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Before we knew it the evening do was upon us with many more guests arriving and everybody there to celebrate and have a good time!

The first dance: would you believe 'I want to be like you' from Jungle Book? Awesome! Hot news: video here on https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150354027756673&set=vb.528981672&type=2&theater

And the hens danced on

and on

and on

and on!

Philippe organised a great band for the evening

including the groom as guest bassist

and beautiful vocals from Alice.

Meanwhile friends and family caught up!

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The hotel did us proud with an excellent meal, but I must also say how fabulous the former pigsty (!) looked after Jodi, Mouse, Cynthia, Matt, Phil, Gill & Tine had waved their collective magic wand.

They followed Nadine's instructions VERY carefully!

Petals & La Tranche lavender

Mr & Mrs Hills make their entrance...

...and Nadine introduces the speeches telling everybody how nervous Papa, Simon & Gez were!

Phew, over with! I can now have a few pints!

The fantastic cake was baked and iced by Holly, each layer a different flavour and totally yummy

Mini-Nad and mini-Si made by Vics

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A morning ceremony meant we had a lovely long day of celebrations. Before lunch, we enjoyed champagne and a great acoustic set from Si's Laruso band mates and guest vocalist Alice.

Just look how enthralled Nadine & Gez are, listening to the music

More family photos: Vics & Ste, and Ann & Bryan

Finally, a lovely touch: a photo family tree (just alongside the cup cakes, on offer earlier in the morning)!

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We were all thrilled that Loulou & Sylvie could make it to the wedding, despite only stopping 36 hours in the country! We know they had a ball, and congratulations on catching the return plane early on Sunday morning!

Another airport run was to pick up Matt, Cynthia and 'Er from Brittany (you might just spot her in one of these photos, but I've got plenty of blackmail evidence stashed away)!

Cynthia & Tine catch up in the lovely afternoon sunshine

I love this photo of Phil & Silv, already making plans for her & Kate's visit in 2012

Ann, Vics, Sylvie, Kate, Rachael & Silv: how great to see them all together

Your faithful blogger with one of his favourite nieces, Vics!

Kate, Rachael, your faithful blogger & Vics

Little bruva, Pete, and Nadine with Loulou in action behind

Give my boys water pistols and they go all James Bond on you

And just to remind ourselves that it was Nad & Si's wedding here is the bride showing off her shoes, the groom chatting in the background

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Unofficial photo time whilst the official photographers did an excellent job.

Proud, proud parents

Mr & Mrs Hills with Jodi (Bridesmaid) & Gez (Best Man)

Simon with his in-laws!

Our three babies!

Hens reunited!

A very glamorous mother & daughter

Doesn't she look stunning?

That smile stayed all day long

The bride & her little bro!

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It was with great excitement that we left for England earlier last month to help Nadine & Simon with their last minute preparations. We had so much fun, especially on the Thursday with nine sleeping at their house and only Nad working the next day!

I've raided photos from Vics, Mouse, Phil, Jim and Loulou, and a big thank you to them for all the photos on the next few posts: for once my camera stayed in its case!

The excitement mounts to fever pitch!

Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel, a wonderful venue and LOOK AT THE WEATHER!

Tine & Jodi preparing the floral decorations

Matt & Cynthia couldn't resist going out to get balloons for the cage

This chair looks a bit familiar!

Preparations almost done

A very calm & serene Nadine becoming the most beautiful bride

And Si scrubbed up quite well too!