wedding post II: getting to the ceremony

Okay, so where were we? Oh that's right, we were bolting down peanut-butter rolls and Tim-Tams and trying not to FREAK OUT about the fact that it was raining and we were about to leave for our OUTDOOR WEDDING.

Once my hair was done and we had inhaled our lunch, it was time for the rest of the preparations. Getting dressed was quick and easy: pull my dress over head, pull on a pair of tights, and slip my shoes on. I was wearing minimal make-up because a) I never wear make-up and I didn't want to look completely different, and b) I don't like the way it feels. I put a little soft eyeliner, eyeshadow and waterproof mascara on and that was that.

The boys got dressed quickly. Liz helped Robert tie his tie, which was kind of adorable. Liz took out her curlers and got all fancied up. Everyone looked beautiful.

A side note: I do not regret at all our decision to get ready together. Seeing one another in the hall of our home was no less special than doing it at the ceremony. It was a pretty magical moment.

At this point, we were running a little late and it was raining. We jumped into Tim's car and were off. Driving with friends, instead of in a limo, was definitely the best choice. I won't say I was calm, but I was definitely less freaked out than I would have been otherwise. We listened to Of Montreal and made jokes and it all seemed a it less scary.

Halfway to the university, Robert realised that I had forgotten my bouquet. For a moment, this felt like a TRAGEDY. My precious, beautiful bouquet! That cost $40! That was so cute! Now I was A BRIDE WITHOUT A BOUQUET! Waaaah!

After a few seconds, I decided to forget about it. I would like to say that this was because I turned my radiant face to my groom and said blissfully, "This is one of the happiest days of my life; I don't need anything but you, darling." In fact, I decided that I was too freaked out about the rain and our lateness and the fact that both my parents had their mobiles turned off to worry about anything else. And yeah, after a bit I realised that it really didn't matter, and if I let it matter to me I would just make myself sad, so what was the point? As it happened I forgot about it as soon as I stepped out of the car and didn't think about it all day.



Our wedding location was something we had given a lot of thought to, and I was really excited to have the ceremony in the Tropical Grove. Our backup location for the wedding was also pretty, sheltered under the clock tower, but it was very dark on a cloudy day. And we had really wanted to get married under the trees.

We made our way to the clock tower with umbrellas. The University is a popular place to hold a wedding, and as we walked we saw a very spendid and traditional wedding party go by, with the bride in a poofy white dress, several bridesmaids in red satin, and some nondescript men in black, all trailed by a photographer and a videographer. I felt a bit frumpy but very glad I wasn't them.

As we approached the clock tower, I saw a few people milling around. I started to feel even more nervous. Then I walked under the arches and saw Everyone.

I had gone over the invitation list several times; I'd even addressed and posted all the invitations. I knew that 80 people, plus about 15 children, were coming to the wedding. But in my mind's eye, on the way to the wedding, I had seen my family, Robert's family, and a few friends. Here is an interesting fact: when you put 80 people and 15 kids in the same place, it is A LOT OF PEOPLE. And when they are all dressed up in fancy clothes looking like complete strangers, and they all turn and look at you, it is the scariest fucking thing you have ever seen in your life.



I felt like turning around and running. Luckily our little friend Bella ran up to greet us, and I grabbed her like a lifesaver and dove into the crowd. All I wanted was to find my mum and hide!

I've seen a few photos of me at this point, and I look kind of drunk. I have this big, confused. terrified smile on my face, like I've wandered into a surprise party and everyone is expecting me to do a song-and-dance number. I felt completely overwhelmed, like this whole thing had gotten out of hand and I just wanted everyone to go away and stop looking at me.

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I think I'll leave it there for now. Tune in tomorrow for the best bit: the ceremony!