I’ve never seen a wedding dress like it. It’s a work of art.

‘Well,’ says Christina. ‘I’ll be honest. When you told me you were wearing a creation by young Mr Kovitz, I was a little worried. But this...’ she touches a tiny bead. ‘I’m impressed. Assuming the train doesn’t fall off as you walk down the aisle.’

‘It won’t,’ I assure her. ‘I walked around our apart­ment in it for half an hour. Not one sequin fell off!’

‘You’re going to look amazing,’ says Erin dreamily. ‘Just like a princess. And in that room...’

‘The room is spectacular,’ says Christina. ‘I think a lot of jaws are going to be dropping.’

‘I haven’t seen it yet,’ I say. ‘Robyn didn’t want me going in.’

‘Oh, you should take a look,’ says Erin. ‘Just have a peek. Before it gets filled up with people.’

‘I can’t! What if someone sees me?’

‘Go on,’ says Erin. ‘Put on a scarf. No-one’ll know it’s you.’

***

I can’t believe I’ve made it to this moment. I honestly can’t believe it’s really happening. I’m wearing a wedding dress. I’m wearing a sparkly tiara in my hair.

I’m a bride.

As I’m led by Robyn down the empty, silent Plaza corridors, I feel a bit like the President in a Hollywood movie. ‘The Beauty is on the move,’ she’s muttering into her headset as we walk along the plushy red carpet. ‘The Beauty is approaching.’

We turn a corner and I catch a glimpse of myself in a huge antique mirror, and feel a dart of shock. Of course I know what I look like. I've just spent half an hour staring at myself in the suite upstairs, for goodness’ sake. But still, catching myself unawares, I can’t quite believe that girl in the veil is me. It’s me.

I’m about to walk up the aisle at the Plaza. Four hundred people watching every move. Oh God.

Oh God. What am I doing?

As I see the doors of the Terrace Room, I feel a shot of panic, and my fingers tighten around my bouquet. This is never going to work. I must be mad. I can’t do it. I want to run away.

But there’s nowhere to run. There’s nothing else to do but go forward.

Erin and the other bridesmaids are waiting, and, as we draw near, they all begin to coo over my dress. I’ve no idea what they’re all called. They’re daughters of Elinor’s friends. After today I’ll probably never see them again.

‘String orchestra. Stand by for Beauty,’ Robyn is saying into her headset.

‘Becky!’ I look up, and, thank God, it’s Danny, wear­ing a brocade frock coat over leather trousers, and carrying a taupe and bronze Ceremony Programme. ‘You look amazing.’

‘Really? Do I look OK?’

‘Spectacular,’ says Danny firmly. He adjusts the train, stands back for a look, then takes out a pair of scissors, and snips at a piece of ribbon.

‘Ready?’ says Robyn.

‘I guess,’ I say, feeling slightly sick.

The double doors swing open, and I hear the rustle of four hundred people turning in their seats. The string orchestra starts to play the theme from Sleeping Beauty, and the bridesmaids begin to process up the aisle.

And suddenly I’m walking forward. I’m walking into the enchanted forest, carried on the swell of the music. Little lights are twinkling overhead. Pine needles are giving off their scent under my feet. There’s the smell of fresh earth and the sound of birds chirruping, and the trickle of a tiny waterfall. Flowers are magically blooming as I take each step, and leaves are unfurling, and people are gasping as they look up. And I can see Luke up ahead, my handsome prince, waiting for me.

And now, finally, I start to relax. To savour it.

As I take each step, I feel as though I’m a prima ballerina doing the perfect arabesque at Covent Garden. Or a movie star arriving at the Oscars. Music playing, everyone looking at me, jewels in my hair and the most beautiful dress I’ve ever worn. I know I will never experience anything like this again in my life. Never. As I reach the top of the aisle, I slow my pace right down, breathing in the atmosphere, taking in the trees and the flowers and the wonderful scent. Trying to impress every detail on my mind. Relishing every magical second.

OK. I’ll admit it.

Elinor was right. When I tried to save this wedding, I wasn’t being completely altruistic. I wasn’t only doing it to salvage Luke’s relationship with his mother.

I wanted this for myself. I wanted to be a fairy princess for a day.

I reach Luke’s side and hand my bouquet to Erin. I smile warmly at Gary, Luke’s new best man – then take Luke’s hand. He gives it a little squeeze, and I squeeze it back.

And here’s Michael stepping forward, wearing a dark, vaguely clerical-looking suit.

He gives me a tiny, conspiratorial smile, then takes a deep breath and addresses the congregation.

‘Dearly beloved. We are gathered here together to witness the love between two people. We are here to watch them pledging their love for each other. And to join with them in celebrating the joy of their sharing of that love. God blesses all who love, and God will certainly bless Luke and Becky today as they exchange their vows.’

He turns to me, and I can hear the rustling behind me as people try to get a good view.

‘Do you, Rebecca, love Luke?’ he says. ‘Do you pledge yourself to him for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health? Do you put your trust in him now and for ever?’

‘I do,’ I say, unable to stop a tiny tremor in my voice.

‘Do you, Luke, love Rebecca? Do you pledge yourself to her for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health? Do you put your trust in her now and for ever?’

‘Yes,’ says Luke firmly. ‘I do.’

‘May God bless Luke and Becky and may they have happiness always.’