Our Civil Partnership, July 4th 2007

Amazing to think that we began to plan today’s events even before they came into law. From a dream so many moons ago to a reality today.

The night before Dusan had a little bit too much to drink. So much so he doesn’t remember the latter part of the evening and he informs me that he had actually had a few drinks prior to by coming home from work. Bless him.

We woke in the morning as late as possible but still with time to do the extra chores still outstanding. Collect Ice, Champagne, Cucumber and drop at mums. Set up bar at their house, collect flowers and champagne and thank you gifts. Having done all of my chores I was back home to find that Marcus & David had both arrived already. Moments later Alex was at the door too. So we cracked open some Champagne and threw on some Ham, egg and chips to keep everyone fed and happy. Finally Mark & Richard arrived. So we had our best friends, best men, drivers and lunch and champagne.

I managed to eat some of the food but moments later was having second thoughts at having eaten something. Now I could actually have something to bring up. Alex said our nerves were natural and opened another bottle of Lauren Perrier.

We showered, dressed, put on our wedding outfits and had Alex help us out with our ties. Somehow I have never quite managed a Windsor knot on my tie.

Everyone pilled into the cars and a huge thank you to our designated drivers for safely getting us to and from the reception.

Everyone stopped at my parents on route to get a few photo’s of the happy groom and groom prior to the event and then we pilled back into the cars and made our way to the registry office.

The feeling of nerves, rapidly rising but still knowing deep down that this was the most right thing to do in the world and that the moment that the ceremony is over we can relax and enjoy the party with our friends. The registar, Grainee, went through what would happen and made us sign a few documents that would make everything official. Then she went in to address our friends and family and returned to bring us in to the ceremony hall.

We were both surprised at how many people were there. There was not a single seat empty in the whole place and further people were standing at the back. From family members to both friends old and new. Neil & David made it in time for the end of the ceremony and had to stand at the rear too.

The ceremony was much like any other church wedding with the whole spiel

I Neil Russell Borchard do take thee Dusan Stojnovic to be my Civil Partner, to love and to cherish, to have and to hold till death do us party.

We then had the exchanging of the rings and again it was just like any other wedding I had attended. “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love ….” Or something like that.

We then signed the official Civil Partnership Certificate and got to kiss the grooms. Then we had to pose for dozens of photos sat at the table at the front while the certificates were prepared. It felt like an age and I started to feel like Shamu the Killer Whale with the endless blinding of flashes like a million stars in the sky.

We then made our way down to the hallway and everyone followed us down the stairs. It was our first chance to say hello to everyone and thank them for coming. This took about 20 minutes and then as we exited the building we were covered in Confetti and party poppers.

From here we all made our convoy back to Mum & Dad’s who had kindly offered their home and garden as the venue for our reception. Dad flared up the BBQ with Adam’s assistance and everyone helped out.

It was an amazing day. Neither of us could describe it exactly but a feeling of magic and of love and fulfilment. We hope that all of our nearest and dearest all get the opportunity to fulfil this dream of love for it is the greatest in all the world. After all, the greatest gift you’ll ever learn is to be loved and love in return.