Oxford

In the week leading up to our wedding we visited Will's parents, who live in a a gorgeous old stone farmhouse in a small village just outside Oxford. The idea was for Will's parents, & mum & dad & nana, to meet before the big day. We were a bit dubious about the weather because it was forecast to be quite nasty, but we were lucky enough to get a crisp & clear spring day. After morning tea we drove into Oxford to Oriel College, which is one of Oxford University's many colleges. Will's dad used to be the bursar there after he retired from the army. He had arranged for us to have lunch in one of the college's private dining rooms. It was a memorable meal with beautiful food, excellent wine, sumptuous surroundings, good company, & our own private butler to tend to our every need! The table had been set with Oriel's best silver, check out the goblets we drank our water from!
After lunch we had a tour of the college, including the Great Hall where the fellows eat their meals, and also some of the oldest university accommodation at Oxford, in fact probably in the whole of the UK!We then had time for a quick walk around, taking in some of Oxford's other noted buildings, before returning home.

Mr and Mrs Browne

Saturday went really well, we had a lovely day. It started with the hairdresser arriving at 9am. She did a great job of it, considering she didn't have a huge amount of hair to work with... I can't believe she managed to give me a few curls! Claire & Nicola, my 'pretend' bridesmaids were also on deck to help out. Had it been a more formal, traditional wedding they would have been my bridesmaids for sure, but being a registry office wedding they settled for being the two official witnesses. It was nice & relaxed getting ready, in fact Will & I even got dressed in the same room at the same time! We really don't do tradition...

There was time for one last kiss before leaving the house...
Before trusty old MOF whisked us off to the venue... Dad actually drove Claire & Nic & I there, while Will drove mum, nana & Warren.
At the registry office we met up with Will's family.
It was a close call between Will & his dad as to who had the biggest grin on their face throughout the day!


The point of no return... I don't think we look nervous at all!
The ceremony itself was really nice. Short, with minimal pomp & fuss. Both fathers read a lovely reading each. We were married before we knew it!!! Will was even cheeky enough to jump the gun, before the registrar had a chance to announce 'you may now kiss the bride'

It was then back to our place for a buffet lunch, kindly put on by mum & dad. Cheers guys, it was a great spread!
Here are some of the group pics, starting with the whole party who attended the service, apart from Nicola & Claire, who were doing a fantastic job doubling as the official photographers for the day.
At least we got one pic with them in...
The Baumbergs with newest addition, minus big sister Jane who was unable to attend.
My new in-laws, Hugh & Sanda. I really couldn't wish for nicer or more welcoming ones.
So there you go, I went from being adamant I wasn't going to get married, to meeting Will & marrying him in almost exactly 2 years. I guess it goes to show you can never say never...

Later that afternoon we headed over to school to set up for the evening function. That was also a really good night. We had just over 100 guests & put on a hog-roast & party. A good time seemed to be had by all... Tomorrow it's back to reality, & back to school for a teacher-only day. The kids aren't back till Tuesday, so I do get a day to ease back into things...

Snow!!!

We woke up this morning to see everything blanketed in snow. I can't actually believe it is snowing in April! More is forecast over the next few days as well. The bonus was that my rugby was cancelled due to the weather. This meant I could go to Heathrow with Will & meet my mum & dad & nana. They had a good trip over, apart from having to sit on the tarmac for an hour & a half after landing, due to the snow. They are obviously pretty shattered from the trip & have turned in for an early night. They said that flying in with the whole of the UK covered in snow was an amazing sight.

I'm planning an early night myself, I've had a few late nights recently, then travelled up to York with Rik for the world challenge leaders conference. It was very informative, & was great to get tips & advice from others who had been to Borneo with World Challenge before. It was just an awful long way to travel for a 1-day conference.

Nothing much else to report really... We are finally starting to feel sorted for the wedding on Saturday. We bought rings & a suit for Will on Wednesday, then did an Ikea trip Thursday night for a few bits & pieces. Among other things we got some lanterns & candles for the wedding, & a few storage type cabinets for the house. I was in my element on Friday making up some flat-pack furniture before I left for York!

This time next week I'll be Mrs Browne, which is very exciting...