Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediment

Steve and I went to the most wonderful wedding yesterday.  I don't think I have ever seen a couple so in love, it just seemed to shine from them when they looked at each other, as they talked about each other. (Chris, at our table said to his partner; you know, I think I love you , and then I look at these two and wonder if maybe I just like you!)   It was really all rather emotional - and I didn't even know the couple!

This wasn't for the photographer, it's just how they looked at each other

It was Steve's sort of godson, as in, he is god father to the other 2 kids and so a stand in godfather to Ben, who was our invatation to this truly whimsical marriage ceremony.  The bride and groom were atcually legally married the day before, butt they didn't count that as their "real" wedding, the do that we went to on Sunday afternoon was.  It was held at a place called Danby Castle on the Yorkshire Moors, which is not as grand as it sounds - but was perfect for this particular occassion.  We were very lucky in that my wonderful in laws once again came to our aide and came up to look after the kids and get them to school this morning, so that both Steve and I could attend and stay over.

Ben and Siggy did not have a traditional ceremony, they had written a story together that told an allegorical tale of their meeting -  of soul mates and living in darkness before they knew each other, which was very sweet and touching.  They had a Humanist Celebrant who read their story out and then at the appropriate place in the story bride and groom made their vows to each other, which, of course, they had written. 

Once that was done we all went into the marquee where we had a lovely tea party, with bone china cups, little sandwiches and cakes.  This was followed by some lovely speeches filled with emotion and tears - which was lightened by the groom's brother taking a prat fall off his seat! After that we all cleared out of the marquee so they could tidy it up for the evening do, but not before being directed to another room which had been laid out like a sweetie shop, pick and mix heaven, because, as the sign told us "Love is Sweet".

All of this was followed by a barbecue, which I was too full to take advantage of - I would have popped out of my dress, as I was having to suck my belly in as it was!  There was open mic session where guests played guitar and sang (including the bride - who, as I haven't mentioned before, looked absolutely stunning - radiant would not be too strong a word) followed by band who did an amazing job, and this was then followed by a disco. 

Another thing I haven't mentioned previously is that alcohol meandered it's way through this wedding like a river.  I drank a lot.  I drank a lot more than I have since I cannot remember when.  But even then, I started after all the others (planning to pace myself so that I would make it from 3pm till midnight and not embarrass myself (or himself) and didn't keep the pace of them either.  And yet, I was the only one who felt too rough (exceedingly rough, shakes and sweats kind of rough) to make it to breakfast the next morning!!  Blimey, I'm glad I don't live in Guisborough, I would be pickled!
Anyhow, there was drinking, dancing, talking, laughing and lots more dancing.  Absolutely wonderful night, I would do it again, even knowing how sick I would feel the next day (the drive home was HELL).

The loving couple seemed to love every minute of everything.  They spent their first night of wedded bliss in a tent in the ruins of the castle... quirky kids.