Photos from the Wedding of the Decade

I have just got some photos from my niece from Saturday's wedding and there are some nice ones. I can't wait to see some more:My sister Maxine and her new hubby Lee;The happy couple cutting the cake (which I missed somehow!); Arron, the best man and son of Lee, holding my youngest great-niece Keleigh;Maxine and the men at her weddingMy other great niece and bridesmaid at the wedding, Courtney;Courtney again;Maxine's daughter Mikala (my niece) with her boyfriend G (Glenn) and their kids Keleigh and Courtney;Group photo of Maxine's (and hence my) side of the family;Best man Arron at the back, bridesmaid (and Lee's daughter) Stacy on the right, chief bridesmaid (and daughter of the Bride) Mikala, bridesmaid (and granddaughter of the Bride) Courtney at the front, and me (acting father-of-the-bride) on the left;Me, Maxine, Mikala and Courtney;

Birthdays

Today's LGBT birthdays:
Del Marquis - US musician [Scissor Sisters] - 30
Barry Winchell - US soldier and hate crime victim - Born 1977, Died 1999
Gage Powers - US porn star, director and photographer - 29

I'm Back

I got back from Essex about 2 hours ago and I am really tired. I had a fantastic weekend though and so pleased that everything seemed to go to plan (apart from a few very minor things, like forgotten earrings and a garter, and a moaning caterer!). I had such a good time which, considering I was dreading the whole thing, because of the speech I had to make.
I had a lay in on Friday, getting up at 09:00 and made my way to Basildon in Essex at around midday. Maxine, my sister who was getting married, picked me up at the train station and we went back to her home. That evening after dinner we went to the hall where the evening party was due to take place and set up as much of the decorations that we could. We couldn't do everything as there was a jazzercise class due to take place in the hall on the Saturday morning and so we couldn't put the tables out before then.
On the Saturday we went back to the hall first thing in the morning (06:00) and took all the food to put in the kitchen. When we left the jazzersize class arrived and we were really quite annoyed that there were only five people in the class. They had adamantly refused to cancel the class when Maxine asked them to, as it was really inconvenient for us to have to wait so long to set up the hall for the wedding.
When we went back to Maxine's to get changed it was slightly like organised chaos, with so many people getting changed with only one bathroom (my brother, sister-in-law, Jacquie, and niece, Abigail, were also there along with my sister, her fiance, his daughter, Stacy, my niece, Mikala, and 2 great nieces, Courtney and Keleigh, oh and the two dogs, Abby and Frank, which needed attention every five minutes.
Everyone was just about ready by the time the limo arrived and I mean just about. Maxine looked amazing in her red dress with cream swirls around the lower left side. The bridesmaids looked really pretty, especially Courtney, my great-niece, who, along with a matching dress also had angel wings on her back (well she is only 14 months old). And, even if I do say so myself, the groom [Lee], best man [Arron] and I looked great in our matching three-piece suits (I was giving my sister away, as my dad died when we were kids and Kevin, my older brother gave my other sister away at her wedding 18 years ago).
The car was a hummer-limo and, although I think that they are tacky for hen nights and parties, I think it was perfect for taking the main party to the wedding. I normally hate wine, but thought I best have some of the wine provided in the limo for good luck toasts, and was surprised that the white wine they had was really nice (I can't remember what it was called though). It was fun on the journey to the registry office, and we were so pleased that the day was so beautiful and really warm, despite being a really wet and windy August otherwise. I said to my sister that maybe it was organised by two people who couldn't be there, meaning my mum and dad, which started her and then me, and almost everyone else in the limo, off crying. It hadn't been my intention.
We had a few photos when we emerged from the car before all the guests arrived. The service was straight forward and fun, Courtney was bored and made herself known to everyone, but in a hilarious way. Everyone was enchanted. Afterwards we had photos taken on the small green across the road. There were some amazing photos taken and I can't wait to see them.
We then got the limo back to the hall. Some friends of Maxine had set up the last few bits there and had done a great job. When all the sit-down meal guests had arrived, including one uninvited guest (not his fault!). My new brother-in-law's son, Arron, was best man and so he was in charge of ceremonies. He told everyone to help themselves to the buffet, my other sister's hubby and two of her sons raced over to the food immediately, not unexpectedly, they like their food. We were all hungry as most of us had been too busy to eat before then.
When everyone had appeared to havw eaten, Arron got everyone's attention and began his speech. He had been really nervous about it and so had had about 10 glasses of wine beforehand. He made a good job of it anyway and I was really pleased for him. I was next, as acting father-of-the-bride and I had written my speech out. I put it on the table and, although I was intending to read it out, almost word for word, I was too nervous to and so add-libbed a lot of it. I got most of what I wanted to say said, despite interruptions and heckling. I was really pleased that it seemed to go well. Here is what I had written out for my speech:

Good Afternoon Everyone,
For those of you who don't know me, I'd best introduce myself. I am Alex, Maxine's little brother, and I've been granted the honour of giving her away today.
I'm not used to public speaking, so please forgive me if I mess it up. I was really nervous about today, so I asked a mate of mine for some tips on making speeches:
He told me that he compared making speeches to making love. [*]
I was impressed with this, but a bit confused, so I asked him why.
“Because,” he said, “When I do it, I normally mess it up, it doesn't last very long, and it always feels better when I practice it at home on my own!”
Today has been wonderful so far, and it is great to see so many of Maxine and Lee's friends here today, most of whom I don't know yet. It is also great to see so many of our family gathered for the first time in quite a while.
Best of all is that both of my sisters, my brother and I are in the same place at the same time which happens very rarely.
Now, back to Maxine and Lee. Before you ask, no, it's not a shotgun wedding! Lee isn't marrying Maxine because she is pregnant! Though, going by the example of the last two years, it is very likely that Mikala could be!
No, the reason that these two oldies are getting hitched it, bizarrely, that they actually love each other. There really is no accounting for taste, eh?
I am honoured to be here though, giving Maxine's hand in marriage to Lee. He seems like a decent guy, except for the jokes! And Maxine is a very special lady.
OK! Maybe “lady” is pushing it a bit, but she has certainly grown out of the worst of her “ladette” phase.
There were a few worrying years, back in her teens, when she went off the rails a bit. But she, and we, got through it and, over time, Maxine has developed into the wonderful, caring woman that you see before you today. She has raised her daughter Mikala, who has now become a mother herself twice over, and Maxine has even followed in our big sister Lynn's footsteps and become a nursing sister herself.
Maxine is now someone to be proud of and I think that our parents would say the same were they still with us.
Maxine and Lee, thank you for inviting us to share your day (this time!!), I hope that it is a wonderful day for you both, to start a few thousand more wonderful days together.
Ladies & Gentlemen,
MAXINE & LEE

The punchline of my one joke [*] was blurted out by the groom when he shouted out "because it's really short?" but I recovered and carried on, luckily it wasn't the whole punchline so I think I got away with it, and everyone still laughed.
I made Maxine cry again with what I had said, again unintentional, and I was really pleased that it was over and that I hadn't messed it up for my sister. Throughout the evening I had a few people tell me, unprompted that I had done really well.
When the speeches were done, and I had got a gift of an engraved tankard and a box of Strongbow cider cans as a thank you, we got on with the party. It was, however, a couple of hours at least until any of the evening guests arrived, so that part of the evening was a bit dull, but, to be honest it was nice for the reprieve.
When the guests did begin to arrive the fun really started, everyone seemed to get up and dance at some point, yes, even me. I had a great time chatting to people, some I knew, some I'd forgotten that I knew, most of the ones that I did know I hadn't seen for 10 years or more. My uncle Barry and his (very) long-term girlfriend Anne were at the ceremony and the meal and I hadn't seen them for about 15 years. Late in the evening his brother, Peter, turned up with his new wife, his son, Brett, with his wife and 2 kids, whom I had never met, his sister, Marcelle, and her daughter Eden with her boyfriend, Richard [?]. I also hadn't seen any of these for over 15 years.
Also there was my other brother-in-law's niece, Lisa, who was in the year below me at school and whom I had worked with for a couple of years at Lakeside. Her boyfriend (husband?), Bobby, who had been in my year at school was there too.
And some friends of my two sisters who I hadn't seen for years were there too.
Talent-wise, there was one guy there who was really my type. He was over 6' tall, with a shaved head, possibly broken nose, and semi-muscular build and also nicely dressed. I eventually found out that he was the boyfriend of my new brother-in-law's cousin. Oh well.
The other good looking guys there were:
One guy who looked like a (short) model, who was there with his girlfriend.
The uninvited guest from the sit-down meal, who was very handsome, but didn't talk much and was far too young for me.
And Arron's best mate (and cousin, I think) Jack who was really not my type but was a nice looking guy with a really sweet personality and who was not getting too drunk as he was looking out for Arron, who was getting very drunk.
It was an amazingly successful day and I think Maxine and Lee were very happy. Lee did have a small disagreement with Arron, when Arron was trying to get him on the dance floor when Lee was having a conversation with some friends, but other than this it was perfect. I haven't been to a party for years, but this was brilliant. I had real fun messing about with my brother, sisters, nieces, nephews, step-niece and step-nephew and other assorted people. The best family event for ages.
I didn't really want to leave, but Jacquie was driving me back to Maxine's that night and so we (Kevin, Abigail, Jacquie and I) left at about 12:00. Arron, Stacy (his sister) and Jack got a taxi at the same time and arrived a little before we did. Arron was asleep by the time we got in and Jack, who is over a foot shorter than Arron, had lifted him up the stairs and onto his bed all alone.
Once again, I didn't get a good night's sleep, as the house is really hot and the dogs kept making noise with their sniffing, licking, prowling and eating. I eventually shut them in the hallway to get some sleep.

Today, I helped bring back the edible food that remained at the hall, along with all the paraphernalia. Taking it back to Maxine's we stayed there until about 15:00 when Kevin and family left to go back to Newcastle. Lynn had come over and took me back to her place for lunch before dropping me off at the train station for me to come home.
The train journey back was the most stressful part of the whole weekend. I queued for about 10 minutes while two people in front of me got tickets, missing my train in the process. When I got to the front of the queue the machine decided to stop taking cash. I walked to the other platform only to find no way to pay there either. I was advised by the platform guard to pay on the train. No one came along on the train, so I managed to save some money. The train I managed to get terminated at Barking so I got the tube from there and had to change once before getting back to Barbican. It was so nice getting home and having a shower. I felt like I could finally relax for the first time all weekend, but I don't mind as I had an amazing time. Hopefully someone will Facebook or email me with some photo's very soon. When they do I shall share them with you.

It is back to work tomorrow, for 2 day shifts and 1 night shift. I will be pleased of the rest I can get there!!

Are You Missing Me Yet?

I am just about to jump into the shower before heading off to deepest, darkest Essex for my sister's wedding tomorrow. Wish me luck. I hope you will be able to manage to cope without new content for 24 hours. I should be back Sunday night to update you and continue with my banal rantings and information nobody wants! See you then, and have a good weekend.

Birthdays

Today's LGBT Birthdays:
Richard Blackwell - US journalist, artist, fashion designer and activist - 86
David Charlebois - US pilot and 9/11 hero - Born 1962, Died 2001
Elisabeth Irwin - US psychologist - Born 1880, Died 1942
Jean Lorrain - French author - Born 1855, Died 1906
Mark Morris - US dancer, choreographer and director - 52
Meshell Ndegeocello - US singer and musician - 40
Joel Schumacher - US producer and director - 69
Ramses Shaffy - Dutch singer and actor - 75

Strictly 2008

I have just noticed that this years contestants for one of my favourite shows have been announced. Strictly Come Dancing is back on our screens in three weeks, yay! The celebrities are:
Andrew Castle (presenter and former tennis player)
Austin Healey (Rugby star and presenter)
Cherie Lunghi (Actress)
Christine Bleakley (Presenter)
Don Warrington (Actor [Rising Damp / Dr Who])
Gary Rhodes (Chef)
Gillian Taylforth (Actress [Eastenders])
Heather Small (Singer)
Jessie Wallace (Actress [Eastenders])
Jodie Kidd (Model)
John Sergeant (Political journalist)
Lisa Snowdon (Model)
Mark Foster (Swimmer)
Phil Daniels (Actor [Eastenders])
Rachel Stevens (Actress and Singer)
Tom Chambers (Actor [Holby City])

So it should be a good one, although do they really need so many actors from Eastenders? There are 3 former Eastender regulars and even Cherie Lunghi was in a short storyline on the soap!
I can't see anyone though who stands out as being destined for greatness, but I will be watching Tom Chambers, Austin Healey and Mark Foster closely, sexy men all. Who cares about their dancing? I'll be looking at their unbuttoned shirts and tight TIGHT trousers!!

Wedding Weekend

Okay, so I am off work for 3 days now and virtually none of it will be to myself. I am going back to Essex for my sister Maxine's wedding (her second one but the first that we, as a family, have been invited to. Don't ask!). I am giving her away as my dad died when we were kids and my big brother, Kevin, gave my other sister, Lynn, away at her wedding. So, it is my turn. I didn't get a say in the matter, I was told I was doing it. I guess I should feel honoured, but I really feel like a hypocrite (not believing in all the religious crap) and I am REALLY nervous about making a speech in front of loads of people I don't know (I've never met any of my sister's friends or her fiance's family, other than his two kids).
I am going to try and enjoy myself and also try and get some of the shagging action that is normally reserved for the best man and the bridesmaids! Essex men are hot as I mentioned the last time I was there! But we will see.
I will be leaving late tomorrow morning so I will probably have time for a posting on here first thing, but then I won't be bloggin again until I get back on Sunday. I hope to have lots of photo's to share of the occassion soon after that too. And, if it goes well, I will even share my speech with you when I get back.

To Arms, Men!

Birthdays

Today's LGBT Birthdays:

Jason Adonis - US porn god [and former Top Ten Man] - 29

Edward Carpenter - UK poet, philosopher and activist - Born 1844, Died 1929

David Graham - Australian Big Brother contestant and model - 29

Phranc - US singer and musician - 51

Manuela Trasobares - Spanish artist and politician - 46

Karl Heinrich Ulrichs - German lawyer, activist and author - Born 1825, Died 1895

Birthdays

Today's LGBT Birthdays:
Luis Caballero Holguin - Colombian painter - Born 1913, Died 1996
Denice Denton - US university chandellor - Born 1959, Died 2006
Tom Ford - US fashion designer - 47
Tom Lanoye - Belgian poet, author and playwright - 50
Jeanette Winterson - UK author - 49

Money Management - A Skill I Lack

After all the hassle of getting my refund back into my account last week, what did I go and do yesterday? Spent most of it!
I had to get my sister's wedding gift (I settled for vouchers as they have a long-established home and I don't know what they want or need, so they can decide themselves), as well as this I got them a nice card. I thought, as I had been stressed (over the money issues) I would treat myself. While I was looking for some nice cuff links to wear at the wedding I saw that Prowler had the paperback version of Michael Tolliver Lives which I have been looking for for months, so I got that (and promptly forgot about cuff links). I then thought I would pop into Orbital Comics to get a "couple of comics" to tide me over until payday. I spent £22 in there just getting the "essential" ones! Am I stupid or what? Don't answer that it was rhetorical!!
I still have money, enough to last me, but I still look at my balance and despair! Knowing that I am acting supervisor at work today and tomorrow doesn't really help as all that gets me is an extra £6 per day (before tax), hardly worth being more bored than usual!
Oh well. Only 2 more shifts and then I am off for 3 days for the wedding! I should be looking forward to it, but I am not. I don't want to make a speech in front of a lot of strangers, I will have to decide if I can be bothered to go through the rigmarole of coming out to people at the wedding or not (I don't care who knows, I just hate having to be the one who tells people. In these instances I would rather other people do the telling, it doesn't seem like I'm making a big deal out of it then!).

Birthdays

Today's LGBT Birthdays:
Nancy Cook - US suffragette - Born 1884, Died 1862
Christopher Isherwood - US / UK author - Born 1904, Died 1986
Michael Jeter - US actor - Born 1952, Died 2003
Lindsey & Lacey Love - US porn twins - 25
Floris Michiels van Kessenich - Dutch activist - Born 1957, Died 1991
Trinity Morgana - US porn star - 36
Mel Roberts - US photographer and activist - 85
Randy Stone - US actor - Born 1958, Died 2007
Nichi Vendola - Italian politician - 50

International Olympian "Gods"

Starting with the youngest of my selection, we have Fabian Hambuchen - amazing gymnast from Germany who performed so well and so consistantly throughout the Games, winning a bronze medal on the High Bars; Adam van Koeverden is from Canada and won silver in the Men's K-1 500m kayaking;Spanish K-2 500m kayakers, Saul Craviotto and Carlos Perez won gold at the Games;Andreas Thorkildsen is a Norwegian javelin thrower who has now won gold at two consecutive Olympic Games;American Breaux Greer is one of the hottest athletes at the Games, and also a javelin thrower;

Koji Murofushi of Japan is also a very sexy guy. The hammer thrower won gold at the previous games, but finished fifth in Beijing; Roman Sebrle is a real veteran of Olympic Games, he won gold in Athens 4 years ago and silver in Sydney 4 years before that. Affected by injury, the Czech decathlete was not in medal contention this time around;Ashley Callus is an Australian sprint swimmer who won bronze as part of the 4 x 100m relay team;Who doesn't know who Michael Phelps is? The American living legend broke the record for the most number of gold medals in a single Games, winning 8, 7 of them with World Record times;

Ryan Lochte is another US swimmer and gold medallist in the Men's 200m backstroke and with the 4 x 200m freestyle relay team, and bronze medallist in the 200m individual medley and 400m individual medley;

Andrea Minguzzi is a handsome Italian Greco-Roman wrestler who won gold in the 84kg category. I wouldn't mind wrestling with him!!

These are just a small selection of the gorgeous guys at the Beijing Summer Olympics, roll on 2012 when the next selection with be over here in my back yard!! God help them all!!

Home Come The Heroes

On the day that the remainder of Team GB arrive back in the UK after their fantastic team effort at the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games I thought I would share with you the members of the team who I find most attractive. This is not a comprehensive list, as I couldn't get decent pictures of some of the sexiest competitors but these are some of the best:Louis Smith - Gymnastics - Bronze medal in the Men's Pommel;Mark Foster - Swimmer - No medal this time around but a former world record holder, and World, Commonwealth and European champion in various swimming events. Foster was our flag-bearer at the Opening Ceremony of these games;Tim Brabants - Kayak 1000m gold medallist; Ben Ainslie - Veteran Olympic sailor with 3 gold medals in consecutive Olympic Games;Iain Percy - Gold medal winning sailor in the Star Class (and formerly in the Finn class in 2000). I certainly think he has star class, don't you?Daniel Keating - Gymnast - No medals this time around but he's still young and, I believe, a strong competitor for London 2012;
Bradley Saunders - Boxing welterweight - No medal this time but who knows what will happen for 2012;

And poor Craig Pickering who is probably still kicking himself for setting off too early in his leg of the Men's 4x100m relay heats, resulting in the teams disqualification. I think he should be sent to me for his punishment. I'll teach him how to grip onto that baton and not to spurt off too quickly!!

What A Team Eh?