Honeymoon Day 2 – 24/9/10

After checking in with Holland-America, we packed up, left our bags to be collected from our room and had breakfast in the hotel restaurant – the Daily Grill. I had scrambled eggs, sausage, breakfast potatoes and toast with coffee; J had fried eggs, bacon, breakfast potatoes and toast with orange juice. Excellent food, excellent service. Then we went for a walk around the block, saw the Space Needle in the distance again. Took photos. Went into Starbucks and used the free wifi! Returned to the Sheraton at 11.10, checked out and waited for our bus to Pier 91 and the MS Zaandam! The bus arrived at almost midday and we drove through downtown Seattle towards the port on the grayline buses again, with the driver pointing out points of interest and providing trivia about the city. We saw mountains in the distance – a little hazy, as well as the Holland-America head offices.

Arrived at Pier 91 about 12.30 and checked-in at the ship terminal, through security, had our photo taken, and then it was strolling out of the terminal and towards the ship! Amazing looking ship. Blue and white. Huge but not the largest in the fleet, stream-lined and elegant. The crew welcomed us aboard and showed us into lunch in the Lido Restaurant. Many restaurants and bars on board. This was a buffet lunch with all kinds of different food. Sadly we were still too full from breakfast and just had water! We met two other couples at lunch – older, both American. Sue and Bob from Alabama, and Sally and her husband. Not sure where they were from! At 1.30pm our rooms were announced to be ready. Our room was 1914, on Deck 1, the Dolphin Deck. There were banks of elevators, long corridors, and stewards and house-keeping staff everywhere. It all felt very luxurious and elegant. We found our room, with a huge king-size bad, very comfy, dressing table, sofa, armchair, table, TV, plus lots of storage. We'd chosen an outside stateroom, with a window right over our heads when laying in bed. There was announcement that a park ranger was due to give a talk at 2pm. We attempted to find it, but just strolled through the ship and explored. We took photos and see the Ocean Bar, the art gallery, the culinary centre, the atrium with the front desk and a huge spiral staircase leading up two floors. In the centre of the staircase is an absolutely amazing-looking organ. It looked like ivory and was carved, circular and winding up against the backdrop of the staircase.

We saw the Pinnacle Grill Restaurant – ever so fancy and the only restaurant that charges you extra. We had booked it for the Saturday night as it was Joe's birthday. Very good food, white linen, much more personal and intimate than the MDR. On one of the walls nearby are mounted three guitars, in lass cases, signed by members of the Rolling Stones, another by members of Queen, and the third by a variety of famous musicians, including David Bowie, Eric Clapton and B B King. On another wall are nine carved masks. This was a great introduction to the variety of musical instruments and music-related décor in the ship, as well as art in general. Everywhere is beautifully decorated – plush carpets, chairs and sofas, painting and huge plants. We then found the Monriaan Lounge, and caught the end of the park ranger's talk, then saw the Exploration Lounge, the Piano Bar, and the Ocean Bar. We were about to sit and have a drink in the Ocean Bar when the captain announced a lifeboat safety briefing in fifteen minutes time. So we headed for lifeboat number 10, to be told what to do if lifeboats are needed. When we embarked we were given ID cards, which we were to also use as room key cards. It also had our lifeboat number on them. No money is used on the ship, so everything is charged through an on-board account. The briefing is short and to the point – lifeboats are lowered and you get in, securing life jackets taken from your room, etc. To be honest, we're rather surprised at how short it is!

We set sail at 4pm, so go up on deck to see Seattle disappear from view. The sun comes out and the view is amazing, with the cityscape and mountains in the distance, the sunlight on the sea, seagulls overhead, and the trail of waves and vapour from the engines at the back at side of the ship. In dock we were surrounded by other boats but here we were into what seemed like open water. There was a hawaiian style bar set up on the outside bar at the back of the ship, with cocktails, wicker chairs and tables, and a woman playing guitar and singing. I had a Margarita, and we wondered around the side of the deck, taking photos and exploring further. Earlier we had gone to the promenade deck, where we can do a walkaround outside – on the level of passenger cabins, and just stand or sit and look out at the sea. Further up the deck levels, it was almost all bars! We went up the sports deck, where you could play tennis, ping-pong, shuffleboard, as well as visit the salon, spa or gym. Next, the sky bar, right at the top front of the ship. There was a band and a BBQ down in the inside Lido Bar, mid-level, with a pool and hot-tubs in the middle of the deck, and a band playing soft rock and easy listening. We went down there and Joe had a couple of beers and we both had some BBQ – a huge mix on offer of chicken, steak, kebabs, ribs, salads, baked potatoes, bread, and sauces. We tried the chicken and steak, and sat for a while, chatted and listened to the band play, before returning to our room and relax and unpack. I arranged to have my shoes shined – for free – ready for the formal night. And we found little chocolates set out on the foot of the bed. It's an extremely stylish, comfortable and elegant room and ship, and I still couldn't believe we were finally here! Very happy with our choice of honeymoon! It really feels like we're spoiling ourselves but it's worth it. A little bit of luxury. The service so far seems excellent and the little touches are lovely. Having so much fun already!

Honeymoon - Day 1: 23/9/10

J's dad drove us to Heathrow terminal five, for our flight leaving at 3.10pm. We're there by 11.15am but can't check in until 12.10pm. We waited around and then checked-in – try for an upgrade on the flight, to no avail. Instead we have middle seats in the middle of an aisle. Oh well! We used the BA check-in kiosk to quickly check-in and then loaded our luggage. Extremely quick and easy! We sailed through security and were in the departure lounge by 12.30ish. We wandered in WHSmith and Harrods Duty Free before heading down to the lower level and a quick bite in Weatherspoons. Boarded easily and fairly quickly, after travelling by 'transit' to the B gates – much like the Bank-Waterloo train. Randomly saw my dad's cousins on the flight! They saw us once we arrive in Seattle and are queuing for immigration. What are the chances! 9.5 hours later we arrived in Seattle. Local time was 4.35pm.

After a swift route through immigration and baggage claim we attempted to locate a Holland-America representative or bus, etc. Our trip included a transfer from the airport to the Seattle Sheraton hotel, but we didn't know the details of this transfer. We finally found a Holland-America desk outside the main airport terminal, but it was empty, and no-one else was waiting there. We continued to wait. Waited some more! Saw people on other cruise liners wondering where to go. Saw other people leave via minibus and cabs etc. Still no news. Someone mentioned grayline transporters were now departing from a different part of the airport. We went back inside and eventually saw a sign stating that transfers downtown via the grayline buses were in a particular area of the airport. We walked across to there and finally located a depot catering for grayline buses. We waited some more. We saw buses headed for the Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, Hilton and Marriott, but no Sheraton. Finally I managed to ask a Marriott bus driver, who directed us further round the bus depot. Then we found another sign for grayline buses, including a mention of the Sheraton! Things were looking up! There was even a Holland-America representative. So we eventually got onto the correct bus and made our way to the hotel.

Drove through downtown Seattle in the early evening – lovely. Fun. Pointed out the Space Needle and other huge buildings, Starbucks and even HSBC. Pulled up at the hotel Very grand, very large. We were in room 1729, on the 17th floor out of 30! No floor 13, as often in the U.S. All modern, clean, shiny, gold, marble and fancy. Lobby, lounge, bar, restaurant, ballrooms, conference rooms! And all included in our cruise. Our room had two queen-sized double beds. We showered and relaxed, watched TV, read and chatted until about 9.30pm, when we went to sleep – it being 5.30am in the U.K. Managed a decent sleep and got up about 7.30am. We had to check-in at the Holland-America desk in the lobby at 8.30am.

The Final Lead-Up

It was a week to go! And a very strange week it was. With everything arranged, the seating plan finalised, the times and details of music, readings, table decorations and so on, all confirmed, and the remaining balances to suppliers paid, there was nothing much left to do but sit back and wait. J finished writing his speech, I practised walking in my sky-high heels, had a facial, printed off more information on things to see on our honeymoon, and packed. And waited some more! It was bizarre to think that everything was ready, all the build-up was over, no more research, arranging or discussion, and in a matter of mere days we would be man and wife!

As the wedding was on a Sunday, we both worked right up to the Friday before. So in amongst the lack of wedding-related jobs at home, there were plenty of day-job things to finish up before the three weeks that we would be off work after the wedding. Winding down, though, I was greeted with a desk decorated with balloons, confetti, and streamers on my last day; a lovely card and gift from my colleagues; and a fun lunch out with work friends. J was also presented with a thoughtful card, gift and well-wishes. I spent most of the Friday afternoon, evening and the following morning in a strange state of high adrenaline, nerves, excitement, joy and disbelief.

We travelled up to Cirencester on the Friday evening, to stay with J's parents. On the Saturday morning we picked up our cake from Marks & Spencer's, then went to a last, 'hand-over' meeting with the wedding co-ordinator and duty event manager for the day itself. We delivered the cake plus the table decorations and guest book, and went through step-by-step details of the day with the event manager and toast-master. This included finding out where we would be collected from to enter the hall, and where we would each meet with the Registrar prior to the wedding itself.

Following this meeting we took some much-needed time to ourselves and strolled the beautiful, wooded area of the hotel grounds, catching a breath and just being with each other. This, we felt, was very important. I certainly recommend this! And not only at the 11th hour, but at regular intervals during the lead-up to the big day. After all, this is why it's all happening! If you can't reconnect and remember why you're getting married, all the stress and chaos can carry you away. We had a lovely, relaxing couple of hours together before my parents, sister and aunt arrived, and J left to return to spend the night with his parents. My parents, sister, aunt and various other family members and family friends were all staying at the hotel with me on the Saturday night. J would be at his parents so that we would be spending the first night apart for over three years! We wanted to keep the tradition of spending the night before our wedding apart and not seeing each other on the day of the wedding, prior to the ceremony.

Myself, my parents and my sister checked in, unpacked and then all met up in the hotel bar for some food and a couple of drinks. It was a nice family evening, allowing everyone to catch up and wish me well for the following day. I actually expected to be more nervous than I was, but keeping an eye on everyone and making sure they were having fun meant I wasn't thinking too hard about the next day! It was only at one moment that it hit me hard, and I found my hands shaking as I was talking to my sister. Luckily that soon passed and I was more excited and happy than apprehensive!

And then it was an early night, in order to be up bright and early for hair, make-up and dressing for the big day!!

Hen Do's and Stag Nights

Hello All. Yes, it's been a while, and, as most of you are aware, J and I are now actually married. However, due to.. several reasons, this blog hasn't been updated for some time, so I'd like to catch up on some entries before we get to the day itself.

So, one important aspect of wedding preparation is the hen do and stag night. We had decided months ago that we would both have such celebrations, a few weeks prior to the big day. It seemed fairly obvious that it would be a bad idea to have hen and stag do's on the night before the wedding itself. Nothing worse than being hungover on your own wedding day!

J managed to arrange his stag night for August Bank Holiday weekend, and passed the job over to his brother, as best man, to finalise the details. Not being one for clubbing, strip joints, weekends in Amsterdam or even Bournemouth, J wanted a low-key yet fun evening with close family and friends. Luckily his brother respected that and no embarrassment took place - no tying to lamp-posts or dressing up in hilarious outfits. Instead, as far as I can gather, there was food, drink, music and a few laughs. He enjoyed the chance to connect and celebrate with his dad, brother, close friends, cousins and uncles, and even his future father-in-law! Myself, I was happy he had a fun night and acknowledged the ritual of male bonding! A last night of freedom indeed!

Of course, I can talk much more about my own celebration. Again, I set up the day and handed over the fine print to my so-called 'bubble of honour', my sister. Again, I didn't want anything too elaborate, or expensive. So I'd booked a function room in a pub. And for weeks before, friends teased me about embarrassing games, and my sister informed me she had organised something for the afternoon. I become equal parts excited and nervous!

It was a lovely day, of course. A wonderful mix of old and new friends, plus some family members, with whom I had a great laugh, good fun, and celebrated my over-all 'hen'-ness! It was rather embarrassing to be made to wear flashing bunny ears and a pink sash, but I survived. There then commenced a treasure hunt around Brighton, searching for all things wedding, hen and Brighton-related, including the need for photographic proof. Also including a visit to an erotica store, where we really couldn't contain our giggles!

Afterwards, we indulged in ice-cream, then onwards to the pub, for food, champagne, gossip, and then more fun and games. There was a Mr & Mrs style quiz, where I had to answer questions with the same answer J gave. I think I did pretty well, except for not remembering what would be the first thing he'd buy if he won the lottery! There were prizes for the winners of the treasure hunt, nostalgic stories, and of course, I had to make everyone take turns in wearing the bunny ears. Plus, plenty of alcohol!

In conclusion, I feel flattered to have been surrounded by such good family and friends, for them to have indulged me and celebrated with me. The memories of my hen do will stay with me for ever, just as the memories of my wedding day itself will. And thank you again to my sister for organising a unique and entertaining day, and for being a wonderful sister and maid of honour.

Even though neither J nor myself went too elaborate with our hen and stag do's, they were suitable for us, allowed us to spend time with people special to us, and to prepare for a change in our life in a fun way. As a ritual, as well as a chance for a good night out, I feel this is an important element of wedding preparation.

And then, it was only a matter of weeks until the big day...

Four weeks and counting!

It's been another month since my last update - sorry folks - so here's another quick update, finally! It's only four weeks to the big day and we can't believe how quickly the time has gone.

The dress was collected yesterday, and I now am in possession of the highest heeled shoes I have ever owned. Table plans are finalised, order of service planned, hair and make-up trialled, and hen and stag do's organised. The cake is ordered and the table decorations sitting in a pile of boxes in the bedroom. I have even arranged to change my name by deed-poll, as I will be double-barrelled.

So now, so long as nothing goes wrong, we can sit back, look forward to the big day and begin to get excited!

Here comes the... groom?!

It's almost too easy to forget about the groom when planning a wedding. Practically by default, the bride becomes the centre of attention. It's usually her dream, her big day - the big dress, the flowers, the lovely venue. But let's not forget about the poor groom. It is his big day, too. I have noticed as I attempt to find my way through this strange land of wedding preparation that I'm the one who gets asked how the plans are progressing, I'm the one all the wedding magazines and websites are aimed at. The amount of pages devoted to the groom is very slim. And it's a real shame. Traditionally, it's true, the groom might just sit back and let his beautiful wife to be organise everything, with his job being just to turn up to the church on time. But more and more often today you do find couples planning their wedding together, especially if they are paying for it themselves or are already living together.

I know I'm lucky that J is just as excited about our big day as I am, and he was very involved in the initial planning and research stage. He still is involved with the details and final preparations, although admittedly I am taking more responsibility. Probably because, as stated earlier, the groom is hardly mentioned. But I am endeavouring to keep J as included as possible, and he is glad of that. If I tend to over-do the organising and a hint of bridzilla-ness appears, he can pull me back, and then I can pass certain tasks over to him.

To me, the pinnacle of the down-playing of the groom is the attitude towards the outfits the happy couple wears. The bride will spend months searching for the perfect dress, choosing the right accessories, shoes, hair and make-up. There are fittings and further fittings, and a fortune is spent on an outfit that will only be worn once.

The groom, on the other hand, has to go to a good department store a few weeks before the wedding and order a suit. To hire. That then gets returned. The only decision might be the colour - black or grey, and the exact style - morning suit or not?

J, never one to just run with the crowd, has decided to put his own outfit together. He has therefore found a gorgeous Regency-style jacket and purple waistcoat (to match our colour scheme), and has bought trousers and a shirt he will wear again. In fact, he will likely wear the jacket and/or waistcoat again, perhaps on our honeymoon. It's original, it's flattering, it's very J, and he will have it for years to come. He will stand out on our big day as much as I will, he will hopefully feel somewhat special and unique, and the photographs should look brilliant!

Until next time...

Your presence is required...

A quick update this time.

The wedding invitations went out a couple of weeks ago, and now we are having fun awaiting all the replies. It's a funny in-between time. Although there's still plenty to do, there's not much to be done at the moment. Details of the day will be confirmed with the venue at the end of June, then monies to be paid and dresses to be collected, the table plan to be tweaked, and speeches to be written.

Meanwhile, we wait. We're loving seeing the acceptances come in, and are sad to say that some people we wish could attend, unfortunately can't. The invitations look wonderful - elegant and stylish, roughly designed by myself and produced and printed by my talented, artistic sister, using a photograph she took years ago. I'm incredibly happy with how they turned out. We've also received our first wedding card. Very exciting!

Until next time...