For better, for worse.....

I started off quite well...having a few photos taken, moving around, chatting to people, commenting on how lucky we were with the weather (ie it was not raining), sipping my champagne, which I have probably never drunk before...of all the drinks I hate as a tee-totaller, champagne scores high on the 'ugh' stakes, being very fizzy, which I really dislike, as well as the taste..anyway, I persevered, and because I have had just a little practice, working on my alcohol tolerance, I managed to sip it and it wasn't too bad....

But after a few minutes, the excitement of the day, the fact that I hadn't eaten since my coffee and pastry at 11am..and the fact that I really don't drink and it doesn't take much..suddenly I wasn't sure which way was up, the world was turning, I had the desire to giggle uncontrollably...and the soft, wet grass really did become a problem..my heels were sinking deep into the ground, and I was struggling not to fall over....

My family have never seen me like this, and were both shocked and amused...a little voice inside kept telling me not to let my daughter down..so many people here would only meet me this once, and think I was a lush..can you imagine, all these people whispering, 'Look at the Bride's Mother..she's drunk!!' and looking with disapproval....at that moment I was invited back inside to tell the Priory the order of seating at the top table..Clive had to help me up the steps and across the length of the barn..when I came out, James helped me back down the steps, and I was told after what 'good entertainment value' I was, by DC and the GB staff, coming down the steps with intense concentration on my face, hanging on to my hat and then giggling with delight when I made it to the bottom....

I was vaguely aware of various people following me around taking photos...I know they will pop up to haunt me....kind friends took it in turns to hold me up..James, I think, removed my champagne glass from my hands I hadn't even finished one glass, so unfair..) and told me firmly to stick to the orange juice. I agreed. I didn't want to embarrass my family. (Go on, say it......)

By the time we were called in to the Wedding Breakfast, I had not only sobered up but had one hell of a hangover and a throbbing headache. People around me were moving wine glasses and bottles out of my reach, but they needn't have worried. I had Learned My Lesson. I stuck to water, and loads of it, tucked in to my dinner and was soon feeling as right as rain. Never again.....