Bienvenidos!

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Wedding part 2

So we got to the church and out of the car and had a few photos taken. Getting in and out in that frock was a bit of a trial. The registrar confirmed things with me before going in then we were ushered into the entrance far too quickly! The music started, Em and Kate were escorted off and all I could think was 'my train's all crumpled!' with no time to do anything about it. But then as we started walking in and I saw all our friends's faces... it didn't matter. And there was SuperMoo waiting for me at the top of the church. I think I should have looked at him a bit more, but I kept looking round to see who else had come.

There was a bit of confusion when Dad and I got to SuperMoo, we didn't know whether he should pass my hand over or just leave me there. It ended up being sort of 'well, here she is... bye then!' and he went off to sit with mum facing us. The priest welcomed everyone and we sang Jerusalem (Dark satanic Mills... bit of a family in-joke) and then I can't remember what came next. I was shaking while we were singing, shaking when we sat down. My bouquet looked like it was on a huge pile of jelly. But then Laura sang Panis Angelicus and I had a moment to -just- -breathe- ...and it was better. My Joe and Moo's Alex did the readings beautifully. The priest said the gospel and his homily. Then we said our vows. Strong, clear. I didn't cry this time. I looked SuperMoo in the eye and promised to have and hold, for better for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death us do part. I found it a bit strange: I said 'I am', 'I will', but there was no question to which I had to answer 'I do'. Then we had the rings and the Panamanian coins blessed, he put the ring on my finger and I on his, then we passed the coins from his hands to mine and back - a Latin wedding tradition to symbolise the sharing of wealth and prosperity between us. We signed the register while Laura sang Ave Maria and there it was. Man and wife. Married.

Moo's Joe read the bidding prayers and soon after that out we walked (after agonising over the music for weeks we went with the instrumental version of Your Song on the second Moulin Rouge soundtrack. Give it a listen - it's surprisingly nice!)

Lots of pictures were taken in the sunshine and Clare was very disappointed that she didn't get a chance to shower me in confetti. The right moment just didn't come up. I feel a bit bad about that because she was so excited! The guests took taxis over to the radisson for a strawberry bubbly reception while SuperMoo and I had some pictures taken on the docks. It was a strange feeling having people staring at the car as we were driving around. While we were stopped at some traffic lights a couple who had been in the hotel lobby before Daddy and I left recognised me and gave us a wave.

We got to the rad and had a few more pictures downstairs before going up to sneak a peek at the room before everyone went in. *Squeeee!* it was gorgeous!! The light was shining through all the palm trees and bringing out the colours of the table centres - it looked lush and tropical and just how I wanted it! We were announced into the room to a standing ovation and took our seats on our round table in the middle. I didn't want a long top table - it felt too imperious and I wanted to be able to talk to everyone without having to lean and shout over everyone else.

Daddy started the speeches and did very well. SuperMoo went next. He hadn't written anything thanks to the stress of trying to sort out his family and wayward guests but it was lovely and sweet and he only rambled a little bit. Joe Mez stepped in admirably as the substitute best man and gave a fantastic speech. I'm very proud to now call him brother-in-law.

We posed for the cutting the cake pictures just before the buffet opened. The pasta had no sauce but I don't think many people noticed, and we got a lot of compliments for the bollitos de carne en vino, the ceviche and the sopa borracha. I wish I had been able to eat a bit more but the dress was so restrictive! I have a lot more respect for the Victorians after that! We had some extra guests turn up a bit earlier than expected but it worked out fine - there was space and food enough for everyone so no harm done. Just a bit of confusion over start times!

Freddy announced the first dance about half eight and everyone was crowding round us. We did the usual sway in a circle dance but them mum and dad stole the floor and did a salsa solo in front of everyone! Clare managed to get me with the confetti in the end, and I forgot to toss the bouquet until my bridesmaids were leaving so there were only about eight ladies left to try and catch it. Susan got it in the end, which both she and I were very pleased about - she's getting married in May and felt justified. Mum got cornered by Freddy and made to dance street salsa, which took her by surprise a bit! There were a couple of moments where I was rocking the dance floor by myself but there was a good core of fencers who managed to last until the end. A lot of people had to leave early which made me a bit sad, and Freddy did end up packing away earlier than expected but I don't think anyone could have lasted much longer. I hadn't slept properly in three days and was flagging, so we called it a night, said goodnight to my bro and to Freddy and went up to the suite.

Started married life with a flat full of Panamanians and no honeymoon, but hey, who who needs conventional? It's not every day a volcano explodes for your wedding.

9:49 p.m. - 2010-04-24

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