I first met Lee and Jane on a skype call from Dubai to the UK.
Jane was from Liverpool and Lee was from Manchester. They had both been out to Dubai on several occasions for a holiday and loved it, so, thought it perfect for their wedding ceremony.
Luckily, they were planning another trip out a few months before their big day and we were able to meet in person at the fabulous venue, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort.
Their big day arrived and all the guests had flown in from the UK.
The setting was perfect, with lots of greenery and a view of the ocean too.
I always like to pop up to the bride’s hotel room and say hello before the ceremony starts. It’s great to have a chat, watch the hair and make-up in progress and introduce myself to bridesmaids, mums, daughters, girlfriends.
Some of their names I have been familiar with for some months as I have been writing the ceremony, so, getting to finally put faces to names is always nice.
I left all the ladies to get ready and headed down to the beautiful wedding arch which was covered in an array of white flowers.
The red carpet was down, my sound check complete, my ritual of ginger tea was drunk.
The guests started to arrive.
Coming from the UK, they all found the November sun in Dubai very warm and were very thankful for the little wooden fans placed on their chairs.
Guests seated, groom in position, I spotted the bridesmaid followed by the radiant bride.
I gave the nod for the processional music, Piano version of Titanium by The Piano Guys, and the magic began.
Jane was escorted down the aisle by both her mum and dad, which I thought was lovely.
Both sets of parents were present and they were celebrating 107 years of marriage between them.
What an inspiration!
Their young son was the ring bearer and carried out his role perfectly.
Family and friends came forward to read poems and during the signing of the wedding certificate, their daughter sang, A Thousand Years by Christina Perri.
It really was a family affair.
As the sun started to set and the bride and groom exchanged their vows, there were a lot of happy tears.
I left them all to party on into the early hours and came away feeling very privileged and lucky to have such a great job.
Seeing so many happy faces and knowing that this ceremony will be remembered for a very long time, is the icing on the cake.
Congratulations to Lee and Jane and wishing you both a lifetime of happiness.
