White winter light seeps through the huge stained-glass window up above the altar, where four colourful saints watch our slow procession, as they’ve no doubt watched countless other brides before me. Most of the guests’ faces are blurry, seeming to merge into one another as I pass by. But I manage to pick out a few familiar faces. I spot my glamorous colleagues from the salon where I work. I also see Cassie Barrington, with her boyfriend and parents. But Cassie isn’t really my friend anymore – not since I realised that the only person Cassie cares about is Cassie. Unfortunately, I had to invite her and her family to the wedding as my dad is Cassie’s godfather – not that this really means anything. It was just a role he and Mum were asked to fill, back when they were younger and friends with her parents.

I turn my thoughts thankfully away from Cassie as I spot Celia and Malcolm seated at the front, both of them looking as proud as anything. Toby’s brother Nick gives me an encouraging smile from his place as best man next to the groom. And then of course there’s Toby himself. The love of my life.

Dad hands me over to my husband-to-be and, for a moment, I feel like some kind of possession being traded away. Although I guess that’s what brides used to be. I blink several times and give myself a little shake, attempting to banish these strange thoughts. I need to try to enjoy this. To soak up every second, rather than wishing it were all over and wanting to lie down in a darkened room.

Standing at the altar, Toby and I lock eyes and I can tell he’s worried about me by the gentle concern there. He takes my hands and brings them to his lips. Kisses my fingers. This calms me and for a moment I try to imagine that it’s just the two of us. That we’re at home in our little terraced cottage at the foot of the hill with no one around to disturb us.

The vicar begins and I let myself sink into his words. Words that I’ve heard so many times before on TV shows and movies. Words that I’ve seen other friends recite. Words that my parents must have said to one another many years ago. That I’m now repeating and reciting myself. This is a defining moment in my life. Something I’ll remember forever. Toby’s hand trembles as he slides the ring onto my finger.

And just like that, the vicar pronounces us husband and wife.

From that moment on, the atmosphere changes to one of celebratory excitement. Of relief almost. Everyone claps and the small choir sings ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’.

‘Hello, Mrs Johnson!’ Toby’s expression is one of pure relief.

‘Hello, Mr Johnson. I can’t believe we’re married!’