100 days

James and I have been married for one hundred days today.
I have finally got my rings re sized so that they are not in danger of falling off. Almost all our presents have arrived, and most are in use! We've taken our wonderful family tree - a gift from both our fathers tracing our paternal family lines - in to the framers.
We've had a bit of a house clear out and tidy up and re-arrange.
We are settling into the daily pattern of being Mr and Mrs Gordon. It's great. Once a week we have time set aside for just us. We have used this time to go to a gallery, discover a new country pub, have dates at the cinema and just enjoy an evening at home with a good meal and no TV. I love this special time and when we have missed it I feel our relationship begin to sag. James was initially sceptical about this dedicated time but having given it go he agrees on its value and dates are in his diary!
People ask me whether things have changed since we got married, do I feel any different? The answer is perhaps a surprising yes. I feel grounded, anchored by the love of my soul mate. I feel calmer, like I have stepped into the shelter of someone who will always be there for me. I feel like James and I are a team, working together and for each other.
We are facing some big decisions about the future for both of us that would lead to potential career changes and financial pressures. As part of our decision making we are spending Sunday away from home, with our Bibles, talking to God and waiting on Him. I am looking forward to retreating for a short time, but then being able to talk things through with my husband.
Last night, as part of my new Bible reading plan - God's Story in 9 months (courtesy of Carla Harding) I read Genesis 1 & 2 aloud to James. We've decided to work through it together, taking it in turns to read to each other each night. I'm excited that I am going to journey through God's Story and even more excited that I have a travelling companion.
H x

Here comes the bride......

On December 30th 2005 James Gordon asked me to become his wife. On Saturday May 5th 2007 that finally happened. It has taken me a long while to think about what I want to write here and I'm not sure I've quite got it but here goes.
James and I have been a couple for a long time. Six years, six months and three weeks by the time of our wedding day. I have known that he would be the man I would marry for at least six years and six months of that time. We have waited so long for many reasons, but mainly and truthfully I think it was because until James had finished his Masters the time just wasn't right for us to start the next chapter of our lives as man and wife.

Planning our wedding has had its ups and downs, as this blog has known. There are times when commercialism and competition has threatened to cloud the idea of what our wedding should have been about. There were times when I wondered why we were waiting so long. However there was never a time when I wondered why we were doing it at all.

From the outset we talked about how we wanted our wedding to be a celebration. First and foremost we wanted it to be a celebration of God's amazing love and grace. We wanted people who don't come to church, who don't know God, to come to our wedding and feel comfortable, we wanted them to be able to learn a bit more about who God is and what He means to us. We wanted the songs to be full of meaning and life and joy and love. We wanted the reading to be serious but accessible. We asked God for His help and He delivered in the way only He can. When the doors of church opened and I saw everyone's faces turn, and the music start I felt overwhelmed with emotion. As I arrived at the top of the aisle on my father's arm, to join James a wave of joy and peace came over me. God took my spirit and said 'this a moment I created for you and you for.' From that moment on I had the most wonderful day of my life. The music was superb (cheers band) and every ounce of me wanted to worship my saviour and creator. Saying my vows, and hearing James' felt like putting the final piece in a jigsaw puzzle.
We wanted to end the ceremony on a high note, with a signal to start the fun so we walked out to the Emmanuel Band's rendition of 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles).' Andy Buchanan's native Scottish accent topped it off perfectly. Thank you so much.

The rest of the day was fun, although as everyone had promised, it went far too fast. My only regret is that we spent so much time outside with the photographer and not at our drinks reception. However the food was good and we managed to go round all the tables between courses to say hello and thank you. The speeches were good, my daddy made me cry and Doug made me laugh. The evening was a whirlwind of dancing and hugs and pictures.
It was an exhausted Mr and Mrs Gordon who were driven away from The Warren through a gauntlet of sparklers!
There were times on the day when I thought this is so much fun, I want to do it again. But now I've had a week in Malta enjoying the sunshine and the company of my husband, and we've returned home and started to build our marriage together I've changed my mind. It was a superb, lovely, joyful and exciting day. It was an important day and one that will play through my mind over and over for many years. It was a day when our friends and family came together with God and with us to celebrate our love and commitment to each other. But I realise now that it was a single day in a whole lifetime together. It was like opening a crisp new book, inhaling the glorious new paper smell, and bending the spine a little. The anticipation and excitement is there, but you know that there is a whole story that lies ahead!
Hannah x

I'm getting married

This might seem like rather an obvious statement, considering that I have now been engaged for 16 months. However over the last week the reality that I am actually going to get married has hit me. And finally the excitement that everyone has promised me is starting to attack me in waves!
There have been a few odd 'lasts' Like on Sunday evening I realised that it was the last time I would leave the church as Hannah Watts, although not the last time I'd enter it ;-)
Sitting in the pub on Saturday evening I caught sight of James' left hand and thought that the next time we're all out on a Saturday evening there will be a wedding ring on that hand.

The actual sequence of the day and the walking down the aisle, saying my vows, all of that still seems like a far off dream. I think the rehearsal will bring it home and saying goodbye to James after that.

I am excited that I am about to start a new chapter in my life, with my husband by my side. I am excited that two families are coming together. I am astounded that this is MY time. Although I think I thought I'd always get married my lack of boyfriends during my formative years was a contra indicator. However God snuck into my life in my first year of Uni and then plonked James in my path in October 2000. The rest is a story for another day but the first chapter closes on Saturday and a new one, with bright shiny clean pages waiting to filled with fun, adventure, sadness, joy, pain and prayer, opens. I cannot wait....

H x

Hannah's Hens

I've been meaning to write about this for ages.

Firstly I want to say a huge huge thank you to my lil Sis Alice (or Big Chief Bridesmaid) and my bestest friend Milla (or Best Mate Bridesmaid) for their organisation and for looking after me all weekend. I felt truly truly blessed to have so many wonderful friends who came together from around the country to spend a sunny weekend with me.

Saturday saw us meeting at South Croydon to catch the train (and bus replacement) to Brighton. Please note opening and pouring a magnum of fizz, and trying to drink Buck's Fizz from plastic champagne glasses on a moving double Decker bus is not as easy as it sounds! However Bridget Jones style introductions to each other is must. I know Becky J loved being referred to as a Doctor (she is one) and former head girl! And Helen as my pastoral guide!!

Once in Brighton we went for lunch at Momma Cherri's Soul Food Shack (As seen on Ramsey's kitchen nightmares) This place is a MUST if you like relaxed Brighton dining, friendly staff, GREAT food in abundance, yummy cocktails and fab soul music. I am DEFINITELY going back!

The rest of the day was spent on the beach, in the sea (it was really really cold), and on the pier. We had ice cream (with two flakes for the Bride!), and went on the roller coaster (Alice got stuck in it which was amusing in a if we don't laugh we'll cry way and we all got bruises and mild whiplash) and the carousel which even Becky C, the most cautious girl in the world, decided was safe until she realised she hadn't got a pole to hold on to!

The evening saw us mass ordering Pizza (thanks to Jon J for the 50% off voucher), playing singstar (Singstar 80s and Singstar anthems no less - I'm hooked) and watching wedding Crashers (Confetti will have to wait until the day before the wedding!!). The loveliest bit on Saturday was getting presents from people. A real range of wonderful treats, inlcuing lingerie, pampering Sanctuary smellies, Funny books, The Prophet, and a very special necklace from Rach (a cross in a stone) with a card explaining the reasons behind it. It had me in tears. I love all you girls.

Sunday was Rugby Day! Suited and Booted we caught another set of trains to Reading, where we met with three of my my mooses, reunited all five of us for the first time since Becky C got married, and my mummy.

We had champagne to start, more introductions, more presents including heart cookie cutters, a table cloth for my bottom drawer, Bart Simpson's guide to life and a signed Worcester Warriors shirt. Thank you all again.

We lost the rugby but the sun shone and I shouted plenty! I met Mike Catt afterwards, but no Warriors :-( and I played rugby in three inch wedges with Delon Armitage's brother!

The best thing about it all is that I get to see all of these wonderful women in just over a week and they've all chosen to come and witness me becoming Mrs Gordon and party the night away with us all. Awesome!!!

Photos are HERE and HERE and on Facebook xxxx

Going to the chapel

I am suddenly VERY excited about getting married.

The last couple of weeks have made it everything seem so real. We had a lovely phone call from The Curate on Friday. She's going to conduct our ceremony and we're meeting her on Saturday morning to sit down and discuss this. We had a letter last week telling us when our banns will be read at church (the legal bit that allows us to get married!) The unfortunate thing is that they are all at the morning service, and we are both members of the evening congregation. However I spoke to someone in the office who is trying to get at least one reading moved to the evening. James and I are both keen that our wedding ceremony is really really fun and enjoyable. We really want it to be a chance to thank God for all He has done for us, and will continue to do during the rest of our lives. It'll be great to sit down and plan it. I'm also going to ask the curate to sign my form to get my new passport so that when I fly to Malta on May 7th I'll officially be Mrs Gordon!!!

This weekend we have also managed to measure our little bridesmaids for their dresses. Agree a guest list, buy presents for people and draft the invite inserts ready for printing.

We're seeing the venue on Wednesday, armed with an a4 sheet of questions and then finish our wedding list next Tuesday eve.

I feel in control (my sister will be pleased to hear that) and also quite positive. I cannot wait for my dress to come in and for me to try it on with everything.

Work wise things are naff. I have an interview on Wednesday at 2pm. Its quite a random job. We'll see 'ey?

H x

Wedding catch up blog

Hello.
Been busy - what's new there then!!
On the wedding front its is now less than 6 months to go!! I am quite excited.
I have booked a florist - not as scary as I thought it might be. If anyone asks me what I'm having I can tell them 'flowers!'
My cake situation has progressed from plain M&S iced to Alice's amazing friend Lou making me an awesome creation.
Oh yeah I ordered a dress. I don't think I ever shared that. Its lovely. That's all I can tell you.
I've booked a hairdresser, and arranged for someone to do my make up on the day.
James, Doug and James Snr are off to be measured for their suits on Friday.
We've registered somewhere to be our wedding list, although we haven't started putting it together. It was so nice to do something wedding related that isn't costing us money.
Oh yeah and I have created this, to be used as an information point for our guests. Have a look and see what you think: Gordon Wedding
H x

Six!

Last Sunday James and I celebrated six years as a couple. To celebrate this fact we ate lots and went for a walk int he same area where James proposed.
In many ways six years has flown by, but its only when looking back that I can see how we've grown and maturedand fitted more and more into the pattern of each others' lives. We've had some good times, and some not so good times. We've had sad times, happy times and as the photo shows some down right silly times.
Everyday I am more and more convinced that I have loved this man since I first met him. I can't remember when I knew I'd marry him but it was more than 10 and half months ago!!
I hope that in another six, sixteen or sixty years time we will still be having fun, still arguing over the washing up, and who feeds the cat, and generally just getting along with being us.

Congratulations

Firstly to the new Mr and Mrs Beckford. Their wedding at St Paul's Cathedral was wonderful, steeped in tradition and included a good rousing Welsh rugby hymn! The reception was equally lovely, the pink champagne and canapes were greatly appreciated, the food was good, the speeches amusing and the dancing was non stop. Matt, James and Rob were entertaining on the way home too. Beth and Darryl and now adventuring round Oz on their honeymoon and to make us all jealous you can keep up with their news here


Secondly congratulations to the new Mr and Mrs Fletcher. Unfortunately I didn't attend their St. Ives wedding due to a prior engagement with the beach in Rhodes but I gather it was a warm and sunny day with a good time had by all.

Keeping on the wedding theme - D DAY is Saturday!!!!

H xx

Introducing Mrs Williams

As of last Saturday afternoon my bestest friend is now Mrs Williams. It was a wonderful weekend from start to finish. I don't think I have enough words to describe how much I enjoyed it, and how priviledged I felt to be a part of it all.
It was fun, and nerve wracking and stressful and hysterical. We laughed lots and we were a bit stressed - especially when I dropped about 40 glass tealight holders onto the pavement outside Milla's house reducing them to just 16!
We got exhausted, we got our nails painted, we drank more wine than we had intended to on Friday night.
We went for a head clearing nerve calming walk on Saturday morning and smoothly got ready. Minor disaster with a missing eyeshadow - small things suddenly matter in times of stress. Then I laced her into her dress, she put her veil and hair jewels on and we were ready.
Had a few wobbly bottom lip moments leading to a crescendo of nerves seconds before walking into the ceremony room and then we were off!
It was lovely to see two people so in love and so ready to deal with the ups and downs of life pledge themselves to each other forever. I think everyone got watery eyed as the groom's voice broke during his vows.
The party afterwards was great fun, the food was yummy, the wine flowed easily, the dancing was crazy and the cake was fab and all too soon it was over. James said it was the best wedding he's been to, and if ours is even half as fun filled and joyous I will be happy.
Here's to you Mr and Mrs Christopher and Camilla Williams, The Bride and Groom xx

Camilla Hen and the Girls

Following Roddy's request below here are a couple of the earlier pictures from our weekend. Camilla is the one in the film staresque white trench and in the pub picture her mum is to her right. The day was a bit grey and chilly but it's amazing what a couple of glasses of good wine can do......!

Hen Hiatus!

This weekend was Camilla's hen 'do'. I managed to organise, book and co-ordinate a trip to Oxford for ten lovely ladies with the key word being 'Classy'.
It has been a marathon weekend having driven to Worcester on Friday after work, slept for 6 hours, caught a train to Oxford somewhere gained another 6 and a half hours sleep, caught a train back to Worcester and then driven back to Croydon.
First panic of the weekend happened fifteen minutes after we were due to meet at the station: NO BRIDE, not answering mobile or land line - awful of images of hen in diabetic coma unable to be roused sprung into my mind. Actual cause was hangover and Bride made late entrance looking shame-faced in time to board train. All dressed in Yellow we bundled onto the 10.13 to London Paddington.
Brunch and Buck's (or should that be Hen's) Fizz went down a treat and passed the hour long journey brilliantly - thanks to Lil Sis for sourcing the plastic champagne glasses. Oxford Backpackers Hostel was five minutes walk, small and friendly - would recommend for short stay.
Our boat trip was just wonderful. Thanks to Giles at Oxford river cruises who even managed to accommodate our request for a place serving a cup of tea!
After a nap - yes I know sleeping is cheating - we all glammed up for an evening out in Oxford. Only one negative experience ensued with a large bouncer who had an elevated sense of his own importance. A good night was had by all with the last falling into bed at 4.30 am! oh yes we beat the boys!
The weather turned on us by Sunday but bleary eyed we trudged through the rain for a yummy brekkie, followed by a quiet and reflective train ride home.
Here's hoping the wedding goes as smoothly and the weather bucks it's ideas up.
H xx

Wedding News

Not mine this time though! My bestest, and oldest friend Camilla has finally set a date to wed the man of her dreams, to whom she has been engaged for about eighteen months. On Saturday June 24th this year she will float down the aisle of Burton Court in Herefordshire to become Mrs Chris Williams. The slightly bemused and almost certainly blubbing bridesmaid following her will be ME!
It's quite refreshing to put Bride mentality on hold and focus on what will be a very different wedding to mine. Chris and Camilla are not Christian and have decided that marrying in a church would not be right for them. They have found a lovely venue in Herefordshire and I can feel an English country garden style affair coming on with lots of champagne and pink wine flowing!
It's also dawned on me that this beautiful young woman, whom I have know since I first donned the navy blue cullottes and joined the 10th Worcester Guides in 1990, is still my best friend and even though we live on opposite sides of the country we are still sharing adventures together. I am SO lucky to have been asked to be her bridesmaid and even luckier to be sharing some of the most exciting times of our lives with each other.
Thank You Milla and I hope we continue to share fun and friendship until we are old and wrinkly! Hannah xx

Decisions Decisions

My sister Alice came to Visit this weekend which was really nice. It was good to see her and she's enjoying her new job at Leukemia Care a national charity based at home in Worcester.
One of the purposes of her visit, other than to say hi, was to try and start to get me thinking in an organised way about the wedding. This started with me getting into a flap on Friday, after a panicky call to a well know 'Bridal Shop' in Croydon. I thought 15 months was plenty of time to plan a wedding and it is but 'Bridal Shop' made me panic.
So Alice made me start thinking about what I want from my wedding, with some handy notes from Mum too. We went to the reception venue so Alice could take pictures and she asked all the right questions about the stage and lighting etc.
Saturday afternoon was hilarious - we were too late to book an appointment at any wedding dress shop - so we meekly went to Debenhams wedding department and peered at the sorry array of 10 or so dresses and the little note blu tacked to the rail saying you needed an appointment. We shuffled forward and actually took a dress down from the rail. Sweat broke out and amongst much giggling we RAN. We tried on some formal dresses, mine made me look like I'd lived in a dark cave for years and Alice's made her arse look like a badly parked Volkswagen! So disaster all round.
Over a civilised and size free coffee we made decision about colours for all my bridesmaids, and for James and Doug's waistcoats. We picked a theme-thread to run through the day and the style of the day I wanted.
Excited we ran home to tell James who grunted and went to play PS2 over the road!
But still decisions have been made. 3 out of 5 Bridesmaids have been asked and accepted and I'm going home in a couple of weeks to try on dresses and face my worst nightmare: "The National Wedding Show: Bridezilla returns!"

And then it hit me...

Last night James gave me a present. It was one I had sort of asked for. As per my last post I have decided to do something about my weight, so we had a conversation about needing a book to help. I read a good article about Rosemary Connely's GI Jeans diet, and I like the sound of low GI eating. I like bread too much to be an Atkins girl.
So anyway James said he'd look for the book in his lunch hour. Last night he gave me two books. Neither were the Rosemary Connely one but they were a carefully selected GI diet book and Food Doctor cookbook. They weren't cheap.
For some reason I was really touched and quite emotional. I insisted he take them back and that he shouldn't spend money like that on me. He hugged me and said I want to help you, I want you to be happy, because when you're happy I'm happy. If I want to spend money on my fiance then I will. This made me cry more!
Later driving to rugby training it hit me: I was overcome because for the first time since we got engaged I realised that this man that I love will be there forever, helping me, loving me and providing for me when I need him. And that's amazing!
Hannah x