It's our TEN Year Wedding Anniversary. A full decade. 10!
On this day, TEN years ago, Mr No Books (Stewart) and I, played a blinder!
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We'd been together, and living together, for coming on two years.
For almost all of that time, it felt like everyone we knew had asked us "when you guys tying the knot??", and the truth was, neither of us were fussed. I think it was October or November 2014, where we actually chatted about it, and considered it. We knew we wanted to be together for the long haul, but, honestly, neither of us could be remotely arsed with a wedding, so we agreed that we were both genuinely fine how we were, and instead of just laughing when folk asked us about getting married, we'd actually reply that we wouldn't be getting married.
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So, in the first plot twist, just weeks later, one January day, I was writing orders into my diary, when I noticed that Valentines Day was to be on a Saturday that year.
It was just about 3 weeks away, possibly less. On a whim, I emailed the local registry office. I said that I knew it was highly unlikely, at last minute notice, but would they have any space for a wedding on Valentines Day?
"Yup, do you want 11.30am or 3.30pm?". WTF?! hahaha OH!
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So I booked 3.30, and then I guessed I better propose hahaha
I ordered a teaspoon (we both drink PINTS and PINTS of tea), with the words "Marry Me?" on it, and scribbled a note, which I held along side it, saying "Yes, really! 3.30 Valentines Day?", as Stewart was making us a cuppa. Once he'd stopped laughing, he was like "Yeah, go on then, it'll shut folk up!"
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I reiterated that I STILL really CBA with a wedding. A marriage, yes, but every time I tried to picture any kind of actual wedding ceremony, dance etc, I shuddered. Just nah.
I laid the plans for my sneakiest part yet.
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Fast forward the whole of about 11 days, and Stewart and I married with only our two witnesses at our side. Both had been sworn to absolute secrecy.
NO ONE else knew. NO ONE.
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The previous evening, we'd concocted a short message, and sent it, from Stewarts phone, to only about 12/15 of our nearest and dearest. His parents, my parents, very close family, very close friends.
It suggested, without saying it, that if they were free, and wanted to be in a certain pub at 4pm the next day, they might be present for something they'd maybe be happy to see. Hinting that Stewart was maybe planning to propose to me hahaha
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After our tiny wedding, we strolled down the street, to said pub. Me in my £50 red tartan dress from ebay, him in his smart trews. As my witness opened the door, I saw my Dad, I saw a good handful of friends, and I saw that some of them were trying to hide envelopes - thinking they were clever, by being ready with 'congratulations on your engagement' cards.
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Sara proclaimed loudly "Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to the NEW Mr & Mrs Cowie" - and that was that.
A moment of shocked silence, then a roar of laughter, congratulations, lots of cheers a few tears, and I swear someone said "You bastards!"
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We had a drink with all those lovely souls who'd made it along for our 'surprise', and then phoned around the important one who hadn't made it. Everyone took it well, most were amazed. Some were miffed we hadn't told them, despite our assurances that we had genuinely ONLY told our witnesses. All were delighted for us.
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We announced it to everyone else by way of the image in this blog. I'd folded a book with our date on it, as well as one saying "Just married".
Can I find the original photo of the date book? No, I can not. But I will admit that the only way I ever know what year we got hitched, is because I picture the book in my mind's eye haha
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We had a few drinks in the pub, and then moved on to enjoy an Indian meal with our parents.
I feel like we were home by 8pm.
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Not a bad wee day, and still raises a smile, all these years on
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Mr & Mrs Cowie
14♥02♥2015