Plans Update

"How are the wedding plans going?"

That’s the question Jocelyn and I hear continually at present.  So I figured that perhaps it was time to update this website a little more regularly.  As we near the big day, I’m hoping to find the time to add some genuinely useful information, such as directions to the church and venue, and links to hotels.

The plans are going well.  The bigger things seem to be in order, and we’re moving towards getting the detail in place – but as I’m discovering, there are an awful lot of details involved in organising a wedding.

We’re getting married at 3pm on 23^rd April 2005, in All Saints church, which is on Pavement in the very centre of the City of York.  I mention the street name partly to distinguish it from the other All Saints’ church on North Street (useful information if you plan to take a taxi!), but mostly to give me an excuse to share the fascinating fact that Pavement is so named due to being the first street in York to be paved.

All Saints is a lovely old church, which was mentioned in the Domesday book and is the final resting place for no fewer than 39 Lord Mayors.  Jocelyn and I feel genuinely privileged that we will be getting married in such a lovely historic building, and hope you’ll also appreciate the venue.

Jocelyn has a dress, obtained from the USA whilst on her recent trip back to California, but to retain an element of surprise I’ll refrain from describing it or linking to a photo!  We have four bridesmaids (Jocelyn’s best friend Lisa is maid of honour, ably assisted by my three nieces Hannah, Amy and Ruth), and dresses for them all will hopefully be on order in the next few days.

As regards clothing for the men, I finally got my act together today and popped in Pronuptia for a catalogue (and also picked up a copy of Stag & Groom in search of inspiration).  Pronuptia seem to have a good selection, so having been banned from wearing a T-shirt and Calvin Klein jeans, I’ll probably order something from there.

What else is required for the service?  Oh, rings!  Yes, they might come in useful.  So whilst in town today we wandered in Bradley’s jewellers on Petergate, who had a great selection of rings for both of us, and after a bit of consideration I think we’ll definitely be placing an order.

After the service at All Saints it’s just a short journey (an easy walk for most guests) to the reception venue, St. William’s College, near the Minster.  As with the church, this is a truly historic building which will hope will help to create a pleasant atmosphere for the reception.

There will of course be photographs at this point – we are pleased to have booked Chris J Parker for this duty – and we have also arranged for some entertainment to take place at this juncture, but once again I shall be coy and avoid giving away any further information so as to retain an element of surprise to the day!

The details of the reception menu are still to be arranged, but having sampled the quality of food offered by St. William’s last June (we had a meal at the restaurant following a visit to York Races), I’m certain it will be hugely enjoyable.

Finally, following the traditionally embarrassing speeches and cutting of the cake, we’re looking forward to relaxing and having an opportunity to spend time chatting to you all and enjoying a drink and a dance until late.

And that, my friends, is how the wedding plans are going.  Now I just have to survive the stag weekend (April 1^st-3^rd, Newcastle-upon-Tyne) so that I’m around to enjoy it!

-- Ian