26/02/2011 (24)

I had the honor of seeing two of my best friends "tie the knot" in a moated castle steeped in history and tradition with the most beautiful grounds and in the best company in the world. It was *OUR* Royal Wedding.

The bride was radiant as was the groom - the service just perfect along with the rest of the day.

Thank you to the perfect couple for a perfect day and perfect memories and for the chance to meet up with friends I have not seen for years.

I wish you everything you wish yourselves XXXXX

"Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph." Haile Selassie, 1892-1975

Over and over I find myself considering how lucky I am that my entry into the scene was a pleasant one, free of drama or upset. And I think of the people who made it that way, and you two are amongst the main few who come to mind.

You have done so much to make "the scene" seem like a warm and welcoming place, and I'm sure I'm not the only one that you have done that for. I feel incredibly priviliged to be able to count two such amazing people as my friends.

I wish you every happiness in the world and more!

....and I didn't bite the Stitch, even though he was actually edible this time!!! I is learning

"Roll over here and give me a hug goddammit, it's what I pay you for...oh, no, it's what I beat you for! Even better!"

When you told me that B and yourself were getting married, I was both happy and excited for you. You truly were made for each other, even if it took almost a decade for you both to get together and realise it. Kudos to SFF for giving you both a well-deserved nudge in the right direction!

As your Big Day approached, I listened to you being so cool, calm and collected and had a wee chuckle at you micro-managing everything. You really could, and should, be the Über wedding planner in the Birmingham area, you know! Your organisational skills are second to none!

It was a special honour for us to be included as a guests for your pre-wedding day dinner. As we travelled down the main driveway towards the venue, the hotel greeted us in all it's splendour; floodlights highlighted the architectural intricacies and beamed down into the moat to give it's surface a ghostly glow. It's little wonder why you fell in love with this venue.

The grandeur inside the hotel was very apparent as we made our way to the Great Chamber. Seeing you and B again saw my first tears fall. I watched you as you chatted with B during the meal and I saw something I have never before seen in you. There was a newfound softness in your appearance; a gentleness that emanated every time you looked into B's eyes. It was a pleasure and delight to witness the love you both shared.

On an evening which should have been dedicated to yourself and B, you pushed such notions aside and presented your Mum and I with a belated birthday cakes. It is such acts of selflessness, generosity and thoughtfulness that shows your true spirit shining. Those who know you best know those traits come natural to you.

B's admission later in the evening shocked me and had me laughing at how well he manages to conceal things so well. Your new husband has managed to pull the proverbial wool over my eyes for a decade!!!

Arriving early the next afternoon, I had the pleasure of seeing you STILL in micro-management mode - iPad in hand - ensuring the music for each stage of the day was just what you and B desired. I shall never now forget Lamb's Gorecki!

I have no idea why I thought it a good idea to put any make-up on my eyes prior to watching you exchange vows. I think I boohoo'd from the moment you walked down the aisle until a very handsome B planted a loving kiss on his new bride's lips. I won't name names but I know I wasn't the only one wiping tears of happiness for you both from their eyes. You both looked sensational! The handsome Mr B and his entourage all looked extremely smart in their tails and cravats. And you, phew....what a dress! You looked nothing short of stunning in your attire and your bridesmaids looked truly beautiful.

The time then came for your assembled guests to join you in the gardens and offer congratulations, best wishes and shower you both with confetti. This was also a time for 'old' friends to reacquaint themselves and reminisce about days gone by before heading to the Pavilion to join the new Mr and Mrs B at their wedding reception.

The meal was scrumptious and was enjoyed by the excellent company sharing my allocated 'Ohana' table. I probably put on another few pounds listening to K and D sharing recipes for Belgian Pears! Yum!

Dishes cleared, it was then time to sit back and enjoy the speeches. I so wish I had had my camera poised on B during his Best Man's speech! When he asked, "Is there anything about B that we don't already know?", B's face went as red as a mailbox and saw half the guests biting back the urge to shout...."YOU BET!". SFF gave a wonderful speech; truly touching in parts and extremely funny in others. G gave a fantastic tribute to his sister; the person who used to delight in making him cry!

I was sure I had ran out of tears but when B led you to the dancefloor for your first dance as a married couple, yet another couple trickled down my cheek. I swear I may have suffered dehydration due to tear-loss on your Big Day!

The evening saw more guests arrive, more friendships reaffirmed and everyone enjoying the celebrations.....not to mention the chocolate fountain and all its temptations!

It was a very tired B and T that bade farewell to me when the evening drew to a close. It had been a long day for you both and you looked ready to snuggle up to each other in bed, perhaps to recollect a few of the days events before drifting off into peaceful slumber.

My darling, T: you are, without doubt, the sister I wasn't blessed with biologically but have grown to become over the years. We've shared ups, downs, laughter, tears and much, much more. I am honoured and blessed to know you and have you in my life.

Mr B: You have been a friend since I took my first tentative steps into 'the unknown' and have advised and counselled me when the need arose. I am also priviledged and grateful to have you in my life.

I love you both!

Don't make someone a priority, when you are simply an option to them!

x

I'm not cruel........ My kindness is just VERY misunderstood !!!