Yesterday was Mel & Simon's big day.

I caught the train out to Lymington, where I would be staying the night, and checked into a cute little pub called The Bosun's Chair. The guy I dealt with there (the owner, I think) was really welcoming. My room was on the small side, but perfect for one (and for one night). About an hour after I arrived, after a little chill out time and getting ready, I headed off to the wedding venue on the other side of the river.

I'd never been to an English wedding before. I'd seen lots of photos and tv programmes about them, and they looked pretty flash. I was a bit worried that I wouldn't be dressy enough, but I seemed to be fine. The theme was jungle, as Mel and Simon had lived in the Costa Rican jungle for several months and fell in love with the place, so they asked everyone to dress brightly. I wore a red dress and the accessories I spent a lot of time on Thursday walking all over central Bournemouth trying to find. My daily budget is only about £30, and the shoes alone were £25. I'm going to try and have a quiet weekend to make up for the overspend!

I rocked on up to the venue, which was gorgeous. It looked like a typical English country house - just my sort of thing! The ceremony was held outside and it was a little chilly and grey (the weather's not been great the entire time I've been here so far, and I really hope it improves), but was lovely all the same. Afterwards the newlyweds went off to have photos taken and us guests mingled and had bubbles or Pimms (Pimms! Yuss!) and listened to the live steel band, which made things feel a little more tropical. Then it was inside to the bar and dining room (where I did the typical touristy thing and took photos of the amazing interior) for some great speeches and a delicious dinner. I reckon I sat at quite possibly the best table - right next to the bridal table, and had the company of some great table mates.

I was exceptionally well behaved :) I haven't quite stuck to my 'never drinking again' announcment on Facebook a couple of weeks back, but I was determined I wasn't going to end up in the same state that caused me to me say that in the first place!

The groom is one of four sons and one of his brothers is in a great band and they played a set. I'm not really sure of the best way to describe their music, but I guess to give you an idea of what they sound like, think Mumford & Sons minus the drummer. They were fantastic and played a mix of originals and covers. One of Simon's other brothers joined them to sing a couple of songs and they finished up with 'When the Saints go marching in' or whatever it's called, as their football team Southampton (aka the Saints) have made it into the Champions League, which they are stoked about! (Go Chelsea in the FA Cup final today!)

My carefully chosen shoes, which seemed to fit so well when I bought them, were beyond uncomfortable and it was hard to walk in them after a while. Lots of dancing was done in bare feet, which was way more comfortable.

By the end of the night (music-wise at least), most of the guests had gone but there was still a good-sized crowd left, and for the last song, we all gathered in a circle around Mel & Simon and sang Oasis' 'Champagne Supernova' while they danced, and were then held up on some of the guests' shoulders. It was a great way to end a wonderful day.

They had arranged for a bus to take people back into town, and I was dropped off in Lymington on the way and had a short walk through part of town back to the pub in the cool night air. It was about 12.30am at that point and I was well ready for bed; the wedding was at 2pm, so it had been a long day!

The next morning I unfortunately turned off my alarm instead of snoozing it, and awoke about 25 minutes before I was due to check out. I don't think I've ever moved so quickly in the morning! There was no time for breakfast, but I wandered to the town centre and got a yum pasty (mmm, pasties!) and some bread and jam from the local market. I had time for a quick look around Lymington. It's a pretty little town with some lovely old buildings down by the water. Then it was time to head back to Bournemouth.

The trains here (the ones I've always caught, anyway), have been warm, fast, smooth and really nice inside. So, quite different to the ones I've caught in NZ for the most part! I wish NZ had the extensive rail system they have in the UK. The staff always seem to be friendly and helpful here too.

The train went back through part of the New Forest (I think), and I saw horse-riders, donkeys and even a deer or two. The weather has unfortunately been cold and grey since I've been here, and made the landscape on the way back to Bournemouth seem a bit grim. Hopefully the weather will start to improve soon!

I eventually made my way back to Mel & Simon's, where I'm house/cat-sitting for the long weekend. I was greeted by their cute little cat, Jasmine. She seemed pretty happy to see me, and I her, especially as I miss my cat.

This weekend will be a quiet (and cheap!) one, to make up for my overspending of the last couple of days. Hopefully the rain will hold off so I can go for a walk along the beach tomorrow. Whatever I end up doing though, there will be some exploring and revisiting of my second home. Can't wait!