I have a new series for you! Cleverly titled like that film with Julia Roberts in it, it’s all about my mate’s journey to marriage. I’m going to force her (sure she wants to really) to blog about every single step of planning a wedding, because I think it’s really interesting to see the journey involved in making a dream day become a reality. She’ll be sure to share the ups and downs, the decisions and the prettiness, all culminating in a shed load of photos of the day itself. Which I already cannot wait for! But first, here’s the love story of Verity and Gavin…
Gavin and I met at work. We had worked in different departments for the same company for 2 years previously, and our paths had very rarely crossed. But then after a night out, we were introduced properly by a mutual colleague and I felt an instant attraction. Gavin was gorgeous and really lovely, though he was very quiet at first not like me! I can confirm Vez is far from quiet ;) We started chatting over email and we quickly became quite close. Despite my distinct phobia of commitment (thanks to previous relationship trauma), I let my barriers down and Gavin and I started dating. We kept it a secret at work initially (though I think most people worked it out for themselves!) until we were sure it was going somewhere. It was also at about this point that I introduced him to my 5 year old daughter Alice, who was nervous at first about ‘losing her mummy’, but quite soon loved Gavin as much as I did! And the fact that he very naturally loved her back, just made me love him even more.
Within about 6 months (sounds crazy when you write it down!) I realised that I wanted to spend my life with Gavin and (luckily!) he felt the same! We started trying for a baby and I fell pregnant almost immediately. Beatrice was born 9 months later and our little family was complete (for now…)
This Christmas day, 2 wonderful years and 7 amazing months after we first met, we got up with the girls and went to see if Father Christmas had been – which of course, he had. Delivering ridiculous amounts of presents. That we then had to find storage space for… (we never learn!) After ‘all’ of the presents had been opened, Gavin turned to Alice and said “Is that all of the presents Alice?” and Alice said “No!” and left the room. Two seconds later, she reappeared with a mysterious box and a piece of paper. Gavin took the paper and started to read… about how much he loves me, about the breathtaking moments we’ve experienced together and the beautiful daughters we share. Then he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!!
And, of course, I cried (cried more actually, I started to cry as soon as he began to read). Then he produced the most beautiful ring! One that he had not only chosen himself, but had had made especially for me, from his own bangle. He had been planning the proposal for some time and had actually sent his gold bangle all the way to New Zealand to be melted down and made into my very own engagement ring, two wedding bands for when the time comes and an eternity ring for my birthday – so beautiful!
AND, it turned out, Alice had been ‘in on it’ for a while! Gavin had suggested that he might have a ‘special’ Christmas present for me this year, Alice had guessed that he meant a “marriage ring” and threw her arms around him when he confirmed! When he asked if she was OK with it, she said “Of course I am. I love you Daddy Gav.” It still brings tears to my eyes writing it now.
So now, finally, at the ripe old age of 30, I get to start planning my wedding! Who would’ve thought it?! :) I can’t wait!
Neither can I! Next time it’s inspiration board time. Have a wonderful week everyone :)
Debs & Verity
P.S. You will also find Verity blogging over at Belle Bébés where we share fab finds for your beautiful baby.
