So with a knock at the door, the genius that is Randy Chapman arrived!! He was early (as he, apparently, always is) and happily engaged in banter with Patricia. The two often work for the same brides, and know each other well!!
Randy set about doing what Randy does best and started photographing all the little details!!
Soon it was time to say goodbye to Patricia, so with a kiss and a promise of rave reviews, she went on her way. I was sorry to see her go as she is so sweet!!
It was soon time to get dressed, and so with help of my daughter and my friend, I changed out of my hoodie and leggings and into the dress I had been longing to wear since first I set eyes on it!!
One of my few regrets about our big day is that I didn't get the girls to lace my dress tighter. I was very comfortable all day, but in some of the photos, I am aware of the dress gaping at the bust (I don't have much to fill it I'm afraid). It was perfect in the bridal boutique as, I guess the girls in there are expert lacers, and Emily, bless her, had laced it at my fittings as practice, but on the day it wasn't quite right. I only noticed it in a few pictures and I am glad I wasn't aware of it at the time, else I would have been worried all day!!
This picture is one Randy has done some fancy editing on - hence the black border!! Why oh why didn't I tidy the bedroom a bit, or at least close the wordrobe door UGH!!!
Once I was dressed, I felt wonderful!! I was confident that with the expert help from Patricia and Alex, I was making the very best of what God had given me and I was looking as good as I possibly could on that day. You can ask for no more than that!!
Randy decided to take me out on the balcony of our room for some shots
I really wish now that I had had my front teeth straightened as a child. However, back then it wasn't as commonplace in England as it is now, to have such dental work done. My Daddy, bless him, also decided that non-perfect teeth added character to a face!!! Hmm not sure I agree Daddy!!!
When I came back in to the room, little Ella (my friends's grandaughter), who had been watching intently, asked me with a puzzled expression on her face, which Princess's dress I was wearing!!! Bless her, she is so sweet!!! Luckily Randy captured the moment - although I can't remember for the life of me, what answer I gave her!!!
Meanwhile there was a lot going on in room 7229!!!
MIL's partner had decided to join the 'Rat Pack'
And Henry was beside himself with excitement over the imminent proceedings!!!
It was at this point that I realized that the flowers were late and started getting jumpy!! Randy (superhero!!) was quickly on the phone to Karen, my planner. I could hear him saying 'Right, okay, I see......' Now I really was panicing!!! When he came off the phone, I said 'Is there a problem?' He flashed me one of his gorgeous smiles and said 'Nothing we can't handle Hun'.
I later found out, (Randy confided the tale to Paul) that Karen, my angel of a planner, had sent the flowers back to have changes made, as when they arrived she had known they were not quite what I was dreaming of!!! She understood my vision so completely, and had the guts to make a stand when she thought I may not be 100% happy!!! That is a planner who knows her job, and is not afraid to do it!!!
Eventually, Randy got a call to say that the flowers were at the front desk and he went, personally to collect them. I would have been a quivering wreck by now if it weren't for him!!
So when the flowers arrived, it is true to say that I wasn't 100% happy with them - I was 120% happy with them!!!! They were everything I could have hoped for and more!!! I was just floored when I first saw them!!! Karen later said that my floral was some of the most beautiful she had ever seen.
The expression on my face is pure wonder!!
It wasn't long before Randy announced that he was off to get Paul all set up and ready for our first look. I took the time to relax and take stock. This was really happening at last!!! Our day, the day we had planned for and dreamed of for so long. I was deliriously happy and so excited!!
Randy returned and it was time to get this show on the road. We gathered all we needed to take and the next moment (to use one of Randy's favourite sayings - Randy's brides will know what I mean) 'We're walking'
Next up:- First look
I think its great your kids get along so well - LOL - mine would probaby go at it with a real baseball bat
