Nigel and Jan got hitched
We got hitched without a hitch on Friday 20th December 2002. If you are looking
for the original invitation version of this page then please click Invite
Page.
For those of you who couldn't be there (or can't remember), here's what happened ...
Our special day
The bride, having stayed the previous night at the family mansion, arrived in a horse-driven
carriage. The groom and best man were taken to the Registry Office by limousine just as
200 white doves were released into the skies of East London.
(Ok, we made all that up, here is what really happened).
Having been to karaoke the night before, we stumbled out of bed at an obscenely late hour
shrieking "have you seen the time?/my cigarettes?/my shoes?" etc etc.
One bottle of champagne later, sanity was restored, at least until an unfortunate incident
involving the bride's bodice and a bottle of (green) Radox.
Several hours were passed tying the bride into her corset.
Several hours were passed waiting for the pre-booked taxi.
An emergency call was made to the Best Man, Christopher, when the Groom discovered the holes
in his shirt sleeves were designed for things called "cufflinks".
Eventually we reached Newham Registry Office, 207 Plashet Grove, and had just enough time
for photos to be taken before the ceremony was conducted by G. Lewis, Superintendent
Registrar. Jan's mum Edith and Nigel's mum Brenda were witnesses.
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We arrive at the Registry Office
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With scant regard for the solemnity of the occasion, Emily provided entertainment in the
form of shouting "Mummy, do you like my tights?" and "Mummy, look at my new shoes".
[The poor child is not let out very often and gets over-excited]
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| Brenda, Nigel, Jan and Edith
| We sign the register
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The newly-married Mr & Mrs Barker posed for photographs before jetting (well mini-cabbing)
to The Spotted Dog, Upton Lane for a small reception.
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Outside the Registry Office
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Emily throwing confetti
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The magnificent cake was made and decorated by the Groom's mum, Brenda, to whom grateful
thanks are given. The cutting of the cake was also caught on camera.
The Spotted Dog did a marvellous job of decorating the function rooms and big thanks are
due to Steve for keeping the little 'uns (and some of the big 'uns) amused with bubbles and
other excitements.
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At the top table
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First dance
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Jan and Rachel
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Jan, Nigel, Emily, Edith and Alan
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Jan and her sisters
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Bill, Brenda, Jan, Emily and Nigel
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Edith, Jan, Nigel, Emily, Alan
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Jan and Nicci
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Rachel, Edith, Jan, Emily, Laura, Julie
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Party !
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As party guests started to arrive they were given a quiz sheet (Groom's idea
- nothing to do with the Bride). For those with nothing better to do, here are
the questions and answers.
Whopping big thanks to the band who kicked off with Slade's
"Every Day"
and played into the small hours.
We left early-ish to go to the
Radisson Edwardian at Heathrow,
described on their web site as the world's most luxurious airport hotel. It was certainly
very busy. We had a very pleasant stay.
The following morning, Heathrow Airport was rather busy. Later newspaper reports confirmed
that this was the busiest day in the airport's history. A
BMI
rep initially tried telling us that we had missed our flight despite us arriving fifteen
minutes ahead of check-in time. Thankfully a more helpful BMI rep was able to book us in
and so off to Paris we flew.
Paris was beautiful. We mastered the Metro system and spent time in little tabacs,
wandered around the beautiful shops and, of course, went up the
Eiffel Tower.
Making ourselves understood was a challenge and, apparently, a source of great amusement
to the locals.
Our hotel
was as chic as it was small - ie tres. As their web site claimed, an essay in style.
We flew back to Heathrow on Sunday afternoon and collected Emily from her grandma's. Then
back to Euston station to catch the
sleeper
service to Edinburgh. When Nigel booked the sleeper he hadn't realised how small the
compartments were. Sleeper compartments are very small.
We were awakened with coffee and muffins on arrival in Edinburgh and so begins a new
chapter in our life together ...
Special Thanks to:
Big thanks to the following :
Christopher for best man duties
Brenda for the cake
Steve for party organisation
Hank, Lenny, Mark and anyone else who played music
Everyone at the Spotted Dog - we had an excellent time
Everyone at Newham Registry Office
Adrian for the map of how to get there
Friends Reunited
for helping reunite us
Eyelure Eyelash Adhesive
Natalia Misslin
for fitting the bride's meringue
Our parents, family and friends and everyone who came on the night and had a brilliant time
and everyone who sent their best wishes - we really appreciate it and we are very happy
together.
Credits
For the Hello afficionados:
The bride wore an ivory bodice with tulle skirt
by White Rose designs, bought sight unseen from
e-bay, as were her tiara and
7" silver platforms.
The groom wore a vintage suit purchased from Priestleys Vintage Clothing in Grape Lane, York and Crombie shirt, tie and
handkerchief purchased from Browns of York. The groom's greasy black Doc Marten shoes were his own.
The rings were from
Fraser Hart
in Glasgow.
Please
keep in touch
and do send us photographs of the day.
We hope that you will be frequent visitors chez Barker.
Keep checking these pages for more photos (many more still to come) and updates of
our adventures.
Nigel & Jan
