You may have noticed that my blog has been a bit quiet lately, and that’s because I’m getting married. Now, the day has come, and I am getting married to my dear and wonderful Beverley at 1pm today. Woo, and indeed, hoo!

I’m feeling pretty calm at the moment, with just under six hours to go – very excited, but not worried. My friends and family have been amazing in all their help and support. I’m going to be thanking them in various ways through the day, particularly in my speech, but a bit of extra thanking here on my blog won’t go amiss.

Firstly, the wedding party:

• Bev’s parents, Malcolm and Debbie, for all their love and support in lots of different ways, and in particular Debbie for making Bev’s dress, which at time of writing I’m still waiting in eager anticipation to see!
• My own dear Mum and Dad, Alison and Alan, who have brought me up, supported and encouraged me, and now me and Bev together.
• My best man, Ian, for doing so much to keep things running as I’ve hurtled towards the wedding like a runaway train!
• My ushers, Dan, Ivan, Swithun and Rich, who have also been my housemates this last year. It’s been an honour, guys.
• The bridemaids – my sisters Becky and Hannah, and my now sisters-in-law, Rose and Stephanie.

And also the many friends and family, particularly those from Mack, who’ve done so much to help:

• Phillip, Claire and all the music group.
• Dave for agreeing to preach, Nick for agreeing to conduct the marriage ceremony, and for his advice and input, and everyone who will be doing prayers and readings this afternoon.
• Lucy and Becky for their duet, Luke for his solo, and Mervyn for accompanying them.
• Kate and Nikki for photography.
• Phillip and Phil for sound, video and general technical jiggery-pokery.
• Elaine and Jenny for organising the reception and their team of helpers.
• Everyone in the Pudding Team, a vitally important job!
• Anna for all her help in finding a florist.
• Everyone at Tredegarville Baptist Church for being so helpful and accomodating, particularly Phylip Rees, the minister, and our friend Dai, who suggested it as a venue.

I’m sure that’s not an exhaustive list, though it covers a lot of people, so if you’ve helped and not got a mention here, I’m sorry! We’re still thankful, and will hopefully thank you in person!

Two final thank yous: firstly, Beverley, my dear bride-to-be! I’m so happy that she agreed to marry me. She is beautiful, fun, intelligent, sensitive and I love her so very, very much.

And most importantly, I thank God, who created all things, including love and marriage, who gave me life and Bev and friends and family, who has blessed us so much, most of all in sending Jesus to the world to bring about that marvellous wedding between Christ and the church, to which our marriage is a symbol and pointer. Thanks God!