We had woken to a wonderful blue sky and sunshine, as we had already decided to walk to the church along the foxglove and campion hedgrows i was thankful.
Of course walking in heels when you're used to going around barefoot was going to be a challenge so i had done some practising. The bride and bridesmaids were wearing flip flops so all my worrying was for nothing. Although i carried my heels i wore my flipflops to the church.
Clairs flipflops had been glammed up and encrusted with pearls.
Golant church dates from the X111 th Century and is in the parish of Fowey with stunning views over Golant and Fowey river.
The church looked lovely, the door was flanked by two large tubs full of wild flowers, so in keeping with the old rustic church. Karen and i had continued the wild flower theme by decorating the end of each pew.
Lining the path and entrance to the church were lots of villagers who had come along to see the happy couple and guests, cameres flashed as we arrived on foot. It felt a bit like the Oscars.
As we entered the church it was buzzing, friends and family dressed for a warm summer wedding.
James and Tom the ushers showed us our places and the wedding party, Ben and his three bestmen Ollie, Andy and Damon were fidgeting and nervously chatting at the front.
Andy, Damon, Ben and Clair's Bro Chris and the keeper of the ring Olie.
The times i'd seen these lads over the years at their worst, usually drapped unconsious over my sofa with empty cans tossed at their feet and today here they were, all suited up and squeaky clean.
Ben looked so handsme and i felt all that motherly emotion well up inside, I was so proud to be his mum.
All of a sudden the peice of music that Karen had composed especially for Clairs walk down the aisle started and all eyes turned to the back of the church. There she stood with Kevin on her arm with what has to be the biggest smile i've ever seen.
The other end was Ben with and equally big smile.
I don't know if it was my imagination but there seemed to be a golden glow around Clair and as she approached Ben so it semed to envelope them.
Philip the Vicar started by putting them and the celebration party at ease with a few home truths he had wheedled out of them over the months. I must say he had them down to a tea. Ben and Clair are different, Clair is very animated, excitable and organised whereas Ben is laid back, relaxed with a deadly sence of humour.
Although we were al nervouse the atmosphere was relaxed. I felt so proud of Ben and Clair and of their friends who had all worked so hard to make this a special day for them.
It all seemed rather surreal to me at first, sitting there behind my son on his wedding day, just about to marry this wonderful and beautiful young woman who loved him. Ben and Clair had known each other from childhood, i have pictures of Clair at Emmas eighth birthday.
I's was like an out of body experience but then i started to come down to earth and all my fears were begining to happen. As soon as i heard Baen start his vows my bottom lip took over and i was starting to lose control over my facial muscles. My chest became tight, tears started falling down my face dripping off my chin and cascading like Niagraover my bosoms and running into my cleavage.
Thank God Clair had talked me into having eyelash extentions, had i worn mascara i would have resembled a panda.
With the legal bits done Philip told them what the future may hold for them, he explained the ups and downs of marriage and said how he would always be there for them as a friend and mentor. During this little speech Ben had his arm around Clairs waist.
After the compulsory kiss the congregation clapped and cheered.
Pobo and I were asked to be their witnesses, something i was really proud to be. My signiture is on their marriage certificate how cool is that.
Walking back up the aisle behind them was strange and as they greeted their friends on the way out you could see just how relieved yet happy they were.
When they reached the church doors you could hear the clicking of cameras.
To give them a few minutes on their own they returned to the reception marquee alone and we walked back. Met on our arrival with champagne, strawberries and good old Cornish clotted cream.
Of course there was the traditional photoshoot. This bunch are just great fun and this piccy showes that.
Back row: Andy, James, Olie, Ben, Damon,Tom and Chris
Front row: Emma, Wendy, Clair, Sarah, Jess and Polly.
Yea gods Emma, what big muscles you have....................
With pics taken it was time to get seated and enjoy the great buffet prepared by the Other Place in Fowey.
I think the reason it had taken Ben so long to propose to Clair was the fear of making a speech at the wedding. They had thought of this and decided to get all that out of the way so the speeches were done before we ate.
Of course intimate stories were told all producing the intended embarrassing situation for Ben and Clair.
Ben started by introducing his beautiful bride and thanked everyone for being there on their special day. Although nervous he did a great job and i could see the relief in him when it was over.
Ben finding it impossible to chooseone best man from his friends had three, they were like the three stooges giving great speeches and reminiscing with great detail their experiences over the years.
Ollie even gave a vivid account of an occasion where i had stood on the bed and beat them all with a wet towel to get them up, Ben had an interview for the fire brigade and was suffering from a hangover but i was determined.
The celebrations continued into the evening where more friends arrived for the hog roast. The amount of ale consumed was unbelievable, at one point we ran out and Pobo had to drive to Somerfeild where she bought them out all their ale.
This wedding was a all hands on deck affair where everyone joined in, family, friends and local village people and the main reason for this was that Ben and Clair are two of the nicest people you could wish to meet and well thought of.
The celebrations were still going at day break; those unable to get home camped in the orchard.
It was mid morning when they were woken and called on to start to clear up.
Some were looking worse for wear.
Yes this is Jess, not looking her usual bright eyed and bushy tailed self, mind you this girl knows how to party. She is still single and open to offers.
And here we have Karen, the flip side of the coin and looking as fresh as daisy. Karen is also single and open for offers. Maybe i should start a dateing sight.
Karen was the one responsible for most of the organising, a very talented woman.
I was now on a countdown, in ten days i'd be running away to sea again my destination Athens Greece.
