Steve proposed to Tracy in April 2003, whilst kneeling on one ski on the slopes of Val Thorens - the couples favourite ski resort.

From that moment, with military style planning, the preparations began. As any of you who have previously married are fully aware, organising a wedding is not a small task, and this was certainly no different.

With easily a year to spare everything was well underway; bridesmaids (Claire, Alice, Sophie and Charlie); Pageboy (Harry); Best-man (Dr. Dave); Ushers (Andy, Nick, Trevor and Tristian); Marquees and Bands; Horse-drawn carriages; Invitations; Jill’s hat (mother of the bride); The garden reception; Stag Night; Hen Night; Honeymoon; and lots lots more…

Soon there was just a few months left, and things were starting to come together. The stag night came, Steve was redecorating fireplaces in Estonia, and quickly passed.

Tracy’s hen night was just going to be a quiet affair, so after a celebrity appearance by some of the Eastenders cast (?) and Tracy’s usual quiet – turned loud – night out, there were just the final weeks remaining before the big day.

Then, all of a sudden the marquee was up, everyone was ‘busy’ - excepting Steve: work, and Tracy: wine with Alice. OK, so slightly unfair…

The tables were dressed and laid out, the finishing touches to the garden added, the wedding rehearsal at the church, and then Steve retired to Frensham Ponds Hotel for the evening with friends and family, and Tracy – more wine with Alice and family at the Donkey.

Finally, the big day arrives, Tracy starts to get ready, and the flowers are delivered… although there is an extra bunch specially ordered….

‘To my wife to be, I’ll be waiting, Love you always, Steve…’

It was the perfect start to the perfect day, when all the preparations and hard-work by all paid off, and hopefully the resultant pictures act as a reminder of what is best summed up by:

”I just wish we could do it all again”

Peter, Maureen, John & Jill.
20th June 2004.