Monday 22nd May: Monday morning came early... with just a few hours sleep to be had before the dawn broke through the sky-light of the room I was in. Myself, Holly, Kerry and Ellen had the three small rooms at the very top of the chateau (because we were obviously the most important, or maybe because they looked suspiciously like the servants' quarters in days or yore) and by the time I dragged myself downstairs some people had been up an unfeasible amount of minutes. Breakfast was eaten, nay consumed, as Michael took on the recurring role of chef (a role for which he may yet receive an Academy Award nomination). French toast - it's not Freedom Toast, get over it - has never tasted so good.This was the day before the wedding and so much had to be done to make Tuesday go with a bang. Or without a bang. Whichever is better. Some of us guys went shopping. No, ladies, don't laugh, we had good intentions and we came back with carrier-bags full of essentials (and some non-essentials, though I truly believe that chocolate falls into both catergories). Then there was the rehearsal to rehearse and I assumed the role of official photographer - probably only because my camera looked more intimidating than anyone else's and ma tripod est grande! Laura told everyone what they'd be doing, where they'd be sitting and what NOT to do. Dawson mentally went through his lines and everyone pinched themselves to prove this was actually happening. ome people may even have pinched other people just to make doubly sure.The evening brought the rehearsal meal (actually a real meal, with real food and available to all, not just the immediate family). The food was good, the entertainment even better. Michael, Kit and Ariel re-enacted the Bradford trip and Scottish proposal (complete with fake car and props), Kerry explained how I'd first met Kit and Ariel (vicars and tarts and parties, oh my! - I have pictures of that SOMEWHERE!) and much amusement was had.The company was great and the drinking of the wine would again go on until the early hours, if not quite the late early hours of the previous morning. However, all appetites were eventually satisfied and sleep beckoned in the way it only does once you find yourself exhausted in a French chateau. I highly recomend it.
