4th June 2005

The day started well after Friday's near disasters, with Dave & Storm being the very first to arrive at 8.15am! We had been warned they could arrive in the early hours though so that timing was a blessing, no really, we mean it! Dave and Jerry dashed off to the barbers while Storm kept a very nervous Kate company, it was great to have them both here with Dave's words of advice and Storms relaxed attitude to the whole affair. 

Next to arrive were our very good friends Paul & Ian who were in charge of looking after guests and generally running people around, they made great 'gofers' for the day, thanks guys!

At 12 o'clock Kate rushed off to the hairdressers while Jerry & Dave sorted out websites and caught up on all the gossip. Kate returned about 2.30pm with the flowers and Dave asked 'who's that little girl over there?' not recognizing Kate! Kate then disappeared upstairs with Storm and Elaine who added the finishing touches to the make up and outfit, thank you to Elaine for all her help in the build up to the big day. By this time Uncle Albert had arrived with the Trotter van and the Capri Ghia and the neighbours were beginning to gather round.

Then of course it became manic with guests arriving by the minute until our house was packed to bursting point with little Ben complaining that he couldn't move in here! Just before 4pm the limo arrived and people began making their way outside. Kate made her way gingerly down the stairs and outside to be greeted by newspaper reporters, guests and neighbours all gasping at the dress.  After a round of ooo's and ahs and many flashes from the cameras Dave, Jerry, Storm, Kate, Melanie, Ben and the photographer Adrian climbed into the limo for the short journey to the Castle, followed of course by a very big cavalcade including the trotter van driven by Uncle Albert and Del Boy's Capri Ghia. It was a sight to see!

All of the look-alikes, the bride and groom and Dave were assembled by the press on the bridge over the moat leading to the castle entrance for photo's. There were so many cameras that we didn't know where to look first, we felt like Hollywood stars! Then the Bride took Uncle Albert's Arm and followed the 60 or so guests over the bridge and into the castle. The guests, groom and best man took their places in the conference room while Kate and Uncle Albert waited for their cue to enter. The music started; 'Going To the Chapel' by the Dixie Cups and Kate walked down the isle with Albert having overcome her nerves completely by this time. 

The ceremony began with Kate saying a few words, remembering people who couldn't be there, thanking her brother Chris who she is very close to and speaking directly to Jerry to thank him for the 16 years they had already shared and explaining to all who had gathered that Jerry had made her the person she was today. Kate likened it to a very famous song 'Because You Loved Me' which had been playing before she entered the room.   Then the registrar took over and asked the ever familiar question 'If any person here present knows of any reason why these two should not be joined in matrimony' At this point Dave pipes up and says 'Yep, I do' and after a long pause, 'Oh, there was but I forgot' and sat down again to muted and nervous laughter from the guests. The vows began and it was now Jerry's turn to experience the nerves that Kate had suffered from all day.  Yes, you guessed it, Jerry fluffed his lines and Kate of course made it through perfectly! (much to everyone's surprise!)  As the vows ended Dave stood up and said 'Wait, I've remembered now!' To which the registrar replied 'Sorry mate, To late!' Laughter all round!

Uncle Albert then said a few words of congratulations before Jerry & Kate sat down to sign the register. The sixty guests roared, as the two witnesses, Dave Courtney and Uncle Albert, fought over who was going to be first to sign the register which led to Dave pushing the old seaman flying in what was a fine display of acting by Ray James.

After the signing was complete it was Dave's turn to say a few words: 'as we all know' he began 'marriage is no bed of roses and there will be arguments, so I've brought you something to help sort out those fights' he then produced a gold knuckleduster from his pocket and gave it to Kate, saying 'whoever gets to it first wins, OK' Then Dave pulled a packet of Viagra from his other pocket and gave them to Jerry saying 'and you're going to need these mate!' The congregation then fell about laughing yet again!

Jerry & Kate then walked happily back down the isle to 'Starting Over' by John Lennon and headed outside for champagne TV interviews and photographs. Luckily it remained sunny!

The whole day was a huge success, a day no one who attended will ever forget as it was so unique and different, funny, yet charming. Dave said afterwards 'that was a wedding a pop star would have been proud of, if you could have got a pot and put in all the ingredients for a perfect wedding that was it, from the venues to the clothes and entertainment. There was something for everyone! The phone hasn't stopped ringing with people reminiscing and complimenting us, all saying what a wonderful time they had.

We really enjoyed the day, in fact we are still on a high and don't want to ever come down!

Dave Courtney OBE & the very beautiful and charming Storm.

Adrian Mecalff, photographer and the best dancer we have ever seen!

Wynn Daly, the grooms Mum.

Elaine, Kate's best friend.

Paul Murphy.

Ian.

And everyone else who attended and helped!

To all our fabulous family, friends & guests, thank you for coming, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

And finally, remembering those who couldn't make it:

Kate's Mum, Joyce, ill in hospital and Kate's brother Mal.

Izzy Ozzy, we hope your broken arm is getting better, we missed you!

D-Rail, Colette, Gary, Two To Go and The Cheeky Girls all of whom had huge other commitments.