As Billy Idol sang "It's a nice day for a white wedding"

Just a short update as I know lots of you sent your best wishes for the wedding and of course here are some photos. It was a truly wonderful day and I was immensely proud of my two gorgeous girls.

Imogen, tmy daughter and he beautiful chief bridesmaid

On Sunday we had a fabulous time in a local hotel for Amy's home hen ( she had been to Belfast with her young friends and the bridesmaids), beautiful food and wonderful company. A big thank you to Imogen who arranged it.

 It was a pretty frantic week leading up to the big day, although I had already bought a dress I needed the other accouterments. Managed those in one shopping trip thanks to a brilliant idea from my lovely friend Vicki. Helped Amy and Carl with various bits and pieces during the week, including sorting out the order of service. We collected the pieces of cheese and on Friday assembled it into a "cake" with Carl. The rehearsal went well, although there was lots of giggling. Friday night I had a nice meal at "White Heat" in Jarrow with Amy, Imogen and her dad.

On the big day we were lucky to be able to use my old neighbour's house for the girls to get ready, and the time just flew by. Thanks to Heather! I got to the church about 3.45 , a chance to catch up with some of the guests. Then soon it was 4pm and the church lights dimmed and Amy and her dad walked into church to Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's "Dream a little dream of me"  . 

She looked beautiful and her and Carl both looked so happy as they made their vows. They had chosen three hymns Shine, Jesus, Shine, Abide with me and Sweet Chiming Christmas Bells (which is a lovely version of While Shepherds watched ) In no time they were Mr and Mrs Horne and they left the church to  “This Must be the Place” by Talking Heads

Hen lunch, Vicki, Jules and Heather

The reception was great fun, informal seating, a buffet, a beautiful cake and a brilliant band "Big Red and the Grinners" if you want to see them here is a link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmvBOPBawck. 

 I have know the lead singer 25 years since he was a young lad and he has know Amy all of her life, he wasn't playing during December ( his wife , Jude has just had their second son) but he played as a special favour to Amy. Thanks boys.

Hotel du vin, Newcastle

On Sunday we all had breakfast at the hotel and then Amy and Carl headed off for a 2 night break to Edinburgh, a very

Its all legal now!!

Dad, Amy Carl and the proud Mother of the bride

We don't often get dressed up!!

special place for them, to stay in a very nice hotel on the corner of Princes street, the Balmoral. 

Carl and his mam

The very happy newly weds

It is very posh and Carl posted on his facebook page "now at the Balmoral having our honeymoon, it's all a bit to posh for me, I thought the bloke at the door was trying to steal my bag" 

Vicki paid for them to travel first class, Imogen and Phill bought them afternoon tea at the Balmoral and their dad and Anne gave them some Scottish money to spend (although they are in the UK, Scotland prints its own bank notes) 

It had been a pretty frantic week, since getting back from Spain and Chris organised a night away for the two of us on Sunday. I dropped the newlyweds at the staion and picked him up and we stayed at The George in Chollerford, only 40 minutes form home but close to the Roman wall and on the banks of the North Tyne. It was a well needed rest from all of the hustle and bustle. The honeymoon is over and they both have interviews for new jobs today and back to work tomorrow!!

Here is hoping you all have a wonderful festive season.

Love

Norma x