Well it has been nearly 2 years since my last post, life is busy and I am clearly not computer literate as I managed to lock myself out of my own blog!
When I wrote my last post I was engaged, still living in Kenya and had just received a promotion. Two years later I have been married twice (fortunately to the same guy), still living in Kenya and have been Deputy Head Pastoral for nearly 2 years. I always imagined keeping a detailed organised wedding blog documenting all the exciting elements of wedding planning; the endless shopping trips trying on beautiful dresses, falling in to floods of tears, blubbering it's the one on several occasions, discussing colour themes, table decorations and hair styles. The reality of wedding planning is stress, tears of stress, endless wedding dress shopping without the tears of joy but with tears of worry and frustration!
I eventually found a dress after trying on over 50 and I never once felt like 'this is the one' until perhaps the morning of the wedding but at least we had a dress.
Despite the stress of planning a wedding from a different Country nothing could dampen our spirits and excitement for the big day not even the torrential rain that fell ALL day. Luckily we had a back up wedding planned in the tropical heat of Mombasa in December so all was not lost. We had the most magical day, surrounded by amazing people. I cried and laughed all day and I re-live every moment in my mind frequently. From the moment of waking up, to cherished time with my sisters and niece tucked up in one bed, my dad's first look and reaction, the walk down the aisle to the man of my dreams, to the amazing readings from 2 special friends, brilliant speeches and the best party I have ever been to. Like every Bride states the day goes so quickly and I wanted to do it all over again! ... or so I thought until reality hit that we actually had to start planning wedding number 2.
Without boring you with the details we had another magical day and this time round magical weather. I feel so lucky that we were able to share 2 special days with special family and friends from all around the world. There is something about a Kenyan wedding that just works and creates the most amazing atmosphere and party spirit, possibly something to do with the free bar! but it was worth it.
So 2 weddings down, 1 mini moon done and 1 honeymoon planned for the summer! I am certainly never getting married again that's for sure, but fortunately enough I don't think I will ever need to.
I have often heard married women claim that being married feels no different than being engaged but for me it felt instantly different. I am such a head-strong, independent person that I finally felt able to let part of that go and understand that what we have we share in every sense of the word and I feel so much richer (not literally, although I am sure Mr McGuinness might disagree) for entering the next phase of my life. It is exciting to see what the future might hold for us.
I continue to work my way through my bucket list - in the past 2 years I ticked off Mount Kenya, getting married, Dubai, Amsterdam, Zanzibar and Rome and so far this year Lions Bluff and America planned for the Summer. I am heading home at Easter for one of my best friends weddings and can't wait to see her feel how I felt on my day.
Short and sweet might be the way forward to ensure more regular updates and more meaningful posts.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Steph xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
