Three years ago today, the Greek God(zilla) and I were married in the Blue room at Marylebone Registry office, exactly 4-years to the day after we first met, and in front of only 30 of our closest family and friends.
It was lovely.
We did not put in months of planning, audition any bands, or attend a single cake tasting. We simply booked a room, invited our guests by email, and held the reception at The Landmark Hotel opposite.
We did not think to organise a gift list, I ordered my dress online, and the music played via my iPod.
All this makes it sound like it was a bit rubbish, but it was genuinely one of the most wonderful days of my life.
The Greek God(zilla) proposed to me in Barbados when I was 5-months pregnant. He gave me the most beautiful pear shaped diamond ring that I could just about squeeze onto my fat swollen finger.
Then we put the plans to one side for a few months while we focused on bringing our son safely into the world.
I think Zee was about 3-months old when we set a date for 4-months later. I booked The Landmark, primarily because of its location to the registry office, but also because it is a beautiful hotel and I knew they would look after us.
I surfed the net for my wedding dress. I did not want a long gown, as every one I tried on made me feel like I was wearing fancy dress and I wanted something less showy. I eventually found just what I was looking for online at Net-a Porter and bought a dress by Australian designers, Lover, which seemed so appropriate.
Dress by Lover; Shoes by Prada
Not just for the romantic name, but because I lived in Australia for a year during my twenties and it seemed apt to represent a part of my life that could not physically be there on the day.
So it may have been a bit far for my Australian buddies to travel, but my besties in L.A., Dubai and Ireland made it. Well most of them did anyway.
Beautiful C, my old flatmate in Maida Vale, flew in from L.A. to be one of our witnesses, along with the Greek God(zilla)’s sister, BB. Lins & Paul flew in from Dubai and Lins joined my sister and the Greek God(zilla)’s youngest sister, Eva, as Bridesmaids.
Dad escorts the girls to the wedding
Donna had a relatively short trip from Dublin in comparison, but Icelandic ash stopped her flight from taking off and she was grounded in Ireland for the weekend.
But Susy and Katie, my girls, were there and we dialled Donna in for a conference call later that day. I received a message from my dearest Steve in Sydney and from Pete in Toronto, and I really was touched beyond belief.
missing Donna
Babes
I am very fortunate in that my sister is an Emmy award nominated (!) make-up artist and worked her magic on me for free. However, I made the mistake of booking myself into the hotel salon for a blow dry on the morning of the wedding and HATED what they did to me. Even looking at photos now, I do not like my hair.
bad hair day
The reception was held in the penthouse Tower Suite, overlooking the atrium. We had just three tables of 12 and all the booze you could manage.
Our wedding cake was a strawberry cheesecake, which is always our dessert of choice. If we ever go out to eat and there is cheesecake on the menu, the Greek God(zilla) will have to have it. Even though he is ‘allergic’ to uncooked cheese, apparently… although I think the word he is actually looking for is ‘picky’.
The speeches made me cry, especially my Dad’s and my new husband’s. One of the Greek God(zilla)’s Best Men got my name wrong in his speech. I am sure it was just his nerves getting the better of him and not that he copied and pasted the same speech from when he Best Man at his brother’s wedding… if you are reading this Jon, I am just kidding! It was very funny and everyone had a chuckle about it.
The Best Men
We did not have a first dance as such, but did have a big group dance huddle to GOLD by Spandau Ballet.
It really was the most wonderful day. I’d say second only to the day that Zee was born.
Happy face
Happy Anniversary to you my darling husband. Thank you for the most wonderful 3-years (and 4 before that) and I look forward to spending many many more happy times with you.
*****
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What a lovely post – really touching. You sound so happy.
Author
thanks Ellen x
Happy Anniversary!
Sounds like the perfect day!
Our wedding day was very informal too… hired a village hall, photos by friends in the local arboretum, jacket potatoes for our meal (with scrummy fillings of course), cake made by a friend, flowers from the garden, decorations made by friends, and my wedding dress bought in my lunch break for the grand sum of £60… On paper it all sounds boring as you say, but we all had a wonderful time just as I know you did!! Simple weddings are so personal xx
Author
Sounds perfect!
Sarah…you look stunning, what a lovely wedding day x
Author
thanks lovely x
Happy anniversary love birds! Now excuse me one moment, I appear to have something in my eye…. *sniff*
Author
hahaha, thanks gorgeous girl xx
Happy anniversary! 3 yrs already. Wow! It was a great day. Love the pics. Xx
Author
thanks missus x
Happy Anniversary! what gorgeous photos – I just love that shot of you laughing away, it’s made me smile!
Author
Thanks Mammasaurus! Have many more where that came from… my go-to pose when the camera comes out is mouth wide open…
Sounds and looks like a beautiful day! Happy Anniversary! X
Author
thank you so much x
Awwwww! Your hair is gorgeous you daft moo – but you always look naturally beautiful. What I like most about those photos is all the girls in sunnies – brilliantly rock chic! Happy anniversary x
Author
Oh stop!
I’d love to be a proper rock chick though 🙂
lovely lovely lovely happy anniversary gorgeous, you share the day with Mr HPMcQ’s birthday. we too got married on our anniversary, ours was our third and organised the wedding in ten weeks! BOSH DONE! x
Author
Ah Happy Birthday to Mr HPMcQ! Look forward to reading a post about your day perhaps? xx
It sounds like the happiest most amazing day and so relaxed and personal, lovely. And the photos are great, you look amazing and so happy 🙂 Happy Anniversary xx
Author
Thanks lovely x
Ooooooh Sarah, you made me all well up. What a perfect day you had – and you look stunning – gorgeous dress and shoes. I’m a little envious actually, I would have loved to have had the intimate wedding you had – reg office, and beautiful hotel (used to work opposite the Landmark – know how stunning it is) – I ended up pleasing my Dad and family on my husbands side (it’s very big). Was still a lovely day though. Enough of me. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY LOVELY! X.
Oh I hated my hair too on my wedding day and I plucked my eyebrows a little too much.I think you all look like you had a wonderful day.What is it with men and the Best Man’s speech? Happy Anniversary and I hope you have many more together.
Sounds like a fabulous day and congratulations on your anniversary! My day was fairly similar – small wedding, 8 month old daughter in attendance, wedding dress bought online – The Outnet! Sadly the memories of our day are somewhat muddied by the behaviour of a couple of family members who behaved appallingly. So, we plan to do it all again for our 5th wedding anniversary – but this time it will be just the three of us!
Oh my weep! You all look so beautiful; especially you and the happiness radiates. Aw this post has made me so happy x
That all looks and sounds wonderful – such a loving post on so many levels – so glad for you – Congratulations!
I think I must have a little speck of dust in my eye…
What a gorgeous posts, and such lovely photos, you looked beautiful.
Wishing you both many, many more years of happiness xxx
Author
thank you so so much Ruth x
Love the sentiment behind your wedding
Love your dress
love your shoes
Love the pictures
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS POST
Author
So lovely of you to say, thank you! x