My brother, Dan and his long-term girlfriend surprised us in August 2007 when they announced they were getting married in December.

Amazingly, they had kept it secret for 6 months, and organised everything themselves in that time.

19th December, the big day, came. It was cold but clear, dry and sunny. A perfect winters day.

The Clarke family had stayed at Dan and Jemma’s house whilst Jemma had stayed overnight at her parents along with her 2 bridesmaids.

The morning was a very relaxed affair and the clock dragged but by 12pm as we began to get ready, time began to fly.

Leaving the house, Me, Dan and Alfie

As we got dressed their wasn’t a dry eye in the house. I started to cry after seeing Dad and Alfie in their suits, and then Dan came out in his uniform and medals - he looked a perfect dashing gentleman - which set Mum and Dad off too!! Mum looked fantastic in her new dress, shawl and fascinator (no hat). We were actually pretty well colour co-ordinated!

3 generations

Anyway, taxis came, tears dried and off we all set to Nuneaton Registry Office. Jemma entered looking like Snow White in her white and red wedding dress and shawl - a beautiful bride. She walked down the aisle with her Dad to Lionel Richie’s ‘Stuck on You’. The service was very sweet and succinct followed more by tears, confetti and photos.

The happy couple

Afterwards we headed to the Axe and Compass for a sit down meal with the most delicious horseradish (but potent) sauce I have ever had. We all had a scratchcard, but Pete was the only one to win anything - a £1! - unfortunately on leaving I picked up the wrong one, so we lost it anyway.

The evening reception was at Weston Hall Hotel. A beautiful cake, chocolate fountains with marshmallows and strawberries. A delicious spread, DJ, guest books, disposable cameras and a first dance (Queen’s, ‘You’re My Best Friend’) completed Dan and Jemma’s Day.

Alfie had a great time and was very well behaved and enjoyed a boogie until 10pm. Nan wowed us all with her line dancing prowess, just 2 weeks after having a pacemaker fitted and Dad showed us up with some ‘dad dancing’.

The evening ended in the hotel residents bar, by a wooden fire sipping Baileys and Whiskey until the early wee hours.

What a cracking day! And welcome to the Clarke family Jemma.