This may come as a surprise to most of you, but Marcos and I actually got married twice last year. The first wedding - technically a 'Civil Ceremony' - took place on 23 August 2019 in England at the Register's Office.
I choose to keep it a secret, because I thought it was the best thing for me to do - mentally. I was already in the middle of Grad school and I honestly couldn't handle anybody getting upset with me seeing as how we were in the process of planning my dream wedding on the beach in Cancun, Mexico with our closest family and friends.
As for our Civil Ceremony, this was honestly something we needed to do in order to get my paperwork process started and completed in time, so that I could get my UK resident card before my student visa expired in December 2019. If I had waited until after our Cancun wedding, it would have been too late for us to get anything completed in time in order for me to stay in England with my husband.
There also would have been the possibility of running into the issue of me having to go back to America. Marcos and I had already done the whole "long distance thing" for four years, so we did not want to experience anymore of that whole "long distance stuff" again - it was not fun!
Doing a long distance relationship was extremely tough on both of us, but I am so grateful we persevered! There were many FaceTime calls, Marcos visited me in America at one point, and I lived in Brazil at one point for six months. However, as I said before, we were done with the whole 'long distance stuff'. We were ready to start our future together!
If there is one thing that we learned while we endured doing a long distance relationship is that we are stronger when we are together! Although, we have had to persevere through some of the toughest challenges a couple has to face, we never stopped being loving each other and being devoted to one another.
Anyways, going back to our Civil Ceremony, we were just so ready to start our lives together as husband and wife and start planning our future together. We did not want anymore delays in our plans. With that said, we did not want to wait another few months for our Cancun wedding. So, we decided to go ahead and 'Tie the Knot' here in England.
And because we did this, I was able to get my UK resident card in time before my student visa expired - which again expired in December 2019!
Honestly - overall - it really was a win-win situation that we made the decision to do a Civil Ceremony here in England in August 2019 before our Cancun wedding in December 2019, because it really would have also been a nightmare getting my paperwork together on top of dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic that we are all experiencing right now.
I could not have seen that process being easy in anyway! Plus, there is no way we could have achieved my getting a UK resident card in a relatively decent timeframe, plus if I had to go back to America there was no telling when I would have been able to come back to England to be with my husband with regards to this pandemic.
I choose to keep it a secret, because I thought it was the best thing for me to do - mentally. I was already in the middle of Grad school and I honestly couldn't handle anybody getting upset with me seeing as how we were in the process of planning my dream wedding on the beach in Cancun, Mexico with our closest family and friends.
As for our Civil Ceremony, this was honestly something we needed to do in order to get my paperwork process started and completed in time, so that I could get my UK resident card before my student visa expired in December 2019. If I had waited until after our Cancun wedding, it would have been too late for us to get anything completed in time in order for me to stay in England with my husband.
There also would have been the possibility of running into the issue of me having to go back to America. Marcos and I had already done the whole "long distance thing" for four years, so we did not want to experience anymore of that whole "long distance stuff" again - it was not fun!
Doing a long distance relationship was extremely tough on both of us, but I am so grateful we persevered! There were many FaceTime calls, Marcos visited me in America at one point, and I lived in Brazil at one point for six months. However, as I said before, we were done with the whole 'long distance stuff'. We were ready to start our future together!
If there is one thing that we learned while we endured doing a long distance relationship is that we are stronger when we are together! Although, we have had to persevere through some of the toughest challenges a couple has to face, we never stopped being loving each other and being devoted to one another.
Anyways, going back to our Civil Ceremony, we were just so ready to start our lives together as husband and wife and start planning our future together. We did not want anymore delays in our plans. With that said, we did not want to wait another few months for our Cancun wedding. So, we decided to go ahead and 'Tie the Knot' here in England.
And because we did this, I was able to get my UK resident card in time before my student visa expired - which again expired in December 2019!
Honestly - overall - it really was a win-win situation that we made the decision to do a Civil Ceremony here in England in August 2019 before our Cancun wedding in December 2019, because it really would have also been a nightmare getting my paperwork together on top of dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic that we are all experiencing right now.
I could not have seen that process being easy in anyway! Plus, there is no way we could have achieved my getting a UK resident card in a relatively decent timeframe, plus if I had to go back to America there was no telling when I would have been able to come back to England to be with my husband with regards to this pandemic.
OUR ENGLAND WEDDING DAY
Even though I was determined to have a chill wedding day, it still got pretty hectic. However, my wonderful husband gave me these beautiful flowers along with a sweet note to start our day off just right. I really am a sucker for flowers. I don't care if it's cliché, I told my husband from the very beginning of our relationship how much I love the cliché stuff - like getting flowers and chocolates - and he never once forgot that I told him that. I absolutely love getting flowers from my husband! 🥰💐💐💐🥰
The day that Marcos and I got married in England, it started off as business as usual - Marcos had to work half day and I was tempted to hop on a train to go to my school to meet up with one of my teacher's to discuss a project that I was working on; however, when my teacher wanted to reschedule the time, I had to tell him 'well, I can't meet up with you later. I'm getting married today'. He then of course congratulated me and we decided on another day to meet up.
Once I got my business stuff in order, it was time for me to get ready to marry the love of my life. Which meant I had a lot to do - I had to meet up with our family friends that flew in from America at the train station, then we had to go grab Marcos' boutonniere from the flower shop, and then make sure our Civil Ceremony Crew was able to find the registers office. Fortunately, everybody got to the register's office with no issues! 😁
Once I got my business stuff in order, it was time for me to get ready to marry the love of my life. Which meant I had a lot to do - I had to meet up with our family friends that flew in from America at the train station, then we had to go grab Marcos' boutonniere from the flower shop, and then make sure our Civil Ceremony Crew was able to find the registers office. Fortunately, everybody got to the register's office with no issues! 😁
THE CIVIL CEREMONY CREW
I wanted to keep our Civil Ceremony as stress-free as possible, because at the time I was still recovering from my last brain surgery (6 months out), in the middle of Grad school, and we were also planning our official wedding in Cancun, Mexico. So needless to say I had an enormous amount of stress on me. So, keeping our Civil Ceremony as simple and as stress-free as possible was very important to me.
Even though Marcos and I were looking forward to our upcoming wedding in Cancun, Mexico with our family and friends from Brazil and America, Our England Civil Ceremony was still very special to us and we appreciated each and every person that was there for us on this day, so that we could finally, officially, and legally become 'husband and wife'.
Marcos and I choose to do our Civil Ceremony at the Cheylesmore Manor Ceremony Suite - The Library Room, because it was one of the cheaper options, as well as our wedding needed to be on an approved premise. We also had to give the register's office 28 days notice.
For our Civil Ceremony at the Library Room, we were limited to only 10 guests, including us. So, Marcos and I chose a few of our closest friends that we have here in England. Additionally, I invited a couple of my close family friends from America, whom I have known for most of my life - Eric and Wendy Gruber.
Even though Marcos and I were looking forward to our upcoming wedding in Cancun, Mexico with our family and friends from Brazil and America, Our England Civil Ceremony was still very special to us and we appreciated each and every person that was there for us on this day, so that we could finally, officially, and legally become 'husband and wife'.
Marcos and I choose to do our Civil Ceremony at the Cheylesmore Manor Ceremony Suite - The Library Room, because it was one of the cheaper options, as well as our wedding needed to be on an approved premise. We also had to give the register's office 28 days notice.
For our Civil Ceremony at the Library Room, we were limited to only 10 guests, including us. So, Marcos and I chose a few of our closest friends that we have here in England. Additionally, I invited a couple of my close family friends from America, whom I have known for most of my life - Eric and Wendy Gruber.
THE BRIDAL CREW
As for my bridal crew, I choose to invite my closest girl friends that I have made here in England - Laura Sanders and Fahima Khatun. I meet both these girls during my Journalism Grad program here in England at Birmingham City University.
I hit it off with both of these girls immediately during our studies in our Grad program. Laura and I participated in many class projects, participated, organised, and put together a Homeless Sleep-out Documentary, as well as went on an International Journalism Festival trip to Perugia, Italy together with our journalism colleagues.
Fahima and I also worked on many projects together; however, we went on a different type of Journalism Conference Trip - it was actually a trip to Cardiff, Wales for a News Impact Summit.
Both trips that I took with these girls, made me realise why I have such a connection with them. Both of them have hearts of gold and I can always count on them when I need a friend to talk to. They really are 'true friends' to me. I have appreciated Laura and Fahima not only as a colleagues, but also as life-long friends.
I also choose to invite close family friends of mine - Eric and Wendy Gruber - from America, whom I have known most of my life. I consider the Gruber's a part of my family. The Gruber's have also been the Quinlan families Chiropractor's for over 20 years now. We saw the Gruber's on a regular basis as I grew up. They helped my family with our chiropractic needs, as well they were just great friends to us.
Not only did their doctor skills in chiropractic therapy help me when I was growing up, but I also got regular massages (thanks to great insurance that my family and I had) at their chiropractic office. Getting chiropractic therapy and massages definitely helped me as I had underwent so many brain surgeries growing up. Eric and Wendy will always hold a special place in my heart. Their love and commitment they have shown my family and I will never be forgotten!
When I contacted the Gruber's to see if they preferred to come to our England wedding instead of our Cancun wedding, they quickly said 'yes'. So they immediately booked flights tickets! Not only did Eric and Wendy's attendance make our Civil Ceremony extra special by them being there, but they also accepted the honour to be our two designated witnesses at our Civil Ceremony. It meant the world to Marcos and I to have them there by our side on one of our most special day's - for Marcos and I to become husband and wife.
I hit it off with both of these girls immediately during our studies in our Grad program. Laura and I participated in many class projects, participated, organised, and put together a Homeless Sleep-out Documentary, as well as went on an International Journalism Festival trip to Perugia, Italy together with our journalism colleagues.
Fahima and I also worked on many projects together; however, we went on a different type of Journalism Conference Trip - it was actually a trip to Cardiff, Wales for a News Impact Summit.
Both trips that I took with these girls, made me realise why I have such a connection with them. Both of them have hearts of gold and I can always count on them when I need a friend to talk to. They really are 'true friends' to me. I have appreciated Laura and Fahima not only as a colleagues, but also as life-long friends.
I also choose to invite close family friends of mine - Eric and Wendy Gruber - from America, whom I have known most of my life. I consider the Gruber's a part of my family. The Gruber's have also been the Quinlan families Chiropractor's for over 20 years now. We saw the Gruber's on a regular basis as I grew up. They helped my family with our chiropractic needs, as well they were just great friends to us.
Not only did their doctor skills in chiropractic therapy help me when I was growing up, but I also got regular massages (thanks to great insurance that my family and I had) at their chiropractic office. Getting chiropractic therapy and massages definitely helped me as I had underwent so many brain surgeries growing up. Eric and Wendy will always hold a special place in my heart. Their love and commitment they have shown my family and I will never be forgotten!
When I contacted the Gruber's to see if they preferred to come to our England wedding instead of our Cancun wedding, they quickly said 'yes'. So they immediately booked flights tickets! Not only did Eric and Wendy's attendance make our Civil Ceremony extra special by them being there, but they also accepted the honour to be our two designated witnesses at our Civil Ceremony. It meant the world to Marcos and I to have them there by our side on one of our most special day's - for Marcos and I to become husband and wife.
THE GROOM'S CREW
Well, normally the bride is suppose to shine on days like this, but I've got to say Marcos and his Groomsmen took the spotlight. All four of them looked extra sharp for our England wedding day.
Marcos became friends with Rodolfo when he worked in Vail, Colorado (the first time he worked in Colorado in 2010, not the time when we meet). Marcos and Rodolfo were roommates and worked at the same ski resort in Vail. Their common interest in cars and snowboarding is probably what made them click so quickly to become friends then and they have stayed close friends since their time in Vail.
Marcos knew Adam and Dave from Team Bath Racing from when he studied at Bath University in the UK in 2014. When Marcos joined the University Racing Team, he quickly became friends with Adam and Dave. Marcos, Adam, and Dave spent many long nights working together in the workshop, building a race car, and then competing in racing competitions abroad. All three of them have a strong love for cars and racing that's for sure!
Marcos became friends with Rodolfo when he worked in Vail, Colorado (the first time he worked in Colorado in 2010, not the time when we meet). Marcos and Rodolfo were roommates and worked at the same ski resort in Vail. Their common interest in cars and snowboarding is probably what made them click so quickly to become friends then and they have stayed close friends since their time in Vail.
Marcos knew Adam and Dave from Team Bath Racing from when he studied at Bath University in the UK in 2014. When Marcos joined the University Racing Team, he quickly became friends with Adam and Dave. Marcos, Adam, and Dave spent many long nights working together in the workshop, building a race car, and then competing in racing competitions abroad. All three of them have a strong love for cars and racing that's for sure!
OUR CIVIL CEREMONY
Our Civil Ceremony was just like any other Civil Ceremony, quick and to the point. However, I did appreciate how the register's office tried to still make this day special for us.
The officiant was just so sweet and kind throughout the ceremony. I felt relaxed the whole time. Although, I still got a bit emotional in the beginning of the Civil Ceremony, because this has been something that Marcos and I have wanted for so long. I know a lot of people get wedding jitters or even have doubts right before they get married; however, I had no doubts whatsoever when it came to marrying Marcos - the Love of my Life!
Marcos and I have been together for five years now, and we sure have endured so much within those five years - from long distance dating, to me having to undergo four brain surgeries, and then the outside world 'tried' to tare us a part at one point. But no matter what was thrown our way, we have truly persevered through it all!🥰
My love for my husband goes without saying - I will always love him, honour, and support him all the days of my life!
Video featured below: Our Civil Ceremony of Marcos and I exchanging our vows in front of Our Crew along with our Wedding Officiant.
The officiant was just so sweet and kind throughout the ceremony. I felt relaxed the whole time. Although, I still got a bit emotional in the beginning of the Civil Ceremony, because this has been something that Marcos and I have wanted for so long. I know a lot of people get wedding jitters or even have doubts right before they get married; however, I had no doubts whatsoever when it came to marrying Marcos - the Love of my Life!
Marcos and I have been together for five years now, and we sure have endured so much within those five years - from long distance dating, to me having to undergo four brain surgeries, and then the outside world 'tried' to tare us a part at one point. But no matter what was thrown our way, we have truly persevered through it all!🥰
My love for my husband goes without saying - I will always love him, honour, and support him all the days of my life!
Video featured below: Our Civil Ceremony of Marcos and I exchanging our vows in front of Our Crew along with our Wedding Officiant.
WE SEALED THE DEAL!
After Marcos & I exchanged our vows, we had to check that our information was correct in the register's book and then sign our names verifying that everything was correct.
Following that, I signed both mine and Marcos' names on a heart and then put the heart into a frame, which the frame is now displayed in the Cheylesmore Manor register's building.
Following that, I signed both mine and Marcos' names on a heart and then put the heart into a frame, which the frame is now displayed in the Cheylesmore Manor register's building.
THE NUPTIAL CELEBRATION!
We may have had a small bridal party for our Civil Ceremony, but it was still was so lovely and very special to Marcos and I.
I also may not have been the most traditional bride on the day of our Civil Ceremony - wearing a blue dress and not a white one and the fact that I didn't wear something old and borrowed; however, I was wearing something blue and new without even realising it - my blue dress. But as far as the "normal wedding traditions," I wanted to save these "normal traditions" for my Dream Wedding that we were planning in Cancun, Mexico, which was just right around the corner.
I also may not have been the most traditional bride on the day of our Civil Ceremony - wearing a blue dress and not a white one and the fact that I didn't wear something old and borrowed; however, I was wearing something blue and new without even realising it - my blue dress. But as far as the "normal wedding traditions," I wanted to save these "normal traditions" for my Dream Wedding that we were planning in Cancun, Mexico, which was just right around the corner.
THE RECEPTION DINNER!
My husband sure did surprise me by inviting a large amount of people to our reception dinner at Drapers pub - 21 people showed up!
Most of the people who came to our reception dinner at Drapers pub work with Marcos at Jaguar. I had a few of my peeps with me. But overall, It really was a really great night.
Most importantly, I was one happy bride!🥰👰🏼🥰 I ordered a big fat juicy blue cheese burger and a 'few' glasses of Prosecco (again I wanted to be the most non-traditional bride, so I had to order a burger and not a salad 🤣😂🤣😂)!
After we finished celebrating our nuptials at Drapers pub, we decided to bring the celebration back to our apartment. I did not last long. I passed out immediately once we got home. The boys stayed up drinking Maker's Mark and gabbing away.
I could not be more grateful to everyone who showed up to both our Civil Ceremony and our Reception Dinner. It was definitely more than I was expecting for our Civil Ceremony, plus we received the most lovely gifts from our guests! 🥰🤵🏻👰🏼🥰
Most of the people who came to our reception dinner at Drapers pub work with Marcos at Jaguar. I had a few of my peeps with me. But overall, It really was a really great night.
Most importantly, I was one happy bride!🥰👰🏼🥰 I ordered a big fat juicy blue cheese burger and a 'few' glasses of Prosecco (again I wanted to be the most non-traditional bride, so I had to order a burger and not a salad 🤣😂🤣😂)!
After we finished celebrating our nuptials at Drapers pub, we decided to bring the celebration back to our apartment. I did not last long. I passed out immediately once we got home. The boys stayed up drinking Maker's Mark and gabbing away.
I could not be more grateful to everyone who showed up to both our Civil Ceremony and our Reception Dinner. It was definitely more than I was expecting for our Civil Ceremony, plus we received the most lovely gifts from our guests! 🥰🤵🏻👰🏼🥰
Cheers to the us - the Fukuchi's - and what's to come! 🥂🥂🥂