12 years in the making OR every picture tells a story.
I’m choosing that title, in case you’re wondering, just as I’m sure you must be wondering re the song choice for a wedding day and the answer is it’s just as apt. It is twelve years now since my wee girl, first sold her husband a lunchtime roll in the local Spar shop–a shop my big girl also met her husband in. Must be the little shop of romance that one. That was then, this is now. Now she is a lawyer for those who need one most, and he has his own successful joinery business. I like to think life brings its own rewards.
I say that because when you see the 12 years you may be thinking that’s a long time to be together before making this official. There are many marriages that don’t last a quarter as long. Or maybe, given the average cost of a wedding these days, is that how long it took to save up? But the title says in the making and that’s what it’s been. Quite a number of those twelve years were spent apart, some of them in dark places. I’m not choosing to show these pictures and share a few stories of the day to say, ‘yes, do look at how wonderful and perfect we all are, as a family and there’s them in that grand venue with their little boy and all,’ I’m choosing them to say, ‘here’s where we are on the journey.’ Every step on a journey has to be lived after all and when you get to certain bits…well.. yeah you celebrate what you cherish. I say in my new book, ‘We are the life we lead, its graces and its pain,’ and that is true.
Every picture tells a story. So this one…
It’s the years they took to get here. But they are here. And yep… special moment– the reading? The reading was from Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights… If all else perished. (Okay I knew about that bit, I ‘fess up, she ran three possibilities past me and I said it has to Bronte, there’s a cathedral in these towering words, especially when you think of her life and the book she produced for the time she wrote in.)
“He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same. If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger.”
That first pic at the top of the blog. Well? That’s all the bride and bridesmaids getting in the swing after the older girl had spent the morning lying in a chair with a sick bucket and we all made jokes about carting her down the aisle like that, saying to folks, ‘Braw night we had last night…’ and one of the other girls who does not do hair and makeup but was quite taken with how good she looked, shimmied down behind in her Jurassic Park jammies. The older girl had a sickness bug bto and did not manage much of the reception. But still she managed this…..
As you can see from the second pic up there, these girls turned round and were all swans…
This one here…
Totally belies the absolute high jinks and laughter, to the extent the handymen preferred to put a ladder up outside and climb up to open a painted shut window, rather than take their chances with us ladies… But they had to eventually–poor things. They were quick enough to come back for more ribbing though, bringing big fans to cool the ailing matron of honour. Oh and the ladder left up and the fact we could all be heard right where the guests were arriving—above the piper too, which is saying something –led to a ton of jokes about the bride doing a runner in her trainers…
Of course our special wee grandie best man had to get in on the action.
The other side to this picture…? When I brought him in, to see his Sheshe Bear he looked all round going she is not here and his wee face all fell… only because he did not recognize her.
So? My special moments? All of these. Hearing the saxophonist who played at my other girl’s drinks reception bit, play again. Seeing the bridal party come up the aisle and stand while Alice Marra who has the voice of an angel sung and I could see the registrar’s face going from that is not a wedding song to…oh my…… Clocking my new son in law, mouthing.. wow, she is beautiful… to me as Sheeshe Bear stood beside him. Dancing every dance. Being with those who were there. Both my wee grandies. Enjoying the most beautiful sunshine and warmth outside. Watching the grandie who was the page boy at my older girl’s wedding building lego with the flower girl from that one as opposed to trying to impress her with his dancing skills.
Which truth to tell are now so no bad the band played specially for him at one point, off the cuff. But above it all was his speech, five years old. It was seeing him have the ability to stand there at the table and tell everyone his daddy was his best friend, his mummy was beautiful but he loved it best when she gave him cuddles.
It may have been 12 years in the making but it has been worth every minute of waiting. Pictures do tell stories indeed. Friday was a day of life’s graces.
P.S. I reckon the story on the pic above is that having made a bold failed attempt on the butterflies on the hat, this babba grandie now considers her chances with the necklace…. Also foiled. Never mind, cuz, said the wee best man, you can’t have it all. ‘least you tried, kid. At least you tried….
.
bereavedandbeingasingleparent said:
Just looks the most wonderful day. I’m so pleased for you. I bet it was a rollercoaster of emotions. That wee chap is a complete star. x
shehannemoore said:
He is a wee darlin’ that one. And he danced till 11.30 when he fell asleep on the table with Pooh Bear, who at one point there was this big panic over and everyone out searching the grounds for, when in fact Pooh bear was safe in a box…. He was just wonderful all day and his speech blew everything out of the water. xxxxxxxx
shehannemoore said:
But you are right, it was a rollercoaster. The moments just kept piling up.
jolliffe01 said:
Lovely post, so glad they made it. Xxx
shehannemoore said:
Yeah…well, it sure took a while but hey.. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Jane and thank you. You’re a good pal xxxxxxu
cath said:
It looks fabulous, what a wonderful set of memories, thanks for sharing them, and for the background, which adds poignancy to those beautiful pictures, and shows us the heart within them.
shehannemoore said:
Well Cath, my older girl and her husband knew each other on and off for years too but mostly cos one was never free when the other was and it was a sort of standing joke but these two they were an item, just not in good places and so it was back, forward, split, etc.etc. then, eventually I knew she was seeing him again, as I think she had off and on, as they tried to find the way and I did not want it going on behind our backs and them wasting their lives, never together at important moments. cos of things that had happened in the past. I’ve seen people do that and I just feel it is so stupid. So we all had our say and then that wee man was on the way round about the time they were going to be moving back in together and the rest has been history. I think it is always important not to paint everything as picture perfect. So to see them all together now…well… it did make for a wonderful day. xxxx
Pam Lazos said:
I’m crying! What a magnificent event. So happy for you and your beautiful family, Shey. Mama Bear extraordinaire!
shehannemoore said:
Pam xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx it was a wonderful, wonderful day. And I think all the drama behind the scenes made it moreso.. I mean there was also this big panic that not only had the dressmaker forgotten to alter one of the bridesmaid’s dresses, that lovely lassie has crippling issues about how she looks. The Mr’s kilt shoes proved no end of bother… The list just went on and on but hey. it was all just amazing. x
Pam Lazos said:
😂😂😂
My oldest daughter said the other day that it’s the times when the most drama is involved — assuming it all worked out in the end — that are the most memorable. While I could do with a little less drama sometimes, she’s probably on to something. Many congrats to the whole family!!🥰😘❤️
shehannemoore said:
Well you know what, I think everyone from the hairdresser to the handymen were quite entertained. I don’t know re the guests waiting 15 mins for it to start but hey at 2 they were mainly still out in the grounds, needing rounded up. As for the girl doing the photos…she was wonderful. She sorted dresses and she tidied this and she knew how to fix that. You are right. In fact to be truthful, I think most of the guests hearing the hilarity wanted to come up that ladder and join in. The hell with the l ceremony, let’s just party now….
Nilzeitung said:
great event with a lot of blessing and wish you happiness. and best health, (((*L*)(°J°)))))))
shehannemoore said:
Aw xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx it was a fabulous day. Not a bad moment. xxx
Nilzeitung said:
it delights me, naturally spotted faces say more of everything pictures, I know only one I will never fit in a Scottish rock – (fun) many thanks thanks !!!
shehannemoore said:
Many, many thanks to you my friend xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kate Furnivall said:
So touching, Shey. Thank you for sharing such a special day. It must have been wonderful for all the family, especially your girl and her wee man, a day to cherish. You’re right, it takes time to reach this point, and I wish them every happiness on the rest of their journey. you look amazing! xxxx
shehannemoore said:
I guess that any journey should be worthwhile. Maybe the end point is a bit further down the road but they got there. And everyone just went for it, people mixed, the sun shone, the band were great, there were all sorts of nice wee touches. xxxxxxxxxx for that lovely comment, truly. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kate Furnivall said:
Yours is a family that knows how to make the most of every step on the journey. Congratulations to you all. xxxx
shehannemoore said:
Awww. Now I will get another wee tear. We certainly partied that day. Tell you that. Thank you for the congrats. A day to treasure.
Kate Furnivall said:
So touching, Shey. Thank you for sharing such a special day. It must have been wonderful for all the family, especially your girl and her wee man, a day to cherish. You’re right, it takes time to reach this point, and I wish them every happiness on the rest of their journey. You look amazing! xxxx
nananoyz said:
Lovely, lovely day! I cried just reading your account.
shehannemoore said:
Aw Leslie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx It was a lovely, lovely day and worth waiting 12 years for too xxxxxxxxx
Resa said:
…….. First wedding I’ve ever cried at! ..
Your family is lovely.
Your daughters are beautiful.
The bride is like a Snow White image … .. (le sniff)
shehannemoore said:
Aw Resa…. you have no idea how my eyes kept pricking throughout the day. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx for these lovely words. It was a very special day.
Resa said:
❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦
Resa said:
Sheesh! Now that I am composed (somewhat)
o’Roarke….. It’s a lower case o
Not
O’Roarke …. an upper case O
????
shehannemoore said:
Let us deal with business first my dear… It is O’Roarke. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Resa said:
Yay… It looks better!!!!! ❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦
shehannemoore said:
Yay… got to get that right for him xxx
Incy Black said:
Perfect… Bronte: yes, inspired.
shehannemoore said:
Eh well, she messaged me on FB with the three for advice. One was Captain Corelli..very very nice but not given the stupid ending of that book. Two was Les Miz. Very very nice but a bit grandiose. Three was Bronte. You can bet my reply contained a few f words. these were of course f-abulous … And after all, personally I rad that book at 16 and thought oooohh. I read it at 30 and thought WTF. I read it again lately and thought the creation of these two was way before its time, especially in terms of damaged and destructive and it is spot on. And when you consider how and when it was written…well… Just no question of the book that has and will stand the absolute test of time.
Carol Balawyder said:
This was so much fun to read, Shey. You look amazing in that gorgeous purple dress! Best wishes to the new bride and groom. ❤
shehannemoore said:
Oh Carol, you are so sweet xxxxxx Seriously, glad you enjoyed and thank you. Truly. I just have never been a traditional dresser and well, I sweated a bit re that on the first girl’s wedding, about having to do it, then I thought nope. And I was not for doing it for this one either, xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ps… when the hotel receptionist who had put up wi us all since the day before said… we are all just saying, we have never seen a mother of the bride in a dress like this.’ I thought ooops Okay… I mean this hotel does weddings every other day. There was one the day before, and ones the two days after too. Then she went and we love it. I thought puheeeeew. I said to her well, I have never been a traditional mother far less mother of the bride. I felt better after that xxxxxxxx
Adele Marie said:
oh wow, a beautiful post, Shey. I wish them and you all; “all the best for a the years to come.” slaite. ❤
shehannemoore said:
Adele, thank you so much, truly. A second where words fail. Just thank you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Adele Marie said:
❤
robbiesinspiration said:
What a wonderful wedding, Shay. Your daughter is gorgeous – she looks just like you.
shehannemoore said:
Robbie, it was a great day, just lovely. You’re very kind. I do have a piccie of me from way back where I’d tamed the then quite wild mop of hair and well.. My ‘wee’ cuz’ who was there for my ‘old’ bit of the family and who was at our wedding , where he came from down south aged 16, to rep his mum and dad that day, just as he came from down south to do this for me on Friday, kind of said. she even has your mannerisms. (Poor girl) But thank you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
PaulAndruss said:
She don’t half look like her mum. Congratulations Px
shehannemoore said:
oh dear, poor girl. Just saying to Robbie there, my ‘wee’ cuz–been at both weddings– said just the same. Paul thank you. It was a brilliant day. Just sorry it is over. Sob. Sob.
dgkaye said:
Omg, this was so beautiful Shey – the photos, the words, the love, and YOU! Never have to explain. After 12 years of waiting, it’s a lock! Congrats to you and your beautiful fam! Hugs xoxox
shehannemoore said:
Sistah…these words mean one hell of a lot. That’s the truth. For lots of reasons. Got a wee tear here. I always say it’s not where you wander to at times in life, it’s that you get to where you are meant to be. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx to you my friend. Greatly appreciate your very sisterly words. x
dgkaye said:
Amen Sistah – the journey and the destination! Stay blessed WW, just beautiful. ❤ xoxox
shehannemoore said:
Once again … Thank you so much. Made my day xxx
denise421win said:
Wow, I love weddings
shehannemoore said:
Denise, it was such a wonderful, wonderful day. And after all it took to get there well. Hang on in life that things will turn out eh xxxxx
jeanleesworld said:
Tearing up at this, imagining my own kids on their own journeys to reach this kind of day. O Happy Day, indeed! You are so, so very blessed, Sweet Lady Shey. xxxxxxxx
shehannemoore said:
Oh Lady Jean, I am so very blessed but we’ve had times and how, that yeah, I think it would be wrong to brush under the carpet. It’s life. You know, we don’t know what sweet is if we never taste sour. This was a day to treasure. One I’d happily live again… don’t know I can say that about some of that 12 years. LOL. But thank you , truly. You are an angel x.
beetleypete said:
Hamsters! Hooray! 🙂
shehannemoore said:
Moaning, whining and generally greeting……indeed they are xxxxxxx
shehannemoore said:
A wonder they never plastered themselves all over the wedding pics…
sunipukadiyil said:
What a wonderful memories! 😊
shehannemoore said:
Oh, goodness indeed it is. A day I wouldn’t half mind doing again. Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I saw your lovely blog earlier. I couldn’t find a follow button but I copied the shortcut to your blog and put it in my reader so that I can read your posts.
sunipukadiyil said:
Thank you for reading my blog. Have a wonderful day! 💕
shehannemoore said:
You too my friend. Thank YOU for reading mine. xxxx
charliezero1.wordpress.com said:
I’ve been to a wedding once and it was beautiful and from the pictures here it must have been a magical and beautiful moment to forever remember. 🙂
shehannemoore said:
It was a wonderful day. Very special in many ways, with lots of nice touches and moments to treasure. Even the sun shone! Thank you so much for this comment. Means a lot x
charliezero1.wordpress.com said:
You are very welcome, shehanne.
Reading this post of yours brought big smiles to my face. Bless you so much my friend. 🙂
shehannemoore said:
Bless you and the very best to you. I’m so glad it brought a smile. Truly. There’s times I can’t quite believe how it all worked out here and how so much turned round. Have to keep pinching myself. I guess the thing is always to keep going xx
inese said:
Oh Shehanne, thank you for sharing this special day! Your daughter is a beauty, and I so love the best man’s speech. Such a smart little man. You look splendid in your purple dress. Beautiful day and beautiful people. Congratulations and best wishes to you all! xxxxxx
shehannemoore said:
Inese, firstly xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. I did swither thinking back to places both of them have been in in their time in their lives, that this could come over as ..look at us, because these are the things behind the pictures. 12 years was no joke. As for the wee man’s speech. I have it on video and it swept the hall. It was a wonderful day Everyone was just happy and mixed with everyone else and went for it. I don’t know that anyone wanted it to end actually. So thank you so very very much for this lovely comment and also .the purple dress? Well I don’t do traditional xxxxxxxxxxxx
inese said:
The things behind the pictures are the most important and precious. Happiness to you all! xxxxxxx
shehannemoore said:
Inese xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx They are. Happiness to you too xxxxxx
Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.com said:
So much beauty overflowing through these pictures…
shehannemoore said:
Aw, lovley Ka xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
House of Heart said:
Such beauty is a joy to see and enjoy even vicariously! xoxo
shehannemoore said:
Oh Holly, that is so kind and lovely of you. It was such a beautiful and wonderful day. and everyone was so happy at it. It well made the wait worthwhile xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
House of Heart said:
I love weddings, and this is a beautiful one, the bride is lovely, the gowns, the venue, just awesome! xxxxxxxxxx
shehannemoore said:
The venue was stunning, truly. They do specialise in weddings mainly and have won lots of awards. You should have seen the hotel rooms. Out of this world. And the staff were wonderful, couldn’t do enough. Although it was September it was one of the warmest days this year so the immediate bit after the ceremony was in the grounds which are beautiful. That is always lap of the gods here. Everything was chosen with great care by the happy couple. We just loved every minute and only wished our other girl hadn’t taken ill so she had to go lie down after speeches.
Christy B said:
Oh how beautiful, truly! I love where you wrote that you’re sharing these photos to say look where you are on the journey… We are all finding our way xo I looooove the bride’s dress, oh she’s a princess indeed as wee grandson said 🙂 And how touching that in his speech he said that his dad is his best friend. Oh Shey, sending you all so much love!!
shehannemoore said:
Aw my Christy. Thank you so much for your kindness and lovely comment. I hope, indeed I am sure, your day will be as beautiful and yes we are always finding our ways in life, so I also know that your day will be that extra wee bit special for you, over and above how special it is as it is. The bride’s dress was…well… it was costly but in true shopaholic heroine mode ( I am not at all that way at all by nature but I got very like Splendor that day) I managed to work it out that that dress was actually far cheaper than the other one she was considering. She took me along to talk her out of this one actually. But as I said to her, if you want the dress to blow every other dress out the water that day, it’s this one. Then I nearly got a job from the salon after running through my calculations….. The wee man was just lovely, so sweet. Now the very best to you for your big day. Every happiness that day and each one that follows xxxxx
luisa zambrotta said:
What a wonderful wedding💐💐💐
shehannemoore said:
Oh that was fabulous day. My older girl’s wedding day was too. Happy, happy memories xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Luisa, thank you.
luisa zambrotta said:
it was a real pleasure for me to read that article that I hadn’t seen yet🎀🌹🎀
shehannemoore said:
Well that mean a great deal to me that you did read it. Both my girls married guys they had known one way or another for years but had spent most of these years apart. But this girl here, she furrowed a hard field so it was quite a day really. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dawn Pisturino said:
How fabulously beautiful!
shehannemoore said:
Oh Dawn, thank you so much. That was a day that really I can’t beleive happened. Sucha journey to get there really and it was a grand day. The sun shone from start to finish –unusually for the time of year. It was just a pity my older girl and actually one or two of the guests went down with food poisoning. But thank you again. Heavens the best man is now nearly 10 and there’s a wee bros of 3. xxxxxxx