Wedding Forum - WE ARE WIVES!!! 15th August 2015 **WITH...

Our big day!


Our big day!

We did it!! I’m officially Mrs. Rodgers now so while my new wife is having a lay in, I’m sat looking over the bay in Hugh Town on the Isles of Scilly! Here’s the ever important low down on the most perfect day of our lives… It is a bit long though so feel free to read in chunks!

Before the big day we had a LOT of stress which mainly involved our best man going home the day beforehand due to his behaviour. It was an absolute nightmare but it was the right decision in the circumstances so if anyone wants to know any more on that please message me :) My sisters bridesmaid dress wasn’t back until 3pm the day before and I was still having emergency alterations on mine until the Tuesday beforehand – stress city! We also had a lot of drama from my wife’s family as they expected us to wait on them hand and foot so my Dad stepped in and actually said ‘man up’ to my father-in-law!! Go Dad!! My parents have been absolutely amazing, they’ve been there for us both, taken the pressure/stress off and I certainly think it’s the beginning of a new start for us all 

So…. The wedding day finally dawned sunny and breezy after almost 2 years of planning and stress! I managed to get about 5-6hrs sleep which I was quite surprised at so come 6am I was bouncing off the walls having a shower and running in and out of bedrooms screaming ‘I’m getting married today!’…. Got the shock of my life in my parents room though as Dad came in completely starkers so that was a nice wedding present!

Debbie didn’t surface until about 7.30am so I was downstairs with my sister who was making me a smoked salmon bagel (I promised her hugs if she got me smoked salmon!). Hair and make-up turned up between 7-7.30am and they got to work prettifying. I got such a compliment from our make-up artist as she said she’d never had such a calm bride and was wondering if I was alright the whole time but I was just so excited! Our flowers were absolutely stunning and so much so that we have contacted a flower preservation studio nearby that are going to preserve our bouquets so yay!

Once the flowers arrived, everything suddenly sped up and all of a sudden we were in danger of being late as Debbie’s hair didn’t get started until gone 10.15 and we didn’t start getting into dresses until gone 11am eek! There was a bit of bridesmaid drama trying to get them both in which was the main hold up but finally, the bridesmaids and Mum’s left just after 11.30am after I had a nice moment with my Dad as he laced me up  My Grandma and Mum got a not so nice moment helping me in my semi nakedness into my bra and granny knickers, certainly made us laugh! The Dad’s were back from dropping off everyone and after an almost hair drama where mine decided to part company right when we were leaving, we were off!! I tell you what though, if it wasn’t for our hairdresser, Grandma and parents, there is no WAY we would have got out in time!!

We walked out the door to find all the neighbours there ready and waiting with cameras and after a few snaps it was time for the mammoth task of getting flowers and dresses into the back of what seemed like a big Hyundai but not when you are tasked with 2 very large dresses…. All I can say is, thank goodness we weren’t going down to Exeter Cathedral in that, but more of that later!
We arrived at the Guildhall to cheers from friends, tourists and locals who had all gathered to see us arrive and once we’d had a few pics with the Cobb and sea behind us, we went inside to have our pre-wedding interview. I remember meeting the registrar and she was actually my old examinations officer at school so it was quite reassuring to see a friendly face as I was getting pretty nervous. Once we were done it was time, the music started and we were at the front with me shaking like a leaf… So much so that my flowers were shaking that much that my Dad stood up and held my elbow and I remember him just gently stroking reassuringly too while Debbie held my hand.. Anything to hold me up really as I was absolutely terrified by this point!! When we started having to speak and say our vows I suddenly came over all calm and collected, very self-assured but then Debbie took over on the emotional side and looked like she was about to burst into tears the rest of the time – my Mum came to the rescue though and had emergency tissues in her handbag but I think everyone was tearing up really!! The ceremony was a total blur really (apart from when I forgot Debbie’s name woops!!) and we were outside before we realized it having photos from family, friends, locals and tourists. We went and had a private moment by the sea wall and we released 2 butterflies for my children that had passed away and then….. An enormous monster arrived to take us to Exeter in the form of a white stretched limo!!!! The parents had been sneaky and organized it secretly!!!! We had the best time in it and everyone was hooting and cheering the whole way down to Exeter from other cars passing us – here’s the best picture that sums it up!

We arrived at the cathedral with 15 minutes to spare so the bridesmaids went off in search of the toilet…. Of all times to need the loo, they had to choose then but they were back with about 2 minutes to spare! The organ started and the cathedral was filled with the Arrival of the Queen of Sheba but then there was another aisle walk and my legs started shaking again.. It was all a blur for the next 5 minutes or so but I do remember seeing my Granddad as soon as I walked through the golden gates and giving me the most lovely look which I will always treasure as we haven’t seen eye to eye recently. The service was absolutely wonderful from start to finish; the readings from my Godfather and cousin who read them so well and her smiles and tap on my arm as she walked back helped to reassure and settle me a bit. The hymns sounded phenomenal in the cathedral and you really could hear everyone going for it which I think the Dean was quite surprised about but there were a lot of musicians and churchgoers there! Our family friend/vicar led the prayers and they really were emotional and got Debbie going again but I was ok, I went during the final blessing – before we walked back down the aisle, the Dean grabbed us both for a hug and a kiss which was a lovely moment :) and then, we were off after the sister’s faffed over our trains! The Widor was absolutely incredible blaring out from the newly restored organ and as we walked through the golden gates into the main part of the cathedral, they were tourists on their feet cheering, wishing us well and clapping and then again outside, what a moment that was because despite being two brides, not once did we see anyone criticise! It was just a fabulous moment because some people we recognized from when we walked in so people stuck around to listen and congratulate us which was lovely! Now it was photo shoot and hug time – we got most of the photos in but gave up after a while as my back was hurting so now we had to somehow get back into the limo which this time we managed fairly gracefully……

There are no word, just yay!! :D

It all sounds fab Catherine, I felt emotional reading this too! Sounds like you had an absolutely amazing day. Your pictures are lovely. Hope you enjoy your honeymoon xx

Aww you know how to write to make someone get emotional lol. This thread and your previous one before you got married. You both look stunning. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. Enjoy your honeymoon and make sure you keep in touch on here xx

Congratulations to you both! It sounds like the perfect day and you both looked lovely xx

This was just wonderful to read! Congratulations and all the best for your years together.

Congratulations! Wishing you all the best for the future! ( Shame someone didn't get a pic of you with legs up in the air! lol :P ) xx

congratulations sounds amazing x

Blessings and Congratulations!! Good to hear you and your wife had such a lovely day. Your pics are amazing! :)

Congratulations! Sounds like a great day! Lovely pictures.

Congratulations Mrs&Mrs Rodgers I'm glad you had the perfect wedding day after all the ups and downs of wedding planning you two faced! Enjoy married life enjoy each other love one another I wish you all the happiness in the world and the perfect start to your married life =D Love The Wedding Ring Photos your rings are perfect

Congratulations xx

I've so looked forward to hearing about your day. It's a shame you had some stress in the run up but it's all worth it.

We are, it was the best day! Everything and more we could have hoped for! It's a shame about the run up but once that was sorted, the stress just disappeared and a sense of relief just enveloped us so we know it was the right decision even if it was a difficult situation :) we just keep bouncing a out giggling saying wife to each other the whole time hehe!! Xx

WOW your church is absolutely amazing and beautiful congratulations to you both. xx

Congratulations x

Thanks ladies :) The cathedral was just amazing as was the rest of the day! x

I hope your day was as magical as ours was Elizabeth!

Lovely pictures Catherine xx

These are lovely. I love the pic with the butterfly box x

Aww lovely pics x

Aww these are lovely pics Catherine! You both look so happy! Xx

Love the pics, you both look lovely and so happy

Lovely photos :)

Thank you so much everyone! We can't wait until the end of the week when we get the other 200+ :D x

Thank you :)

We've now had the full set sent through to us today so if anyone would like to see the whole lot, I've posted the link on my wall! If you aren't friends with me, send me a request! x