Sid and I met when we were both around ten months old, at that time, little did I know he would end up be the best friend I could ask for. Growing up in Maidenhead, we journeyed through school life together, making memories and creating mischief. We were each others houses nearly everyday until we were ‘grown ups’ and left home. We’ve been on holidays together, he was an usher and my wedding and Sid has been a guest vocalist in the band with us more times than I can remember. Sid is like a brother to me, so his wedding to Amanda was pretty much as special as weddings get.
The first time I met Amanda I knew that she was the girl that Sid would marry. Amanda is everything you want your best friend’s partner to be. She is stunningly beautiful, kind hearted and it’s so clear to see, she loves my dear friend as much as he loves her. Last year when Sid phoned me to tell me he’d proposed to the lovely Amanda, I was so, so thrilled. He also asked me to be an usher – I was honoured!
During the planning, Sid received some pretty devastating news, that he was sick, really sick. After the most gruelling of operations and extensive treatment, Sid got the all important all clear, much to the jubilation of his friends and family his total rock, fiancee Amanda. Sid was tremendously brave and it was so admirable how he coped and remained so positive, upbeat and optimistic throughout. I’m in awe of this guy.
In January we got together with the boys and had a very very wild stag do at Walker Farm Cottages in Somerset (there was pool, badminton, table football, 10 pin bowling, can crushing and even a 1000 piece puzzle). It was great fun though, and I really enjoyed seeing lots of old friends. Here they are…
We spent the night before the wedding at Hunters Hall, very close to the wedding venue, Kingscote Barn. It was a great opportunity to get to know some of the wedding guests, and to spend some time with Sid.
On the day of the wedding, had a big breakfast and began to get ready. We were looking forward to a wonderful day at Kingscote Barn. Sid was a little nervous as he was getting ready. He was helped by his ushers Christian, Mark and his best man, Clark. Sid’s Godson, and Mark’s son, Freddie had the very important task of ring bearer for the wedding. Freddie looked so smart in his suit.
We arrived and took our seats at Kingscote Barn and waited for Amanda to arrive. Guests had flown in from Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Brazil just to be there for the wonderful occasion. Below is a photo of Sid’s sisters Lucy, Louise, Jessica, Sid’s step father Rick ,and his wonderful Mum, Loraine, with Lucy’s partner Barni and Jessica’s Gus just behind. These guys are like family to me. 
Here’s a shot of me, Christian, Sid and Clark. The first time I’d seen Clark in a suit!
Before we knew it, the doors opened and Amanda came down the aisle, arm in arm with her brother Iain. She looked…wow! I think Sid’s face as he spots Amanda says it all…
The ceremony was beautiful, and there were some lovely readings. Here are the newly weds signing the register.
Following the ceremony, we made our way to the bar and reception area for some tasty canapés and drinks whilst the room was turned around for the wedding breakfast.
I just love this photo of the lovely couple with Sid’s family; Jess, Louise, Sid, Amanda, Loraine, Lucy and Rick, taken outside the barn.
The flowers , the decor, the dresses, the table plan, the room, the guests…it was all just outstanding. Sid’s Mum (Lorraine), Rick and Lizzie Pearce worked tirelessly to get the venue looking so special the day before and Maggie Jan’s flowers were lovely.
A special mention to my great friend Mark, his beautiful wife Lois and their eldest son Freddie who was the ring bearer. I sang at their wedding back in 2009 nearly 7 years ago. They also have another son Charlie who is my Godson. I also sang at Lois’s 30th Birthday, her brother Mark’s wedding and her Dad (Tony’s) 60th Birthday so we’ve been through lots of good celebrations together.
Before we knew it, it was dinner time…
And it was deeeeeelish. Huge thanks to Amanda and Sid (and all the catering team) for providing us with such lovely grub. Think halloumi and roasted vegetable starters, succulent chicken for main and a delicious lemon-y meringue-y delight for dessert. I just loved the chopsticks for wedding favours.
Following dinner, the speeches took place, which summed up the day beautifully. There really wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Team Zoots arrived for set up, just as best man Clark concluded the formalities.
Guests were ushered from the main room and we began to load in our equipment and begin setting up ready for our performance. Lead guitarist Ben had a go on bass player Dan’s double bass during soundcheck.
It was a little bit nerve-racking performing to all our friends and family but everyone was dancing straight away and the first set flew by.
Dan was very popular on the double bass and the crowd cheered as HE STOOD ON THE BASS (Please tell me someone got a photo of this?!). The Zoots started off with a rock ‘n roll set including ‘Summertime Blues’, ‘C’mon Everybody’ and ‘Hound Dog’; we crammed the rest of the set with songs from our repertoire which kept the dance floor packed.
I was really proud of Ben, Simon, Dan and Harriet from The Zoots for doing such a fantastic job entertaining the guests. It really meant a lot that we could perform for Sid & Amanda.
The day was captured by photographer Kevin Mullins. He very kindly shared this photo he took of us below…this man is a genius and we just love this photo! This guy is a total dream, you didn’t even know he was there, snapping away. We cannot wait to see all the photos. Check out some of his wedding photography here. If you have a chance to book him you must. Check out his website: Kevin Mullins Photography
Thanks much to Sid & Amanda for choosing The Zoots to be their wedding band for the evening. We had the best day and a fabulous evening. Love you guys!
Here are some kind words from Sid:
” Hi guys. Just wanted to say a huge thank you again for the other day. We had the most fantastic and truly special wedding ever and The Zoots were just awesome. Everyone absolutely loved your set and the dance floor was packed all night. It’s amazing of you guys to do that for us and we’re truly blessed to have great friends like you. Hope you enjoyed yourselves too.
Love from The Dixons”
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