Get Married

I Do

30th November 2012 was the most amazing day of my life....

I woke up in the morning (after a few scoops on an impromptu stag) for a nice little 5k jog with my usher and cousin-in-law, Josh.

It was then time to get ready, open my pressies from Clare (star wars trainers and a signed still of Kenny Baker - a theme was beginning to form), jump in the Aston Martin Virage (courtesy of my Cousin and Usher, James) and head off to the Holiday Inn, Bolton (Cloisters Suite).

We had kept the location secret from all our day guests asking them to meet us in the Holiday Inn reception as this was the closest meeting point to our secret venue.  From the windows of reception the "Genting Casino" was in plain sight.....but this was not the venue....

Seeing the looks on faces as they walked into the Cloisters Suite was a really proud moment.  Both Clare and I had put so much effort in to the day to make it the best day we could, it was great to see it all come together....

At just after 1pm my beautiful bride came to meet me at the altar and made me the happiest man alive.

















With Natalie as Chiefy, Paula as Maid of Honour and Ella as bridesmaid on Clare's Side and my best Men Craig and Tommy by mine we were wed!

Me and my beautiful bride then went off for our pictures whilst our guests were left to check in

I had hoped for no rain on our day, and apart from it being bloomin' fresh, rain held off and the mist that was in the air was great for the outside photos

Thanks to Tim Emmerton for the fantastic photographs of the day, if anyone needs a photographer believe me, this is your man!

Back to the venue for our wedding breakfast and the dreaded speeches.  Terry (father of the bride) started us off very emotionally, followed by myself.  Natalie (lil' Cuz) had a little ditty with the dance show of the Hen Night and this was followed by the Best Men (Best Man (bro) and Junior Best Man (nephew Tommy)) speech.  My brother suggested that a scene from Star Wars was re-enacted with me being Han Solo in the Throne Room at the end of New Hope.  As the music kicked in, I had a strange feeling that I was not alone...

We also had a treat from Simon, Lejla and Liv in Australia with a video salute, and our relatives in Italy blessed us with auguri's

After a brief respite our evening guests joined us for a "right good shindig!"  I had been dreading our first dance as I have been blessed with two left feet.  We had a few months of suggesting different tracks for our first dance, but nothing felt right.  We then took my little niece and nephew to watch "The Muppets" at the cinema, on the opening song, me and Clare looked at each other and knew this was it....

Gangnam Style, Carry on my Wayward Son, and of course Michael Jackson's Thriller with Cousin Gilly at the helm were all highlights from the evening

We also had a treat from Rainbow Treats Trike with a fantastic selection of Ice Creams, I must admit to going to see him more than once.  Great flavours such as Parkin, Pear Drop, Blackcurrant & Licorice, and lemon Sorbet.  Also, for our fantastic cake, we have to thank Occasion Cakes

Drinks flowed (mainly from Aunty Hiniz's car boot) into the early morning....My dad did seem a little tender after a night with Gary and Florence polishing off a bottle of whiskey till 4am


A great day with all our fantastic family and friends that I will never forget.
Thank you for everyone for making it so special and making it a day to remember.

The Do's

Sten Do

As Tommy (Junior Best Man) and Ella (Bridesmaid) couldn't attend the full Hen and Stag Do's they created an event which will go down in history known as the STEN DO.  Family and friends gathered in Horwich for a few rounds of bowling (Mel was the overall champion) and a meal at Chiquito's.  The theme of the day was "Crazy Hats", as you can see the theme was done perfectly by everyone including Gary who couldn't find a hat in time so pinched a lamp shade.  Thank you Tommy and Ella for arranging a fantastic day!!!!

Click the link below to see the Sten Do Pictures

Sten Do Pictures

Stag Do

A chilled weekend away in Cardiff was planned for the Stags (Danny, Craig, James, Josh, Beewell, Daavv, PB and Big Eddie).  What actually lay ahead was a jam packed weekend of Gorge Walking, Star Wars, Rock Bands, Go Karting, Chasing Ducks, Craig the Crowbar, Pub Golf, XFactor finalists, all you can eat Chinese  injuries to toes and knees, beer court, rock erosion and curry lock-ins.  This was a weekend to remember and to this day James still prays for another weekend away in Cardiff

Click the link below for Gorge Walking Photo's and Stag Pictures

Gorge Walking

Stag Do

Hen Do

I can't fill in many of the blanks for this one - I will have to leave this to Clare.

Natalie (Cheify), Sue (Mum of the bride) and my Ma arranged a fantastic event filled with Cocktail mornings, big pink hummers, comedy clubs, and Grease megamix dancing

Thanks to the Hens for arranging such a great couple of days, I know Clare thoroughly enjoyed it.

click the link for the Hen Do Photo's: Hen Do 
The Grease Mega Mix Dance Class Video is here: