Rachel's Adventures in Spain : Wedding

Even though this didn’t happen in Hungary I still felt that I should post it. I returned home from Hungary on the 11^th of June. The flights went quickly and smoothly as soon as I knew it, I was home and in my own bed. It was a hectic weekend as we had guests staying with us and everyone had to prepare for my friends’ wedding. On Friday I got a spray tan appointment which got darker as the day went on. Not to worry though as the next morning it washed off and gave me a light golden brown colour. I was thankful that I didn’t have the normal deathly pale look.

My mum, sister and I went to the hairdressers on Saturday morning. My hair was curled before pinned to the side in a cute half up do. Hannah had curls in her hair too, but she left her hair down and Mum with naturally curly hair got some hair pinned back and a pink feather fascinator inserted into the side of her hair.

After the hairdressers we returned home and everyone in the house did their makeup, ironed their shirts, put on their dresses and basically run around making sure everything was ready. My mum and my friend Camille had to leave early as they were playing at the ceremony. My dad, sister Hannah, her boyfriend Andrew, Camille's brother Tom and I left not long after.

We arrived at the church and got our photo taken outside the door. It was raining slightly and it was a little bit chilly. I had been used to thirty degree heat for the past few weeks, so it came as a big shock!

We were seated in the church, waiting for the bride to arrive. The ceremony was meant to start at 1pm, but like most weddings the bride always arrives a little late. Just twenty minutes later and the groom John Marc, best man and groomsmen entered from the back door. It would soon be time for the bride to enter. John Buchanan, who conducted the wedding, then told the congregation to stand for the bride. I smiled as I saw my childhood and long time friend Sarah walking down the aisle with her father. I didn’t get a good look at her because I was sitting near the back but I would see her later.

The ceremony happened and the congregation had to make a promise that they would support John Marc and Sarah during their marriage. The congregation were silent and John said jokingly “You may respond.” I think we weren’t awake for that part! Afterwards the bridal party made their way to the back hall where they signed the marriage document and my mum and Camille played the song 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman. It’s a lovely tune and has great words as well.

The ceremony was soon over, I couldn’t see properly but apparently the bride and groom stumbled while on their way out of the church. Well it wouldn’t be a wedding if everything went perfectly now, would it? Afterwards there were refreshments served for the guests and it gave me a chance to chat with a lot of people who I had not seen for a while.

The reception was held at the Banff Springs Hotel which had been refurbished. After congratulating Sarah and John Marc we headed to our table for the meal. I was with my sister and her boyfriend, but I was also with my friends as well and made some new friends. I had a few names for our table – the “singles table” (single as in not married) and “the banter table”. We laughed and had interesting conversations while eating delicious food. The wedding favours were a small plastic diamond filled with soapy water. Yes that’s right it was bubbles and they definitely brought out the inner child in us! Afterwards the room was rearranged for the dance and there was a table just off the dance floor with a little card which said: “Love is sweet. Please take a treat.” Then there were jars filled with sweets and I felt like a little kid again going into a sweet shop (which happened very rarely as my mum is a dentist!) It was great though!

There were some traditional Scottish dances and there were times when people just danced to wherever the music took them. My mum thought I was weird. I was jumping, shaking and dancing all over the place! I just didn't care.

At the end of the wedding dance the guests held hands in a circle around the bride and groom. The band then played ‘Auld Lang Syne’ a traditional Scottish poem by Robert Burns. After this John Marc was lifted up high by the groomsmen for a rendition of ‘For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow’.

After chatting to friends we got into the car and headed for home, tired but glad that we were invited to the wedding and that we enjoyed ourselves. A huge congratulations to John Marc and Sarah - Mr and Mrs Cardno!

Below are some photographs from the big day: