11.40 pm We move from the pub back to house and Ben is in charge of the music and the crates of Champagne – Verve Clicque – are opened and consumed at an alarming rate!!! People are singing and making merry; it is a real hoot and the party closes around 4.00 a.m. I think mainly because I am now in charge of the music! Jack, Ben and Sophie stay, as does Linda, Katy, Becky, Chrissie and Mark. The house if full, everyone surely has had a great time.   more »

9.30 pm We have moved on to the Greyhound pub in Dulwich village – we have a little spot reserved for us – we move on to the beers and Guinness and we are joined by our faithful hounds Kooky and Jake, they are just brilliant and no trouble whatsoever! We give all our guests a present of an individually chosen football shirt. United 1968; Celtic 1967; Cup final City shirts; West Ham; Brazil for Kim; a Brighton and Hove Albion shirt for Sophie – she loves it – and an Ireland shirt for Cat! Ben puts his on and others do the same – the team are really doing well!   more »

6.30 pm Arrive at Beauberry House for Wedding dinner. It is dark – the House is all lit up and looks fantastic. United are playing Middlesborough which is on the TV – so we have a few more cleansing ales, United win 2-1. We have a photograph session with Ben doing a great job and then get ready for the meal. The meal is “Asian fusion” cooked by a French chef and everyone gets to choose from la carte menu. Food is very good indeed. Jack does his speech, which is fun ny and loving and very touching and he obviously cares very much for Carol which is so special. Carol performs her speech which brilliant, she is very fluent and relaxed and loving and sends lovely message to everyone especially Jack and to me. My turn and Carol’s mobile goes off as she is trying to reorganise the taxi (again) because the meal is over running and the first taxis have gone away. She speaks the whole way through my attempts to speak so I just give up – I am not best pleased!!! Throughout the meal Kim, who is sitting next to me has not been terribly communicative; I speak to Carol, Ben and Sophie and others – I am not totally relaxed however everyone is tucking in and having a good time. Most get in taxis and go to Dulwich Village , Jim, Linda and I walk.   more »

4.10 pm We stroll down to the Bluebird for post ceremony champagne and canapés. Walking down the King’s Road, lots of people (strangers, Christmas shoppers) waive and congratulate us; it feels very good! A man comes up and shakes my hand and wishes us well – how good is that – weddings and happiness are infectious. The Bluebird from my point starts off not great as there is no one to welcome us, there is an old woman sitting in our reserved area – I am probably the only person who minds! After a bit the champagne is served, Jack proposes a toast and everyone settles down and relaxes. Jamie and Cat look like they are very relaxed! Everyone appears to be enjoying themselves although Kimmy is a bit withdrawn. We leave at 5.30 pm in the cars and head for Dulwich.   more »

We leave the registry office with fantastic inner glows– I am sure that the commitment we have just made will make a positive difference. There is confetti flying around and Ben (the official photographer) takes more photos.   more »

Carol enters the room looking absolutely radiant – the dress is great but most of all it’s her sparkling eyes and beaming smile – she is so obviously happy. The ceremony goes well although I did initially pick up the wrong ring! At the end part of the ceremony I perform the reading of Anam Cara. We are man and wife - brilliant!   more »

3.00 pm In the registry office – I am a bit tense and am giving poor Jack a bit of a hard time as he is asking me questions, like where to put reading, that I don’t know the answer to! Have the interview with the Registrar and move into the Rossetti room. There is a natural tension in the air! Awaiting arrival of the bride and her group!   more »

12.30 pm We meet up with the McGachys in PJ’s restaurant for brunch. Really good, everyone is happy and on form and we drink champagne and have Egg’s Benedict and pancakes. Ben takes photos and people chat... The weather is bright and we stroll down the road and in to a small pub for a cleansing ale to ensure that we do not bump into Carol’s entourage. We then move on to Chelsea registry office for the ceremony.   more »

Have breakfast in the room – porridge! Get ready and meet up with Jack, who surprisingly has been up and out getting hair gel and stuff. I give him his present for being Best man – a gold coin with Yes on one side and No on the other – it may just come in helpful!   more »