The Reception...

Hey Everyone...

Telling this story has become such a delight - especially after all your lovely comments! It means so much that people are reading!

Well after walking back up the aisle as man and wife, we went into the little room where I had been waiting before the ceremony. We had a few seconds to ourselves, and I felt so blissfully happy. Then the bridesmaids and flowergirls joined us and we had a mini celebration, throwing all the confetti left in the baskets!

Then it was back out into the crowds of friends and family to a wave of congratulations. The groomsmen ushered everyone out onto the balcony of the ceremony room - for our very special group shot...

We felt like the royal family, as all the tourists below stopped and stared and waved, and took photographs themselves!

Then we headed down stairs to the entrance of the hotel, where all our friends and family were waiting, confetti at hand...

Walking out into the glorious sunshine, under a shower of confetti, felt rather surreal but so special at the same time...

We then climbed into a car which whisked us off for our professional photos - more on this later!

Soon it was back to the hotel for the reception. The food was absolutely delicious, and it was so lovely to see everyone talking and the air buzzing with talk and smiles and laughter. 

Then it was time for the speeches...

After the father of the bride - came time for my new husband to make a speech...

It was of course very funny, but also very touching and I will always remember how special he made me feel...

Then it was my turn - yes my turn! I made a little speech, thanking my beautiful bridesmaids, and all our parents and of course my lovely husband!

It meant a lot for me to be able to tell him how much he means to me in return!

We gave out some gifts to our parents and the flowergirls...

Before the main event...

Andrew's best man gave the most amazing speech - very funny but oh so touching too! He knew Andrew so well, he knew exactly what to say...

The evening passed in a whirlwind, so next it was time to throw my bouquet...

All the girls lined up...

And my young cousin (who very politely asked me if she was allowed to join in) dived for the bouquet as it fell short! She was thrilled...

Although my little nieces were rather upset...

Then we cut our beautiful cake...

This is one of my favourite pictures - we were so caught up in the whirlwind of a beautiful day, but this moment felt more private somehow.

And then it was time to start the party! We began with our first dance...

We 'slow danced' to God Only Knows by The Beach Boys, circling the dance floor, singing the words to each other...

If you know the song well, you'll know there is a little fast section in the middle of the song...

So we surprised everyone with a little 'routine' - a couple of fast spins and a dip...

It went down very well...

Then everyone joined in and we danced the night away!

I have never felt so popular, everyone wanted to dance with me, especially all the children...

I don't think I have danced for long in my life...

Even the best man joined in...

We danced the night away...

To Be Continued...