A day I will never forget April 19th 2025. Both me and Cristina Nimer Jumadiao finally got married. We had known each other about 4 years leading to that day. What ended up a perfect day for us the journey to our wedding was far from perfect or easy.
My first marriage ended august 2012. It was a partnership of 14 years. I believe all people are wired up differently and those with an artist mindset like myself the two of us become one. She may not have seen it that way, but I did. I was very lost half of me was gone.
I had no solution to fill that void. I didn’t want to lose my home and refused to give it up. I could not afford a solicitor, so I decided to fight my case myself. I had to chanel my time and energy into that. I also made the decision to focus on working on my art and setting some goals.
Working 3 shifts in a car factory. A Japanese company where we had to account for every second of the day. I was conditioned to manage my time and work efficiently, my problem has always been my finances and not having enough funds to reach my potential.
I was not deterred or put off I felt motivated and even more driven to create. I felt had something to prove. I had already been working on a building my network and profile, so it was not like I was working from ground zero. Even though not every project financially did any thing for me, the experience itself benefited me in building a reputation and profile within the scene. That’s how I convinced my self to look at it.
I rebranded our record label alongside Steven Ellington. Multiple film projects. Clothing and sneaker design. I used every spare minute of my day to work. By 2017 my entire house was a workspace. I would wake up to a computer next to me. It was not a home it was a studio. Not a very well organised one.
The Pandemic was the significant change in my life and direction. Even though I was creating and happy in the activity of creating, deep down I was not a happy person. I didn’t address it. I avoided it.
A lot of things happened in that time. We was just exited out of Europe and I was working in the auto industry. The job paid the bills and allowed me to invest in my work. I was put on to Furlow and never returned to work. At the beginning of the Furlow, it was great not having to go to work and still be paid. I was able to do a re-edit of my film, do screenings with colleagues from here and the states.
Then people started dying. Friends and Family one after another started to pass. I’m at home and they are not calling me to return to work. This pandemic is going on longer that any of thought. I was made redundant; I did not sit back and accept an offer I negotiated a pay-out for my 17 years at the company.
My plan was this pandemic is going to end soon I’m going to go full time as an artist to build my brand. I looked at my house and started to think about how can I change this place and create a more positive space. Work and home had to be two separate areas. To have peace in my life and also ensure my future partner would have her privacy and that privacy would not be compromised. There were some lessons learned.
With a design and plan drawn by my older brother. My father had some people come over to give us some quotes. The quotes were way too much. I do have some limited building skills which I have picked up from my father working with him. The idea was planted that you could do this yourself. I was home, I had the time. Alongside my old school friend Brett Knight we embarked on building this studio ourselves. Thanks to Lukasz who helped me demolish the old garage.
My Father and Brett Knight 
Brett Knight
While building the new Studio I caught covid and was hit bad by it. I was sick. I didn’t go to the hospital and I was unaware that I was living with sleep Aponia. So when I caught Covid took me out. It honestly scared the hell out of me.
At this time I do remember we was in middle recording the Chucky Smash Album. I remember them calling me while at DITC. A.Gee was look at him he is sick. I was sweating like a pic on that call.
When you’re living alone looking at the ceiling thinking is this it, you do start to think about life. I started to think about what I am doing and who am I doing it for. Who is benefiting and what am I doing for myself? I’ve neglected me. I don’t want to die alone. At this point 11 of friends and extended family had passed on in this period. What ever anyone’s views are on the pandemic the fact was I lost a lot people close to me. I didn’t want to end up dying alone.
This was the time I decided to think about putting serious effort in meeting a new life partner. Putting my self out there. I have a history with the country the Philippines going back to the 90s. I connected with Cristina and first we wasn’t so into each other. I came across a little hard headed.
I was just being overprotective. We took a little break but kept in touch. I had to go through a little learning period of Chill out Pritt. Relax a little. Then me and Cristina reconnected. Over that four year period there was not a day we did not speak, she was the first person I spoke to in the morning and the last person I spoke to before I slept.
We never disagreed about anything, instead entered lots of long and deep conversations about day to day life, past , present and the future. There would be times id be working and Cristina would join me while I doing all that time consuming boring stuff such as editing or tuning a sound.
I was slowly falling in love with her. At this age saying I love you isn’t that easy to do as people in their later years are so hung up on those words. They mean a lot, people have different expectations when they here those words. I found them very difficult to say.
Cristina’s character had me captivated. I really liked her.
By this time the pandemic is over and there is a lot more freedom of movement. I had completed my studio build and working on a few projects. One of those was the Shaw Theatre Project with the Artful Dodger. As part of the B-Sides Festival they planned a screening of the Movie ‘Bombin’. The Shaw theatre event is featured throughout that movie. Both Brim and Goldie were to be guests and doing a Q & A. A good opportunity to present the project to them both.
Goldie & Brim 
Brim & Pritt
I sat at the front of the audience next to a person who turned out to be Brims Business partner and good friend Jinx. We had a good conversation and when the opportunity presented its self I got to meet Brim and present him the LP. He loved it and that sparked of a long conversation about my work and his work, discovering we had a lot of mutual friends. We also discovered that we both have a connection the Philippines. Brim said if ever your out here lets connect.
Later that day Brim revealed that he was living with Cancer and that the type of cancer and stage he is at he his heavily medicated and on a ground breaking new drug. This has altered his perspective on many things. He has a very different outlook on life.
A Few months after I met Brim my mother approached me and asked me what’s going on with me and Cristina and are we both serious. By that time My mother and her had spoken to each other a few times.
In our culture our elders are still the head of the family, they belong to are the last of that mighty respected generation. My mom was like get on the plane. Sort it out meet her family and you too decide if your serious or not.
So I booked a ticket for November 2022. I’ve not been in the Philippines since 2008, so the whole trip and this meeting was very exciting. I remember having a conversation with my friend Sin from Germany about how’s my life and I told her I was going over to the Philippines to meet Cristina. She was like I know people out there. There is a thriving hip hop community out there. Graffiti has taken off over there. I was introduced to a writer named Trip.
First night in Makati 
Jinx in Manila 
Cristina & Brim 
Pritt Brim & Trip 
Pritt & Brim
Trip is like Panda is in Birmingham. He is one of the central figures in Manila in the graff scene.
With my trip approaching, we both were excited to meet each other. My flight was 22 hours and her journey was 5 hours from Pangasinan to Manila. Arriving in Makati I was quickly reminded of how hot the country is. It does take some getting use too. Driving to the hotel passing Ayala Avenue I saw some familiar buildings.
View from Hotel Coro 
Sunset Makati 
London Heathrow leaving uk 
Makati at sunset 
Makati 
Heathrow
Arriving at hotel Coro I called Cristina to let her know I had arrived. I called Trip to let him know I was here and with a little excitement he let me know Brim also just arrived and that he was picking him up and they could swing by and visit me at the hotel.
We ended up going out for dinner. Trip showed us both some new hip areas. Philippines has changed a lot since I was there. Believe it or not they have places out there that remind you of Digbeth. Independent record stores was something I have never seen in the past. That evening we talked about my plans the following day. Which was meeting Cristina. They guys gave me some advice, Pritt Philippines has changed a lot since been here last.
The following morning, I got up early to receive a message from Cristina that she would be arriving to Manila in the afternoon. I went for my morning walk and then lay down counting down the hours before Cristina arrived. I fell asleep.
Soon I received a message we are here. Cristina and her brother were in the lobby. I can remember going down the lift and those doors opening revealing Cristina and her brother. How many years we its been. We all talked and her brother made it very clear to me that this was his sister. A very adult conversation.
Cristina in Makati 
Morning in Makati 
Breakfast in Manila
The Following day we both met up with Brim and had dinner. It was there that Brim made a comment if you two really make it, if you get married ill be there. Something years later turned out to be a very true statement.
We had a fantastic time together, we had a long talk and discussed our future and if we would like to pursue a future together? The time came that I had to meet her family, her father, her mother, Sister inlaw and nephew and nieces. An open discussion and discuss our future, to raise any concerns or questions. It was probably the most black and white conversation I have ever had, but it had to be done. Everyone left that room positive.
Cristina’s Family.
Returning back to the UK in great spirits. I turned my attention to now building a case and beginning the process of investigating the requirements. The last time I looked at something like this was 1998. My god things had changed and were constantly changing as I was preparing to start my case.
I had been a year out of work since being made redundant. The government criteria stated that if you were self employed you had to present 4 years of paperwork. I had only been self employed a year. If you was employed you only had to be in employment for a year. I had to find a job meeting the salary requirement and be in that role a year. This put everything back. Expected I just had to get on with it.
I found a great role helping and developing kids, building their skill abilities and their confidence, a role I finish at 3:30 pm that allows me to go home and continue my work.
Cristina informed me that she could not get a Filipino passport as her Birth certificate was incorrect it said 31st of June. So I said lets get that corrected thinking this would be a simple thing to do. A month at the most. This Birth certificate took over 8 months. This was the most frustrating part of the application as I felt helpless. When we submitted the paperwork they told us this will take 3 months. Did it? Nope.
This was a very difficult time as it required Cristina to become activated and chase this document. This was somewhat a test to see what she was about. I take my hat off to her as Cristina did get activated and chased this document as it went through 6 different courts. One office admitted that sat on it for 6 weeks before even taking a look at it. This paper work caused me so much stress.
In the UK the Government announced changes to the financial requirements which I had met. They raised the required amount by £10,000. Savings required went up an additional £13,000.00 . The government also changed how you was able to put money into your account in June too of that year. Making it even harder to make adjustments to meet the requirements.
This is disgusting, due to a public outcry to illegal immigration this government both Conservative and Labour are dirty as each other. They manipulated figurers and the narrative to show how they were taking measures to reduce the numbers. The absolute truth really being they were punishing and making genuine people legally migrating them and their sponsors pay for the countries lack of security and adequate measures to really stop the flow of illegal immigrants. They are very good at producing numbers that showed look at the massive reduction of applicants to the UK.
That massive reduction is because legal migrants can not meet the criteria. The government have made this a avenue soley for the wealthy. Sorry to say this but when you have lived at the bottom and walk around with your eyes open. You see whats going on.
I made a statement once and that was when the financial requirements hit a level its effects middle class white people then there will be an uproar. That is what happened. Middle class white people started to fall short of the financial requirements which caused an uproar and temporary hold on the further £10,000 increase planned for 2025. The looming stress this caused me, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
As much as I wanted to let my frustrations out, Cristina rose to the occasion to get this done. I could only be more proud of her. Once the document came we was able to get her passport processed in 5 days. Unfortunately even though it was said the government would not increase or make changes to the criteria they did. Our application was submitted 11 days late.
This once again delayed our application. I could not meet the new requirement. That moment was heart breaking. We had not done anything wrong. Giving up or breaking up with Cristina was out of the question. My gut feeling kept telling me she is the one. I remember calling my friend Kevin that day and him coming straight over.
We looked at this Criteria all night and finding ways of pulling all my resources together to meet the new demands. Kevin was able to get my mind back on track and give me the motivation and idea of how I could do this. It required a lot of effort, hard work and sacrifice. It also delayed my application a further 8 months. I know Cristina was prepared for to give up, but I never showed her a sign of that. I took on the full brudon of this case and the financial weight set by the government. A friend of mine Sparki asked me as this was happening. What is your b-plan Pritt? @ I don’t have one I replied its all or nothing.’
I come from a big family and although in words people say if ever you need help we got you. You learn the lesson its just words. Don’t expect anything. This is not the family that it was lead by my grandparents. Values have changed.
My Grandmother Trafalgar Square in 1969
This was the hardest challenge of my life and I had a cause and a reason to rise to the occasion. I can not go into details how I made it, but I did. As one member of my family put it why don’t you sell your stuff. ok.
For those in know remember I spent a year working on that project for Common that impressed the hell out of him then I was cut right of the project as if I didn’t exist. This business is dirty. I’ve always spoken about the volume of work and projects I have been involved, Many of them never saw the light of day because the lead artist didn’t have the courage to see it through, A lot of projects I had to sign NDAs I could not talk about them. I am not built like that. At my lowest financial points I did put out the Shaw Theartre Project and Chucky Smash Lp, I saw them completed.
I had people heads of British arts offer to help me. They did nothing. This is part the reason I don’t trust people, I have issues. Why I continue to create and continue expecting little support. I was able to transfer all that anger and energy into my case.
When people said they would help and they didn’t a strong thank you to KD, IH mom and dad that did come through.
I used no solicitor building my case myself. When I asked for a payrise I didn’t get it. It is then I reflected on my fathers character and went times 10.
In between this time I got a call from Jazzy Jay, Broadies had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Things were not looking good, Jay was optimistic as he was seeking advice from specialists. As long as I have known broadies she suffered at the hands of M.S she was always in pain. She lived in pain. I think back and think maybe why the pain of the cancer was not detected earlier. From the time I got the call. I think it was 4 days after she passed at home alongside her family.
Brodie’s The last time I saw her 
Broadies and Jay are like my second family. Outside this music I have a strong bond with them both. They gave me a place to stay in their home. If you know Broadies if she don’t like you, it’s a wrap you are not welcome. I had to get to NYC to be at her funeral. Even though I could not afford it I found a way with some help from Andy Higgs I was able to get a ticket a day before he funeral. Jay never forgot that. I spent one full day in NYC and came home.
Andy Higgs & Pritt on location in Brooklyn
Returning to the UK government announced more changes to the rules. I am now made to jump hoops and over hurdles. This is application is no longer for working class or poor people. Every penny counts. Many of my friends don’t understand and cannot fathom why I don’t go out or do things as they do. I am struggling to meet the requirements.
One thing I have to be clear about is the government made it so difficult to even change job to increase the salary because the requirement was your in the job a minimum of a year. It felt like they staged cleverly planned their changes so that the period most applications are being made by changing jobs people fell short not of the financial requirement but the service to the company. It’s a very dirty trick. Another dirty trick was that you need to pass a very simple English test in the country you are applying from. The Philippines has only 2 test centres approved by the UK. This certificate is vital. Booking in Feb the only available tests where in June after the April criteria changes. So pushing you into the period of the new rules, adding another £10,000 to requirement.
Many people did not meet the requirement because of this. Even through they are trying to do the right thing.
Approaching the end of my six months I was preparing my paperwork almost 2 inches thick of my case and evidence. I had booked the hotel for Cristina across the road to Visa Application centre. I took the gamble paying the extra advertised for a decision in 5 days. They advertise this over there. However when they took our payment they then said 6 to 10 weeks. They don’t tell that’s for applicants in the UK. This in not about colour this is about class and making it incredibly difficult or impossible for working class people to do this.
Cristina went to the centre with all my original documents that I had Fedex over. Did they look at them? No. Just do your biometrics and off you go. No interview as they used to years back. Just upload files according to the check list they issue.
I had the login so I just uploaded everything and more then they requested. Evidence, documents so much they could not refuse her. We just had to wait. Every single day all day I kept logging into the portal to see if there was any updates. You can see when a case worker is reviewing the case. We submitted everything Dec 18th.
Jan 5th we got notification a decision had been made. They don’t tell you what it is. You just have to wait for your passport return. My anxiety was through the roof and Jan 11 as I was sat in my car defrosting it. Cristina called me to let me know she had received her passport stamped. To this day I have no words to describe what I was feeling that moment. It’s a blur trying to think about it.
The visa required Cristina to leave the Philippines within 21 days or we must go through the process again. I booked her ticket to arrive in the UK Jan 31st 2025. As I spent the time preparing the house for her, Cristina had to spend her time having to go through all the emotions of leaving her family to go to a new and unfamiliar country.
About to leave Philippines
That was a very cold January, and the day Cristina arrived it was a cold and wet evening. Cristina was interviewed twice in offices before finally being let through the gate. She came through with only one small luggage back to start her new life here.
The visa Christina is here on is a 6 month visa and the requirements I maintain the salary for the period and that we get married. After the six months he have to go through the second stage of the application and reapply paying all the fees that are increasingly going up. So for friends and family that think just because Cristina is here and that’s it. Its far from over.
For the record and right wingers : this visa does not let you access any financial assistance, benefits, housing, disability or NHS. As I mentioned earlier it’s the legal migrants and their sponsors who been made to feel the financial brunt and pay the price for the current heated debate and issue when its comes to solving the illegal migrant problem.
We booked a meeting at the Redditch Registry to give notice as required by British Law. We was asked about booking our wedding and setting a date. This was to be a small register wedding. We opted for the Bromsgrove location as there was grass there, the Redditch office just has a brick wall there. Plenty of parking and a nice, listed building. Instead of doing a midweek wedding my father suggested doing a Saturday wedding so your friends can be there.
The date was set April 19th 10 am. It was all about planning for that now. We were limited to 38 guests. None of Cristina’s family could make it so it was about picking those nearest and dearest. Those that ive known the longest as well as those I have the strongest friendships with.
I can’t really imagine truly how new, overwhelming and bewildering this for Cristina. One of the first things we did was look for her wedding dress. 2 or 3 trips we did in the city to look for one. Eventually we found a dress that she liked. I worked round Cristina and hired a suit to match.
Karen Anderson 
Jollibees
I could not pick a best man. I decided all the men that would be invited all deserved that role and maybe I could have them all involved in the presenting the rings. Earlier in the year, maybe 2 weeks before Cristina arrived I had gone to London to interview 5 time Grammy nominated singer song writer Karen Anderson over at Leister Square. While waiting for her I went for a little walk and stood before me in all its glory was Jollibee, the famous Filipino fast food spot. Thinking back to moment I came up with the idea to present the wedding rings in a Jollibee food bag.
Seeing that bag would remind her of her home while making sure her culture and identity is present in the days events. I called a good friend of mine Steve Jones AKA All City Steve who is a real London Cabi. He also hosts his podcast from the cab. Knowing he can park literally anywhere I asked if he could park up anytime he is around that location and pick up them bags from the store. The very next day he text he done it and the bags were in the post. That’s a good friend.
Doing this on a very tight budget we had to think about how we was going to plan the days events. The ceremony was 16 min drive from our home and my parents home. My parents head of the family offered to do the dinner at their place. As I said in our culture / Asian culture parents are the heads of the family and they wanted to do something to be part of the day.
Asia from Hockley Social Club
Together we opted to do the food ourselves for the wedding guests. This is how we used to do it as a family cook together. Admittingly, I have no cooking skills and mother health is not good. Thankfully a college from the Hockley Social Club Asif offered to help and step in and take care of the catering for us.
Huge thanks to Brett Knight for helping out supplying us with some tables and chairs on the wedding day.
Shamrez of Deadbeat and Bonehead 
The Team of Deadbeat
The next challenge was about finding a suitable venue to have for guests who could not be at the wedding ceremony. I could have had Café Artum thanks to the Team at Hockley but I opted to ask my Friend Shamrez owner of the Location called Deadbeat in Stirchley, the location is near to my home and the city centre. It’s small enough for it to look busy even with a small party or group. If the weather would hold up a lot of light comes through the window which makes a great photograph. I asked Shamrez if it would be possible for us to make use of the space in the afternoon and he was more that welcoming. He offered to get some catering so that everyone would be looked after.
DJ Spara 
Casz On his wedding day 
I had asked Sparra and Casz if they would play music on the day and they agreed. These guys are what you call friends. Both of them are amazing world class DJs. As brothers both of them had big parts on a wedding day.
In what was a really short space of time, It was a group of us who together big or small made this day a success. This was all done in 8 weeks.
While this is going on friends of mine are visiting the house to meet Cristina. Edyta one of my old work colleges came over with my old manager Chris Seeney to see us. Edyta is about the same age as Cristina and we got a very strong friendship was so happy for us offered to help out on the day. Cristina having no family here and no one on her side Edyta agreed to fill that role. Naz and Andeline too joined Cristina supporting her through the lead up to our special day.
The first time me and Andeline re connected 
Edyta Crisntia 
Pritt, Matt and Simon 
I had known sisters and Andeline and Naz since we were children, although we spent many years apart some years ago we all reconnected. Anderline had got married to my great friend Matt Williams. Who sadly passed on almost 6 months before our wedding day. He should have been there and been part of that circle of best men. The last time I was with him we was at Henley and Arden a place that he visited regularly. The cafes andUrban Village. Since Matt Passed I have visiting that place often missing him.
Kevin 
Pritt & Kevin
Kevin Da Costa I’ve known for almost 20 years has been a pillar of support over the years. I met him at the screening of the Turntable Trixsters in London 2006 and we built our friendship ever since. Him and his partner Indi. I’ve always respected and admired his ability to speak in public places. I asked Kev if he would do a speech at the wedding. If he could speak to Cristina’s family and get some background on her to write a speech meaningful piece to give our guests some insight into her and her journey.
Kev also encouraged her family to record video messages that we could somehow present on the day/s leading up to the wedding.
Casz – Pic by Stuart Myers 
Casz – Pic by Stuart Myers
Originally the plan was to have Casz walk Cristina down the Isle as her parents were not here. Casz was picking her up in the morning and driving her to the wedding, so it made sense for him to the honour.
Kev was driving me to the Wedding, so it made sense that he stood up there with me.
Once we had picked Cristina dress it’s the matter of looking for matching shoes and bags and all the lady accessories. In her heels Cristina now was taller then me. Although I have never wore a turban out in public, maybe one time. I have always considered it for some occasions. This dilemma of the height difference only confirmed to me this was one of those times.
I don’t know how to tie a turban properly so I asked my father if her could teach me. Regretfully this is something I should have learned to do as a child. You see in the film that moment. I am so glad I caught that on film. A father and son moment.
My Father 
me and my Father
About this time me and Cristina thought we better create something for the guests, we have the 3 locations locked in. The Ceremony, Dinner at moms and Drinks at Deadbeat. Digbeth being my one of my favourite places to take pics. I love the old building and the wideness of the streets, one early Sunday morning we headed off to create an image for a flyer / invite.
We were the only people around. At one point a Police car drove up and down the road twice to see what we were up too. They Pulled over and joined us for a photo.
my favourite Picture of Cristina 
Early Hours Digbeth
After sending the flier out to our close friends I got hit up one late night by Jazzy you said Pritt I’m going to really try and be there for this. he needed to get out of NYC and get away from the energy he had been dealing with for the last year. He needed a break.
It was about this time we hit up Brim letting him know we are getting married. Out of respect we was just informing him.
Jay hit me back a week later, he was with his sister and he said they were booking the ticket now and would it be possible for me to find him a gig. That would help recoup his flight costs. I put the word out on facebook and without hesitation Joe Budda from Nottingham was interested. We had a had a brief conversation and I put him in touch Directly with Jay direct. You guys work it out. I have known Joe since the end of the 90s and he’s always been a good reliable trustworthy person.
The event was booked for April 18th. The day before the wedding. By this time Bobby, a good friend of Jays heard Jay was thinking of coming over and also informed me he would be coming over. Bobby is a cool guy who has stopped here a few times in the past. I met him through Jazzy. Him and Jay go back to the days of Jays original recording studio. Bobby was managing artists and built a working relationship with Jay.
Jay booked his ticket to arrive Wednesday Evening at Heathrow and Bobby booked his to land Friday morning at Heathrow. I could pick up Jay but Bobby was too late in the week. The day before my wedding I just got too much to do. Se we agreed he would catch a train to Redditch. I could pick him up from the station.
So much planning goes into a wedding sometimes years, we had little under 2 months to do ours. 2nd on April I got a message from Heather Hadabora the wife of my old classmate Lee Hadabora. I had known him since first school. I had a seen Heather in town a couple of weeks ago and mentioned we was getting married. Heather by trade is a professional cake maker. A Very high quality one at that. Last year she made a beautiful cake for my mothers 80th. Sadly this time this wedding we was doing it at a budget and we didn’t even think or address a cake at this point. Heather hit us up and asked if would like ot discuss the cake on the Sunday. I didn’t have the guts or the words to say we just could not afford one at this moment. We went to their home and talked with them. Introducing Cristina to Lee.
Some people might thing oh you really are doing It cheaply but what I will get into is the looming fees and charges that this government have set as part as the second part of this application. Cristinas visa Is for 6 months then you re apply paying a further £4300. Im struggling as it is. Prior to Cristina arriving my main computer died. So I have not been able to work. It is still dead and I am unable to afford the repair. Even repaired it no longer has the capacity to handle the type of workload ive been pushing through it. Each project about 250 gb. The machine is 2013. It stopped me from doing any work.
It’s interesting how people who used my skills to help them bring their project to life all stopped calling soon my computer died. I had already been rejected by the arts council support. Go read my feature about Henry Chalfant. The Artful Dodger put it to me that I should consider doing a go-fund-me that people know where your coming from, look at all those major celebs who use that platform and they don’t need the money. You do.
Lee and Heather offered the cake as a gift. I offered to pay overtime, but they said it’s a gift from us. From both of us a huge thank you.
I should mention that before meeting up with Lee and Heather One of my students a 10 year girl brought into work some cupcakes she had made. Offering one to me I thought it would be a simple cupcake. My failure to assume so. She presented me something that looked like it came out a of shop. I asked if she would make 50 cakes for the wedding guests. I thought it would be more personal to have one of my students be represented on that day. The pupil after speaking to her grandmother and mother let me know that they would make the cakes. The day before the wedding I picked them up. Packaged beautifully, I’m really proud of this pupil. Due to the unexpected cake gifted by Lee and Heather, none of the guests actually got to eat them. We gifted them to our neighbours. The last cake I placed on Matts grave a couple of weeks after our wedding marking 6 months of his passing.
The Monday before the wedding.
We just got our wedding rings and we receive message from Brim, Ill see you at your wedding. Later that day we get another message. ‘I’m on my way, don’t be nervous see you Sat’. Both me and Cristina were a little confused. Is he really coming? He has not give us any details. We then receive a picture that he’s on the plane. Later another video message of him in London. I had to remind Brim remember we are Birmingham way. He replies, ‘I’ve booked a Hotel in the City, I’m good’. As it was a 10 am wedding in Bromsgrove I asked my great childhood buddy Jason Coombes if he could pick up Brim and bring him to the service and that confirming with Brim his role. To walk Cristina down the isle.
That was incredible because we never expected Brim but even as sick as he his he stayed true to his word. Something we can never forget.
Tuesday Jay calls and tells me his suit he hired turned up the wrong size. Could I do any thing to help him. I made a call to the team at Henley in Arden the vintage store known as urban village. John the very enthusiastic charismatic salesman said he could help out, just bring jay over. I believe it was Tuesday I picked up my suit from Heathies in town.
Wednesday morning was about chasing up the caterers and making sure everyone involved on the day was clear about their roles.
A younger Stuart Myers 
A Recent Stuart Myers
One of the key people I have not mentioned yet is Stuart Myers the photographer. Stuart who I’ve known since 2004 is a great friend and been well aware of my journey and at times joined me on many adventures. We worked together at UK NSI from 2004 to 2009 that is when Stuart was made redundant following stock market crash. He was a qualified and very experienced chef by trade. He was a very direct and pragmatic team leader at the company.
When he left the company, he pursued his interest in photography building his skills and portfolio often coming to my house discussing things he was learning. He got into wedding photography and went full time with it. Ive been with him on a wedding shoot, supporting him.
To be a great wedding photographer takes much more then being good with a camera, its about working under immense pressure. Working at UK -NSI is a training ground for that. We had to account for every second of the day there. Cheffing requires time management and working under pressure. He is built for it. To take control of a wedding and man managing the guests. He is exceptional at that. He knows the motions of a wedding like tha back of his hand he has done so many of them.
In the past Stuart has shown interest in exploring and building his skills and capture more documentary styled images. That’s where we ended up working together. He put out a book featuring images of me in that period of being an independent artist. He came to the pressing plant and shows we did. He’s brilliant, he works with all mediums of photography and gained a tremendous about of knowledge about the craft. He offered to take pics at our wedding. Visiting our home to discuss the images and the plan of the day. He also asked if it was possible for me and Jay to go to his friends Tom’s house to do a professional shoot. Tom is a great friend of Stuarts and very accomplished photographer himself. In return Tom offered to assist Stuart by videoing our wedding from to camera points. That was cool by me.
Book Cover by Stuart Myers 
Pic by Stuart Myers 
I already had one camera angle covered. I was planning to film my wedding myself. On the day I set up my camera and Keith McKenziewho is one of oldest and greatest friends said he could look after that camera for me.
Keith is a true superstar in every sense. Since I first met him he has been a true friend. In tough times, filming and helping out in events he’s been there. The same can be said about Andy Higgs and Jay King.
Wednesday Afternoon I left home to pick up Jazzy from he airport. Leaving early aloud me a little time to go see my auntie, uncle and my cousin Juggi who live 12 mins away from the airport. Leaving my cousins to the terminal I headed off to Terminal 3 as directed by Jays Ticket. Jay landed at Terminal 5. His phone was not working here. Someone was kind enough to lend them their phone and Jay called me. I headed over to Terminal 5 and picked him up. It was so good to see Jay. Infact I was estatic. Jay was here for my wedding. That’s a true friend and mark of the respect he has for me.
This thing that we are part of has had it’s greatest days some will agree. We do it because we still love it. For us it was our true outlet of expression, not a vehicle to get on or do something else. Jay is the living breathing flag barer of the culture, beyond that he is an incredible visionary and innovator a true creative. I was over the moon he was here. It took a little over 90 mins to drive home where Jay met Cristina in person for the first time. Cristina had prepared Dinner. The energy amongst the three of us it was great. We had the fosters ready and Jay being Jay before getting really settled in started to go through my records.
We sat for a few hours playing records, listening to grooves and breaks. The pressure was on.
Thursday Morning me and Jay headed off to Henley to search for a suit. The high street has two charity shops. I would say this village is an expensive place to live a lot of wealth there. So when you go their charity shops the quality of their items are very good. The first shop we went into had nothing suitable. The Second one, there infront of us was a blazer the perfect quality, size and colour. It fitted like a glove and for £8 only Jay was sorted. We then crossed the road to Urban village where we were met by John. After the introductions John picked out a vintage Burberry suit that fitted Jay. Infact they said to Jay just take it free of charge. Just return it soon as possible.
Urban Village is split into 2 halves. Clothes one side and Records on the other. This side of the west midlands this is possibly one of the best dance music record stores. Lots of second-hand records. Jay had a good dig round whilst wearing a 70s inspired outfit styled by John who jest kept passing on items to Jay, try this and that, one item after another.
We got real lucky that morning. When we looked at the suits at home Jay preferred the one from the charity shop.
2pm we scheduled our first test run and fitting of all our turbans. Casz, Kevin, Jay and my self gathered at my home.
Jass Jay P Kevin & Casz 
ptr
On time Jas who I met in the temple the weekend before arrived. I did the introductions and Jas got to work. I had made sure I purchased material to match everyone’s out fit and their complications. None of us had the same colour turbans. Jas tied the turbans on each of us as well as cutting them to length. Making sure on the day they will be perfect. It was a nice experience. Jas knows what he’s doing. I think everyone enjoyed the experience. It was a first for Casz and Jazzy. Talking to them, both didn’t realise how much went into tying them.
rptnb 
rptnb 
ptr
Cristina That morning met up with our friend Jay from Kings heath who kindly done her nails preparing for the wedding day.
One Jas left we had about 3 hours before Stuart was arriving. Casz and Jay got on to the turntables to practice and figure out how they were going to organise the set for the Saturday at Deadbeat. Using this new tech, S11 Mixers and serato they wanted to ensure swapping over and transitions between djs went smooth. They cared about the event and wanted to make sure everyone there would have a great time.
Stuart arrived at 7. Driving us all to Toms studio. Former basketball Player Tom is very connected man. He was all set up and ready for us. The beers were flowing. The energy was good in the room. I went first. My error was I looked completely dishevelled, Id been growing my beard and hair for the big day. My appointment at the barbers was the next day. I looked very shabby.
ptr 
rptnb
I love he photographs Tom took; the pics of jay are book quality. When I look at the pics of us together you can see such a big difference in us both from the first time we met in NYC when I first interviewed him over 25 years ago.
Back at the house the guys continued to jam on the turntables late into the night.
Friday morning. The day before the wedding. It was a slow start to the morning. We all sat together having breakfast. Bobby sends me a message letting me know that he had landed. He will make his way to the train station.
Me and Cristina had to get a few things today. Helping prepare my mothers home for the guests. A good tidy up then together we decorated the garden. I have to give all the praise to Cristina who was responsible for putting all the balloons up. in my experience Filipinos love to decorate for special events. The last time we did anything similar was my mothers 80th.
Once we decorated and set the garden, we headed off to pick up all the drinks and snacks. Back at my mothers alongside my younger brother we discussed a plan of action. He would have to leave the wedding early to return home to receive the food from the caterers.
It was here we received news from Bobby that he had been miss sold a train ticket and he was near Manchester. This meant he would not get to my place until late in the afternoon. Brim also called to say he was in Birmingham and that he was going to look for a bow tie and relax.
I had to make one very important appointment which was set for 4:30 to get my haircut and beard trim with Jared from Black Market Barbers. 30 min drive. Eventually Bobby arrived at the Redditch Trian station. Tired and fed up as a result of his journey. Bobby wanted to eat something. So we picked up some chicken in town. Rushing back to my house It left me an hour to drive to see Jared. I never like to be late so I left everyone at my house. In my mind I’m rushing round I need to do this and relax.
As soon as I got on the highway out of redditch leading to the island where it joins the M42. Total gridlock all the way back to town. I have never experienced anything like this leaving town. I didn’t move at all for 20 mins. Ringing Jared he was not to happy as I was his last client, he also had things to do. As far as pressure and stress, this was the most amount of pressure I felt in the days leading up. I don’t like be late for anything. Telling Jared if im not there on time just go, ill have to figure something out.
Jared hit me up not to happy its your wedding day I will stay as long as I possibly can. 40 mins I sat in traffic. Soon as I could break free I put my foot down and made it there. Jared was like lets get this done. A classy style as he put it. So a huge thanks to you Jared for really helping out. Jared by the way is a very cool guy. A well respected DJ himself. He recently scored a film that’s out now. ‘datingMark Silcox’. Look out for his electronic group Debonair Social Club.
That was a very relaxed drive home. Waiting for me at the house was Naz, Andeline,, Jay, Bobby, Casz and Jason Coombes who turned up with a bottle of whiskey and champagne. Everyone was in happy positive spirits.
I love energy, we both were blessed to be surrounded by great people. As 8pm approached we gathered our tings to head over to Nottingham to do the show with Joe Budda. Me and Casz already agreed that we are going to leave early so that we can both get some rest for the morning. Me Casz Bobby and Jazzy went to Notts.
Notts as I mentioned before has a long relationship with Jazzy Jay. Nottingham is one of those cities with a rich history in Hip Hop and very connected to the early NYC days. As I expected a large turnout for Jay. As I predicted a lot of people there who knew Jay, Pogo, Swift, MCM to name a few. I never expected Jay to be leaving out on time as everyone will want to talk to him and take pictures. Jay is a people person. Between me and Joe we agreed someone from Notts would be bring him back to my house. Mutual Friend Rich was the man on duty for that role.
cof 
Paul S from the p-brothers was on the turntables passing them onto another Notts Legend Ossie followed by Jay. About 11:45 me and casz left. We asked Bobby if he wanted to come with us, but he wanted to stay out with Jay.
Me and Casz got home about 1am. Casz headed off home and I was left alone in the house with Cristina. This was the perfect time to show Cristina the video messages from her family. To my surprise she laughed through the whole thing up until her father came on. The tears came then. I have to say thanks to Kevin & Edgar, they got every member of her family to record messages including her best friend.
Finally going to sleep after 2am. I was awoken by Jay and Bobby who arrived about 5am. I chuckled as well as having to break the news we all got to get up at 6 to be out of the house, so that Cristina can use this home to get ready.
I had almost 4 hours sleep before getting up, having some breakfast and showering.
Saturday Morning.
I struggled to go back to sleep after jay arrived I just rested. All of us had our stuff ready to take to my parents house to change. Jay got up ok Bobby was a little reluctant, that was a long day for him. I think I had already been over to my parents house once in that morning before Jay and Bobby came over. I remember seeing Jay walking towards my moms house carrying a cup of tea or coffee.
Cristina was home waiting for the girls to come do her make up. They called me as they were a little lost, so I had to run back to the house to make sure they find the right house. I headed back home not wanting to see Cristina at all getting ready.
At my parents house on time Jas arrived to tie the turbans. Mom was making sure everyone was getting their tea. Kevin and Casz arrived. Stuart was with Cristina taking pics, Edyta, Naz and Anderline were with Cristina as her support.
I think I went first having my turban tied. Jass tied most of mine and then got my father to finish it off. That was one of the most special moments for me. One by one Jass tied everyone’s turban. I could see how proud my parents were to see us all in our outfits and headwear. Even Bobby had a turban for the day.
fbt 
In that room with my parents and all the guys it felt like a family and how a family should be. We are not children anymore this was a room full of people who have all been on their own journey’s. Everyone was talking to each other and spirits were high. I wont forget my mom giving Casz a big hug saying wow I’m so proud of you! You look awesome in your turban. It made her day.
After tying the ribbons on the cars, Casz headed off to Cristina to drive her. Me Kevin, Jazzy and Bobby headed off to the registry office in Bromsgrove. It only took 15 mins to get there. Jason text me to say he was with Brim and they were on time and on route. When we arrived at the registrar Keith was there with Andy and Kirsty Higgs. It wasn’t raining but the sky was a little grey.
Once inside we all get introduced to the officers conducting the service. We set up our camera and Keith is prepped ready to go. I set up the Bluetooth speakers and get the music playing. Kev is will play the track when Cristina walks down the aisle. I call Cristinas family to set up and broadcast the wedding to the Philippines.
Slowly all the guests arrive. Waiting there you can’t help but think about the moment and the past. The moment the music started playing for Cristina it was triggering. I thought about everything I went through to get to this moment. It was happening. Where ever jenny is I wish her the best and that she is safe. I fully understand what she went through, in respect I only wish you a safe life. I’m now entering a new chapter with a new person that deserves all of me. That’s what hit me in that moment. I might not be a great person but I do consider myself to be a good human being. I worked hard for this moment to happen.
Looking over to see Cristina she is all smiles and this is her moment. She brings a totally different energy to this family. Some of it is her youth, a lot of it is who she is. I look to her side there is Brim. I never believed this happen. I look to my side I see Jazzy. He gives me the nod of this is your moment Pritt. Seeing my friends Sparra, Jay King, Andy, Brett, Ian Bridger who is my oldest friend and Jason, Keith to my side too these guys have been truly my closest ride or die brothers. I got to share this moment with them. I got to share this and do this while both my parents are here. I’m very lucky and blessed and I know it.
When it came to exchange Rings, The Jollibee bags came out. Steve Bridger my oldest friend was the first to handle the rings passing them down the line of best men. To Jason, to Chris to Brett, to Keith, to Ian to Sparra, to Casz, to Kevin, To Jay King to Andy to Bobby then Jay. Stu was meant to get his hand on it too. It didn’t quite go to the plan as I wanted as people were spread out. As soon as Cristina saw the bags she burst out laughing. Brim was probably the only person in the room that knew what those bags meant.
The wedding went well. I wish I took my glasses off after signing the certificate.
