Here comes the bride!

As I sit here writing this, I am a recent bride, still on cloud nine after my very happy occasion, my amazing wedding day. The wedding day that I planned months and months for, channeled so much money and energy into preparing for, and the day that went by in a blur even though it seemed like long and arduous process to get to.

Most of the women reading this blog are brides-to-be themselves, still only imagining whether everything they are planning for will happen according to their wishes. Much as I’d like to tell you all that it will be, my recent experience proves otherwise, but that does not make it any less of a farhat, or happy occasion.

My wedding day started out fairly beautifully. I had no problems sleeping the night before, and woke up naturally (and quite energetic) at six am. I began the day with some prayers and meditation, asking God to bless my marriage, and through the intercession of Jesus’ mother Mary, whom Catholics revere as the ultimate woman, asking for the blessings that would make me a good wife and mother. From then, it was a lovely breakfast of pancakes which I’d specifically requested, and the opening of a pretty present and letter from my husband-to-be.

And then the frenzy began! At 7am, my make-up artist was at the front door, and from then, it was a production line of bridesmaids from hair to make-up. I was up last, sipping water through a straw while trying not to squash my veil (I was happy to have gotten the perfect hair that it took six trials to get) or move my eyes too much as my false lashes were applied.

Sarah getting ready with her bridesmaids.

By twelve pm, I had the amazing Steven Khalil ready to dress me, and the videographers and photographers ready to document it all. By that time, the house was filling up with visitors and relatives downstairs, ready to wish me well and escort me out of the house en-route to the church. By that time, I was finally in my dress, and ready to roll for my pretty bridal shots, but by then, dad kept stepping into the room to tell me to go downstairs and take some photos with all my adoring fans relatives.

Dressed by Steven Khalil.

After some photos and dancing downstairs, I was in the beautiful vintage Jaguar en-route to St Charbel’s, ready to be married. The walk down the aisle was smooth and the ceremony even smoother, even if we couldn’t get the pillow which contained the rings off the dozing page boy.

Walking the aisle with her father.

Before I knew it, our photo shoot in Hyde Park was over, and we were making our entrance into the reception, partying the night away, and finally, leaving it for our beautiful honeymoon suite at the Four Seasons.

Photos at Hyde Park.

And although no one would have recognised certain mishaps except this perfectionist bride and her even more perfectionist wedding planner, I do want to fire off some last minute tips for any brides to be in the hope that they can avoid some of the grumpiness/scenarios I experienced on my special day:

• Re-think ‘typical’ photo shoot destinations if you’re after something creative. A creative photographer can make do with any setting, but I do regret my last minute choice of Hyde Park because of all the people around.

• Clarify everything with ‘creative’ suppliers. I arranged to walk into my reception to a particular song. I’d never EVER heard of the one I actually walked into, which meant that I did a very subtle trip over the hem of my dress when the shock actually came through.

• Allocate more time than you think you need (at least an extra hour) for photos. You’re dolled up and high on love, happiness and champagne. Make the most of it.

• Eat the wedding cake. And eat some food. I’d had nothing to eat after breakfast. And I regret it all now, especially when my guests told me of the brilliance of the prawns/profiteroles/strawberries/antipasto. But missing out on my white-choc and raspberry pricey and beautiful cake was a bummer!

• If the music/sound guy is playing a random CD, not the own you slaved over perfecting, make sure someone tells him.

• Don’t let anyone rush you if you’re going well for time, no matter their excuses. People are accustomed to the fashionable lateness of the bride.

• Have some time-out with your dad before he walks you in. You’ll regret it if you don’t.

• Take some silly shots with your bridesmaids. They are your girls after all!

• Take some flat shoes to the photo shoot.

• If you have two photographers, make sure that one knows they have to be there when the groom arrives, otherwise they’ll miss him arriving in the police car.

• Take a second to savour the day, at any point throughout. It goes by way faster than it should.  

Married!