our wedding G: here she comes

I've mentioned a few times how blissfully calm I was on the wedding morning and how out of character it was for me. I still recall the slightly surreal feeling that seemed to envelop me. It was as if I was covered by a film of calm content, cushioning me against all angst, noise and fuss outside. I was fully present and aware of all the girls, the faffing, the flowers, the speeches and logistics that were discussed and completed and figured out, but I was floating through it all. BB called me once to ask where the menus were and I could tell that over at the venue things were quite frantic. It didn't phase me one bit. I guess I just truly realised that I couldn't do or control or change anything anymore, so I just let it be. And it was wonderful.

While floating around in my love bubble, I used the quiet moments in the make-up chair and breaks out on the balcony to think about the purpose of the day and the boy I was to wed.
I had zero reservations.
To a normally nervous, slightly cynical perfectionist, this in itself was and still is a miracle.
I was making the biggest choice of my life so far, and I had no fear, no worry, no care or concern.
I can only thank my Beautiful Boy for this, and God for making him the man that he is and seeing to it that we found each other. I can not find the words to express how exceptionally well we suit each other or how free and easy all of our interactions and communications are.

This man is the right man for me. The only one for me. I was so ready to find him, see him, promise him, love him, marry him.

We were early.
It was about ten to four when we were ready and waiting at the back end of the little walk street that was to be our aisle. So we sat in the car in front of a little general store for a while, Dad, the five girls and me. We were joking and giggling, people were staring and shouting out good wishes. I'm sorry I don't have any pictures of this moment but the girls had all left their bags with cameras and things behind already.

I was eager and keen to just go anyway, but Ankia reminded me that our family is notoriously late for everything, so I should just give the guests a chance to arrive and be seated. Finally, I think it was still about two minutes to four, I decided I'd had enough of waiting and we were off and out the car. Ian came running down the walk street to catch the moment.

I think I'm pulling a face here because the best men were supposed to be on the lookout for us to cue the music, but they weren't looking our way. I'm sure they weren't expecting us yet, as BB was so convinced that I would be late! I don't know where he ever got it into his head that I'm a tardy person but since we put all my watches and clocks forward by five minutes, he seems happier...

We started our long walk, trying to go slowly and sedately. I just wanted us to be walking normally, informally and I think I recall telling the girls to chat and laugh and pretend it's all normal. Mmm, sure bride, it's your day!

How cute is the street with it's prettily coloured details? They sell farm fresh and organic produce and some local and handmade clothing and home items in five different stores.

It took my Dad and I a while to figure out the hooking through of my arm in his with the flowers inbetween and holding my dress to prevent the train from dragging on the paved stones. But we got there in the end.

All the guests were seated on the front porch of the hotel, so here they could see us coming down the road. Riebeek Kasteel is such a small town that we hardly even checked the road before crossing! We just strolled over as if we owned it. After a massive search and much debate regarding the processional music, we'd chosen Micheal Buble & Nelly Furtado's version of Quando. What, I hear you scream? No really, go listen to it. It's gorgeous!

I love this shot with the big black BMW in the background, makes the maids look like a mean body guard posse! There's a story (literally) behind the car too. In the week before the wedding, I was working at an office where I go once a month. My boss there was very excited to hear that I was getting married in Riebeek Kasteel, as she has a weekend home nearby. I joked and said that we're getting married on the porch anyway, so she could come and have a look. And then she did! There's another picture of the street with her skulking behind the BMW, caught in the act. I think it's so cute that she came to see me!

I love my big hair in this next pic. Just the kind of swingy, heavy hair I never usually have!

And then we were there, at the foot of the steps. My stepmom Celia is in the corner, holding a seat for my Dad.

Mom's applauding in the corner behind Celia and Dad doesn't look too sad to be letting me go!

He even shakes BB's hand to thank him for taking me off his hands!

I love the look on BB's face. All earnest and grateful and full of promises to take good care of me. What a honey.