Martha & Andrew
Saturday 10th September 2022 – The Great House Hotel, Laleston, Bridgend.
Martha’s and Andrew’s wedding took place over two days. The first day was a civil ceremony at the Bridgend Registry Office, where they celebrated with family and a few close friends. It was a small, intimate group of no more than ten people.
Saturday was the second day of celebrations, and this was the wedding Martha and Andrew had really hoped for. Instead of a civil ceremony, a celebrant led the event. We all met at the Great House Hotel in Laleston. The day started with bridal preparations in one of the courtyard rooms, where photos were being taken.
Martha had ordered a full English for everyone, as the hotel was running a little slow. Charlie went to offer a hand, resurrected his old hospitality skills, and acted as a waiter for the morning. It may have been over 30 years since he last waited tables, but it didn’t show as he walked from the main building to the room carrying 6 plates of food at a time, impressing everyone with his effortless service.
As soon as everyone had eaten and the plates were cleared away and returned to the kitchen, it was time to get on with the job at hand. After completing bridal prep photos, Charlie went outside to meet the guests as they arrived. One of our jobs is to help guests feel at ease. Charlie’s Scouse sense of humour works wonders here, whether it’s his cheeky manner or the sarcasm at which he is so good. Shy by nature and an introvert, he works the room like a seasoned professional; he gets away with things that no one else can.
The service soon dawned, and there were more than a few tears shed; one of the photographers is a big softy. As the celebrant was about to begin, the door at the back of the room burst open, and a jilted bride burst into the room, heading straight for the groom. No one in the room knew where to look as this vision in white made her way down the aisle to the strains of “It should have been Me!” by Yvonne Fair echoed around the room. The only people in on the prank were Martha, me, and Charlie. Andrew’s face was a picture as the bride made her way to him, causing a scene all the way.
Returning to the service, which was by its nature a Wiccan ceremony with hand fasting and jumping the broom, Martha & Andrew exchanged vows once again.
We all gathered outside for photos and drinks before sitting down to eat. After the meal, a band entertained us in the garden. The bass player looked familiar, and sure enough, it was Martha’s father. The party eventually retired indoors to dance and drink the night away