron of Honour had some nice ivory ballet shoes for me in her bag. Unluckily for me, she had already gone. OUCHY FEET!
This was niiiiiiiiiiice! Check out the muck on the bottom of my dress! :)
All too soon it was the end of the night. The last song of the night was for my lovely cousin Adam, who sang us 'Yellow Submarine' with the band. He was amazing. So brave!
From then I asked my pretty drunk husband to call us a taxi (which he did!!! - without a nag!) and I realised that a) we had no cash and b) my parents were walking home! Dad had cash, and we had a taxi! I think this is a fair deal!
We got back to the hotel, and headed up to our room. I got out of my torturous shoes and into the hotel slippers! Paul suggested in his drunken state that we go down to the bar. Well ok! I was still sober and fancied myself a drink!
We got to the bar and lo and behold, the people behind the bar were the same people that woke us up 24 hours earlier! (Yes, technically it's after midnight so tomorrow, but I've not slept yet!) To apologise for everything they gave us some drinks on the house. A large G&T each and a glass of champagne!
We drank those and Paul was getting sleepy. So we went back to our room where Paul fell asleep.
I was still wide awake, and so I headed to the internet where I was lucky enough to see a few pics that people had posted during the day. These made me weep like a baby. They also made me feel inspired enough to post a blog! You can read it (if you haven't already) here!
Then eventually it was time for me to scrape all the make up from my face, remove all the pins from my hair and go to bed.
It was well after 3 that I went to bed. A loooooooooong day!
A perfect day.
**this post has taken me AGES to write. I'm sorry. I will try to fly through the rest! I'm only 3 weeks behind...**
