As I had expected, I slept poorly, and woke early - but I hadn't expected the poor sleep to be caused by the bed, or the early wake-up call to be the sound of crashing rubbish trucks.
I got up early, as planned, to wash my hair before breakfast so that it had time to curl naturally as it dried. The hotel had neglected to tell me that there was no one on reception to let my bridesmaids in, though, so I had to go down and let some people in - the night staff and departing guests let some of the others in, and one of the girls was given a key to my room without my being called about it (!!!), so security wasn't the greatest.
Once everyone had arrived and dropped off their gear, we headed out for an indulgent breakfast at Drexels Wellington, who provided excellent service and delicious food - which I completely failed to eat.
This is around about when I started crying, which was probably the weirdest part of the day - I had no reason for it, I just kind of cried all morning.
I got up early, as planned, to wash my hair before breakfast so that it had time to curl naturally as it dried. The hotel had neglected to tell me that there was no one on reception to let my bridesmaids in, though, so I had to go down and let some people in - the night staff and departing guests let some of the others in, and one of the girls was given a key to my room without my being called about it (!!!), so security wasn't the greatest.
Once everyone had arrived and dropped off their gear, we headed out for an indulgent breakfast at Drexels Wellington, who provided excellent service and delicious food - which I completely failed to eat.
This is around about when I started crying, which was probably the weirdest part of the day - I had no reason for it, I just kind of cried all morning.
When we got back to the room, Kirsty from Expressions Hair was there, and we were into it.
Nicola started on the make-up for some of the girls, while others were having their hair done, or being laced into their outfits.
Nicola started on the make-up for some of the girls, while others were having their hair done, or being laced into their outfits.
We did my hair last, so that the photographer and videographer could capture the process. Nicole finally got me to stop crying with a funny and bizarre story about a bunny, I think? It worked, anyway.
We had given ourselves a lot of time, and Lexi had kindly provided a platter of food (which, again, I couldn't eat) but it made sure that everyone else contained food.
We were so well-organised that we actually ended up with some down-time - Lexi took everyone through my extensive document, to make sure we all knew what we were doing, and nothing had been overlooked. It was nice to be able to just chill for a bit - it was a really hot day already, and none of us were keen to rush around too much if we didn't have to.
Eventually, it was time to clip in my hair, paint on my face, zip on the bustle, lace on the corset, and buckle on the belts (!!!).
Finally, we were all ready, and the car was there. Time to go! A quick toast, and it was time to actually get married.
Thanks again to everyone who helped me get ready, whether before or on the day, and in particular, the bridesmaids. I love you all, girls xx
A toast to (in alphabetical order):
Aimee, Dale, Katherine, Lexi, Nicola, Nicole, and Roxy - and to Theresa, who is still travelling the world.
A toast to (in alphabetical order):
Aimee, Dale, Katherine, Lexi, Nicola, Nicole, and Roxy - and to Theresa, who is still travelling the world.