Dougies Wedding Day Diary
Hi folks.
I thought it was about time to finally do my diary from that wonderful, sunshine-filled day of December 10th 2007!
I have been a little busy since that day. Incredibly, after a total mix-up with my Christian name, I was invited out to the States to attend a bizarre stare out competition, featuring the cast of “Mork and Mindy” versus my team, consisting of the cast from “Doogie Howser M.D!!” If it was not for Mork with his “Na nu, na nu-s” making everybody lose their focus, we would have come away triumphant. Wanda and Mindi started having a right go at each other. And it was at this point I departed to jet off back to the good ole Pearly Grey and update my Diary!
I have tried so many times to get the photos onto the blog. I am, as most of you know, not too efficient when it comes to computers. So, finally my pal Dennis from I.T came to the rescue.
The wedding itself was absolutely magnificent. What a way to start the day: 18 holes of golf with Murray and my pals. We teed off at 7.30am, and were first on the course, so nobody was in front of us. Fantastic - pity about my golf though. At least I had a ready-made excuse that I was getting married that afternoon!
So, in good spirits, we left the golf course and headed down to PG to get dressed for the biggest day of my life. I got changed in my brother, Malcolm’s, room. As my best man, Jocelyn, that’s right, my sister Jocelyn was my best man. Her room was in total chaos, with bridesmaids Emma and Eva getting ready.
After trying to organize everybody some transport, we headed off to the church in La Caleta. Everybody looked incredible in their various new frocks and suits. My brother, Chris, looked a little unique, but that is another story. So, after handing out the button holes, I proceeded, in my last moments as a single man, down to the altar. I had had a very strange sense of calm over me all day. I did not get nervous; Ana-Maria and I had lived with the planning of this day for many a month. So, in some strange way, it was like having a deja-vu experience.
All this calmness was completely shattered when Ana-Maria started walking down the aisle. Little beknown to anybody apart from Ana-Maria, her gorgeous parents Miguel and Pepita and myself, we had flown in an opera singer who goes by the name of George Pena to surprise everybody. So, as Ana-Maria, Miguel, Father Keith and the gorgeous bridesmaids and a tramp (believe it or not!) started walking down the aisle, George walked out from behind the altar and started singing “Ave Maria” live. I promise you, anybody who was not moved by his incredible voice must be made of sterner stuff than half the Yorkshire contingent, who had their white hankies out in full force!
I, as of yet, had not seen my gorgeous Spanish/Cockney bride in her beautiful, Spanish designed wedding dress. So, when she popped up beside me looking absolutely amazingly beautiful with the biggest grin you have ever seen, I was so proud, so very proud. When George finished off his beautiful rendition of “Ave Maria,” Father Keith took over and did a fantastic service and married us!
After the service, we had a group photo with all the guests and Ana and I headed off to a nearby hotel to have some more pictures taken by no other than Xavier, our famous BBQ photographer (he gave me a good deal! I am a Yorkshireman remember!). All the other guests headed to PG for the champagne and canapés reception. Adrian had totally transformed our lower terrace. Everything looked out of this world, it was unrecognizable. The tables all had a centerpiece (too hard to describe), new glasses, plates etc. He had fenced in the entire BBQ area and had dangling fairy lights surrounding the whole area. Amazing.
Darryl, our head chef, had worked tirelessly to create the most awe inspiring dishes - monk fish kebabs, fillet steaks, lobster & king prawns to name a few. As you can see I did not get my own way with the food. I wanted crab sticks, fish fingers and pot noodles! All the guys and the girls from the restaurant served the champers and the vino well into the night.
The speeches were fantastic, and Jocelyn, after all her nervous build up, did a brilliant job of her best man speech. She had not eaten a morsel of the delicious food, and quaffed about a bottle of Champagne to try to ease her nerves. She one hundred percent nailed it. Mally, my brother, was introduced next by the master of ceremonies, no other than my brother-in-law, Murray Nichol. Mally had everybody in hysterics with his unique wit. Miguel, Ana-Maria’s dad, was up next, great job Papa! Then I had a few words, unbelievably, Ana-Maria pinched the microphone off me and did a great job.
The cutting of the cake pursued, followed by the first dance and then we partied until 11 o’clock and headed upstairs to finish up and join all the guests in the bar. We danced until about 1.30ish and decided enough is enough. As we headed out of PG, all the guests headed to reception, were they formed a human tunnel to the waiting taxi. It was a great moment to end an incredible day.
That’s basically all for now, my friends, please leave your name in the box below if you have read this. And click here to see the amazing photos!
See you all very soon I hope. Many, many thanks to all the generous gifts we received from all you gorgeous people….. Pearly Grey People!!!
The photo’s are fab and the day sounded absolutley wonderful, you all sounded like you had a great time - what a day to remember. See you all soon, Barnsley crew!
Comment by Bill, Pat, Sharon & Charlie — January 25, 2008 @
Dear Dougie
Photos are fabulous, everyone had a real good time.
You did yourselves proud!
see you soon
luv Mum2 xxx
Comment by Mum2 & Gary — January 27, 2008 @
Hi Dougie and Ana-Maria, great wedding diary. Having trouble with my `adobe flash`!!! (well i am a blond!!) but as i have already seen the gorgeous photos, i`ll leave that alone for now. seriously Ana-Maria, you looked truly fabulous, and for a yorkshire lad, you didn`t look bad yourself Dougie, ( as a yorkshire lass I am allowed to say that). Lots of Love to you both, looking forward to seeing you again in the summer. Denise and Kevin xx
Comment by Kevin & Denise — January 27, 2008 @
Congratulations. Looks like you had a wonderfull day to remember. Ana-Maria looked stunning and you brushed up pretty well Dougie. I’m sure George’s rendition of “Ave Maria” was very emotional and it looks like the staff at Pearly Grey did you proud with the reception. Have a long and happy life together. hope to see you later in the year
Love Sue & Dave. X
Comment by Sue & Dave French — January 28, 2008 @
Hey you two - what a glorious couple you make, photos are just divine and Anna Marie looked like a princess - wishing you both all the happiness in the world.
See you in the gym next week a-m - got lots of catching up to do.
love to you both
Jacquie xx
Comment by Mike and Jacquie Bravery — January 31, 2008 @
Hi.
Loverly pics. About time you settled down.
watch out for storks flying across the bay
Thanks for a great time in Jan
See you all soon.
Love to you both.
Chris and Micky.
Comment by Chris & Micky. — February 4, 2008 @
Dear Dougie & Ana Maria
We have been looking at your photos you both look stunning !! Every one looked like they had a great time. Reading your notes it sounds like it was a very emotional your Mum looked very happy.
We wish the both of you lots of happiness for the future you make the perfect couple.
Lots of Love
Uncle Steve, Sue(supersonic) & James xxx
Comment by Uncle Steve, Sue & James — February 6, 2008 @
Hi Dougie and Ana-Maria
Congratulations to you on your wedding. 10 December 2007 was our 30th wedding anniversary and we celebrated this in New York.
Wishing you a long and happy marriage too.
Liz and Bryn Jones
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
PG Owners
Comment by Liz and Bryn Jones — February 6, 2008 @
Looked at the photos a while ago but not had the time to comment. It all looked fab, Dougie. Hey - you scrub up really well, don’t you? Love Ana Maria’s dress. Lovely to see Jocelyn again - couldn’t pick out Murray tho’. Wish we were out there now, it’s enough to freeze….., well you know the rest! See you all next year - just about 11 months way!!
Luv to you both
Hazel & Bill
Comment by Hazel & Bill Scurry — February 19, 2008 @
HELLO DOUGIE & ANA-MARIE
JUST HAD A GOOD LONG LOOK AT YOUR WEDDING PICTURES, LOOKS AS IF YOU ALL HAD A GEAT DAY AND EVERYONE LOOKED SO HAPPY. DOSN`T EVERYONE SCRUBB UP WELL AT PEARLY GREY!!!
CONGATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL LIFE TOGETHER LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL SOON HOPEFULLY IN MAY FOR 3 WEEKS
Comment by JACK & DIANE BUCKLEY — February 19, 2008 @
You both look great on the photes and the day sounded wonderfull, We wish you all the best for the future, just waiting for the little ones to come along now. see you in september
Susan & Keith
Comment by Susan & Keith Westerman — February 19, 2008 @
You both looked wonderfull on the photo’s the day sounded great, We whish you both the very best. now we are just wating to meet the little ones when they come along.
Susan & Keith
Comment by Susan & Keith Westerman — February 19, 2008 @
HI
The photos are great and the day sounded wonderful.
All the best for the future.
See you in September
Anne & Jim Tait.
Comment by ANNE & JIM TAIT — March 4, 2008 @
Ray and I have just had a look at your wonderful wedding photos and it looks as if ‘a great time was had by all’!!
What an amazing day it was for you both - a day to remember forever!
We will see you in April - we are looking forward to it!
Ray & Chris
Comment by Ray and Chris Halliwell — March 4, 2008 @
C’mon Dougie - there must be something to report from the diary after nearly 6 weeks!! We’re all starved of news of our favourite people! Even the message board has gone dry on us again.
Hazel & Bill
Comment by Hazel & Bill Scurry — March 6, 2008 @
Thank you all at P.G. it was a wonderfull day at Dougs wedding it was very nice of Doug to invite us two scousers we even got on the photos.
Thanks for thing of us Doug
Comment by David &Jean Ayre — March 10, 2008 @
well done to both of you the pictures are wonderfull everyone looked so happy,just so sorry we could not be with you all. lots of love to you both x x
Comment by geoff and wendy — March 25, 2008 @
Having just returned from PG We have had a look at your lovely wedding pictures. This visit to PG our 8th has been the best, The next won’t be too far away we hope. Luv to all S& P
Comment by Shelagh & Gordon(PETER) — April 30, 2008 @