**Extract from our wedding invite**
On June 10th 2016, 10 years to the day since we had our delightful civil partnership ceremony, we are finally and formally getting married. At first we thought it wouldn't be a big deal, just a change from the civil partnership title to a marriage - we'd nip in, sign a few forms and bob's your uncle (he really is, at least for me, Paul. I have an Uncle Bob so can legitimately say that). As we thought about it more and more, we realised that marriage equality is a very big deal - and with LGBTQ rights across the world constantly under threat (just look at North Carolina. Actually don't. It's awful and depressing), it was perhaps an opportunity for us to celebrate that we live in a country that does celebrate love in all it's forms.
Here are some of the songs that added to the day - and why we chose them...
Played in the car on the way to the service ~ Mel C ft Lisa Left Eye Lopez, Never Be The Same Again...aka, the song Darren and I first kissed to. We were in a club, it was around 2am, our third date and we hadn't kissed yet. I was get impatient with this display of chasteness so screamed across the dancefloor, "ARE YOU EVER GOING TO KISS ME?" (because I'm classy like that). Darren told me "after this song" before performing a lip-sync for your life worthy rendition of the Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez rap of the chart topping Mel C classic. As the final run through of the chorus played and I finally got my man, it occurred to me that our transition from friends to something much, much more was indeed making sure our lives would never be the same again. 2 notes - firstly, this played as we walked into the reception of our civil partnership. Secondly, we soon stopped smooching because Steps Deeper Shade of Blue came on and we had to show off our dance moves...
Played as the guests assembled ~ Daniel Boys, One Day More Daniel's SO CLOSE album is one of my favourite albums of all time, an enchanting piece of work that I return to often. There's something about his voice that adds to the beautiful lyrics he sings. One Day More (written by the talented Georgia Stilts) encapsulates that eternal optimism that I see in Darren, the longing and desire to build a life that's full of happiness and hope, good times and fond memories. The piano in this song is an intricate part of the story, so joyous and playful while Daniel's nuanced delivery just gives me happy feels every time I hear it.
Played as we sashayed down the aisle ~ Bette Midler, Glory Of LoveDarren is a huge Bette Midler fan and her live, ukulele version of this song is one of his favourites. There's such wisdom in Ms. Midler's vocal performance that you can't help but believe every knowing morsel that melodiously falls from her lips. The moment when the piano and full band shimmy in to accompany the people's diva feels so exultant that it makes me glad to live in a country where I can walk down the aisle to a Bette Midler song, and mindful of those who have yet to have the same right. The lyrics to this Billy Hill song should be framed on the wall of every couple's home as words to absolutely live by.
Played as we signed the register ~ Diana Ross & The Supremes, Sadie Sadie (from Funny Girl)(As guests know, this actually played on a loop three times because it took us so long to sign the register and pose for pics)! We both just loved the fun of playing this song, all about Fanny Brice finally hooking her man! We chose the Diana Ross/Supremes version mainly because it is my favourite version of the song - blending the theatrically with pop sensibilities perfectly. Plus each time it repeated as the record plays, I got to mouth the lyrics "FINALLY GOT A GUY TO MARRY ME". It just seemed very appropriate and perfect.
Played as twirled out as married men ~ Abba, I Do I Do I DoWe both love Abba. We both love Muriel's Wedding. Hang the cliches and be done with it I say. We both danced back up the aisle exactly the same way as the bridesmaids in the video above, with a Muriel size big grin plastered all over our faces. The perfect end to an absolutely lovely ceremony!...
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