The country might be all getting excited about the forthcoming wedding of Meghan and Harry, but rewind 17 years and I was getting ready to marry my very own ginger prince.
I know it’s a huge cliché, but the past 17 years have gone in the blink of an eye. I still remember our wedding day like it was yesterday, getting married in the hotel where Hywel had proposed to me 14 months before. We were surrounded by friends and family (and John McCardle who used to be in Brookside) , on one of the hottest days of the year. And just like Meghan and Harry, we also got married on FA Cup final day. If you ask Hywel, I am pretty sure he will be able to tell you the score, the teams involved, and who scored the winning goal.
The past 17 years have seen us become parents, probably the greatest learning curve of our married life. We have cried together, shouted together, been frustrated together. Changed endless nappies, cuddled upset children, and listened to the occasional door being slammed by a grumpy teen.
But as the kids get older and start carving out their own lives, we find we are getting more and more time together. And thankfully we still like each other. Last weekend when the kids were off doing their own things, we enjoyed lunch out in the sunshine, and popped to the pub on the Friday evening. We talked, we laughed, and we enjoyed spending time together.
17 years on our marriage is still as strong as the day we got married, possibly even stronger if you factor in surviving parenting children to the ages of 12 and nearly 16. Another cliché, but yes he is my total rock, the best husband, the best spider catcher, and the person who I never have to nag to put the bins out.
Happy anniversary Hywel for tomorrow, and here is to the next year of marriage and adventures.
Aww! Happy anniversary to you both! 17 years is fantastic x
Aw thank you Kim. It really has gone in the blink of an eye x
what a lovely post. Happy anniversary to you guys. I’m sure you’ll think if somewhere amazing to renew your vows in a few years time.
Thank you Angela, I keep thinking Disney as we have plans to go for Hywel’s 50th in 3 years which is also the same year that we will celebrate 20 years x
What a beautiful post. It brought a tear to my eye. Still liking each other as you’re coming out of the other side of parenting is a big challenge! Happy anniversary to you both. I can’t believe how little you’ve both changed! X
Awww thank you for saying that Sarah. It’s a nice feeling isn’t it, knowing that the kids are growing up and we still like each other, and love spending time together x
I love this post!! How gorgeous you looked on your wedding day! Happy anniversary, I too married a ginger prince and a Welsh one too, we are best friends and I think that is the secret to a really happy marriage. I hope you have a lovely celebration, you deserve it.
Ah how did I not know that your Welsh prince was also your ginger prince too !!! You are so right, being best friends is definitely the key to a long and happy marriage. It’s a great feeling isn’t it x
Lush post – here’s to the next 17 years xx
Aw thank you Sam x
Happy 17 years. How amazing is that and you both look gorgeous on your wedding day Grand now too, of course). I hope the next 17 years are just as happy for you both. Btw…why was John McCardle at your wedding?
Thanks Tas, John McCardle was staying at the hotel as he was filming Merseybeats nearby (no idea if you will remember that programme). So technically not at the wedding, but I have a great photo of me and him during the evening reception. I think I may have invited him into the reception for a plate of buffet lol x