We got married!

In January we started planning a road trip on the East Coast of the USA. All we knew was that we would start in New York and end up at Key West. Well, it was the beginnings of a plan!

We decided that New York was as good a place - well actually a better place than many - to get married. The rest of the trip then defaulted to our honeymoon. We set aside three weeks, partly carefully planned and partly totally the unknown, and off we went. Our wedding was supposed to be a secret until I made the mistake of telling Gemma, my niece, then somehow everyone seemed to know. (Gemma, you WILL pay!). So, I'm writing this blog for all our family and friends who couldn't be with us.

Although I thought it would be daunting, arranging a wedding in New York is actually not  that difficult, at least not a small wedding. The most difficult part was choosing where to go afterwards with over 20,000 restaurants to choose from! The second most difficult part is choosing when to go, seeing as the climate in New York varies from bitter cold and snow to stifling humid heat. We chose May hoping we would get lucky with a nice spring day. The weather leading up to the big day was lovely and we were actually sunburnt (not that good when your wedding dress is sleeveless!) after two days walking about the city. Rain was actually forecast and given our track record of dragging our pet thunderstorm
around with us wherever we went in 2005 I was a bit nervous, but the day was sunny and fine so our outdoor wedding was perfect.

Mike organises the tie...

Tim organises the car, bride, groom, photographer…

Although we had originally planned to be on our own, it so happened that my brother Tim was working in Philadelphia that week so when I found out I offered him the opportunity to fulfil the ambition of a lifetime and give me away, and he jumped at the chance! Also one of Zane's
closest friends, Mike, was on a tour of the far east and Australia, and made a detour of the American part
of the tour (as you do!) to be with us and fill the duties of best man. Friend Emily was also there and
did an admirable job of looking after the bride!

As Tim and I walked up the “aisle” - a pathway under the trees—I think he was more nervous than me! All I was worried about was how dirty my dress was getting...

The dress was a surprise...

I cried nearly all the way through the service...Zane looked concerned!

Before, during, and after

You’re my wife now!

One of the advantages of getting married in New York is the skyline in the photos—Cool!

Zane scrubs up very well I think!

We walked from Hernshead Lake where the ceremony was to the Tavern on the Green for some champagne. All the way people were clapping and congratulating us—who says New Yorkers are unfriendly?!

Many thanks to Mike, Emily and Tim for making it an extra special day.

We went to Greenwich Village afterwards for some more champagne, lethal champagne cocktails, and a fabulous meal ant a restaurant called the Agave where they spoiled us. We even had our own personalised menus with “Congratulations Mr & Mrs Llewellyn” printed on them!

What a fantastic, happy, smiley day we had.

We don't have cards to read out so here is the virtual equivalent - Text messages! The time difference was a problem! Selection received in the morning:

Julie: Good luck to you both, have a great time - have you left yet? Neil Julie & Stacy
Williag: You probably won't get this before the ceremony but congratulations and good luck
to you and Zane on your wedding day! I hope the day is perfect. Enjoy the honeymoon!
Sooz: Oh Anne. Oh Zane. I have no idea what time it is there but I hope the sun shines on you both today. Enjoy! X
EQ: Good luck and/or congrats! Not sure of time difference. Hope all is fab! x x x
Sooz: Oh Anne! I'm having trouble with my time zones. U OK? x
John: Congratulations! Hope everything went/is going well!
Lynda: All the very best to you both on your wedding day - lots of cheers Conrad, Lynda & Anna x x x
Jane: Lots & lots of love to you both today! xxx
Sooz: Oh anne - r u married yet?

And afterwards:

Mo: Toasted you with a sherry Mrs Llewellyn x
Sooz: Am drinking several toasts to you both x x x
Emma: CONGRATULATIONS Mrs Llewellyn! Dad and I are having a glass of champagne! x
Stuart J: Congrats have a fab honeymoon Stuart & Tracey x
Crazy Chris: Congrats from Bristol. Don't drink too much. Why did I say that ha ha ha C & C
Bear: That's great news we're both chuffed for you x x
Sharkman: Congratulations! Sisters of Mercy due on in about 30 mins. I've raised a can of horribly overpriced
lager to the pair of you!
Big Dave: Vern & Shirl Llewellyn has a certain ring to it. Congratulations! X
Nicky: Fantastic! Congratulations - have a really great time!! xxx
Tina: Congrats! We raised our glasses to you at 7pm, may the celebrations continue on your special day! Love S & T xx
Sooz: Oh Anne. You're married. Hoorah. Hoorah. Hoorah! x
Kev: So happy for you both...you deserve it! x
Andrew: Fantastic - been thinking of you today. Congrats to you both from Andy & Shaz!!
Mary: Congratulations from all of us including Mickey! xxx
Andy P: Congratulations! Have a fantastic time and I'll raise a glass to your long & happy future!
Ian: Congrats to you both. Enjoy the Big Apple! Love Ian & Sarah
Debs: A big congratulations to Mr & Mrs Llewellyn, you both look lovely and very happy! Debs xx
Halliwell: congratulations, hope you both have a good time
EQ: Just seen your pic, you both look lovely. Hope you had a great day. Enjoy! x x x

And the last has to be another of Sooz's quality texts:

Good Morning Mr & Mrs Llewellyn. How's married life? Did you start as you mean to go on... hungover? x

Thank you all for your messages, it meant a lot to us!