Hello, thank you for calling in. I hope you have survived the peculiar weather we have been enduring - rain, storms, high winds and heavy, humid air is making for an odd summer. On Saturday morning I wailed at the Best Beloved that my face was sliding off, I really couldn't cope with the humidity, but in the afternoon the wind was so strong that I had to hold my skirts down to preserve my modesty!
We spent the day celebrating a wedding. It was a beautiful wedding, as most weddings are, but special because it was a Quaker ceremony held in two languages. The bride was English and the groom French so they made their declarations in both languages before the certificate was read out first in English, then in French. We sat in comfortable silence until some people stood and "gave ministry", each speech then being translated into the other language by two marvellous bilingual volunteers. After about an hour, two elders shook hands with each other to signal the end of the meeting and then we all shook hands with the people immediately to our left and right before signing the marriage certificate, every one of us, children and adults, because everyone present was a witness.
The reception was held at Wilderhope Manor, nestled beneath Wenlock Edge, which was built in 1585 and now belongs to the National Trust. There were British, French, Spanish and Indian people there with a common purpose; there was even a nun, in full habit, drinking a pint of beer and playing outdoor games with small children while a group of young French men attempted to play cricket. The newlyweds posed for photographs with their dog (The Teacher tells me that all the dog owners she knows have had their dogs at their weddings). After the wedding breakfast, the traditional speeches were given by the mothers before first the bride and then the groom stood and spoke. I had a wonderful day, my rusty old schoolgirl French held up quite well and the atmosphere was almost bursting with love, happiness and, as the bride's mother pointed out, entente cordiale.
See you soon.
Love, Mrs Tiggywinkle x
How absolutely delightful! The last wedding we went to back, in 2011 was a very extravagant affair, but this looks so elegantly delightful in it's simplicity. Best, Jane x
ReplyDeleteThis wedding felt very meaningful and the guests were looked after very well. It really was a day full of delight. x
DeleteHow interesting and what a wonderful experience. The cake looks delicious too! x
ReplyDeleteSadly, I didn't get to taste the cake as it hadn't been cut by the time we left, well after nightfall. I believe the party went on until 2am but I like an earlier night these days! x
DeleteThat sounds quite wonderful. Much more honest and loving than the last wedding I had to go to, it was an absolute "bling-fest" including the bride & groom travelling from the church to reception by helicopter . . .
ReplyDeleteI know little about the Quaker faith, but when I do come into contact with it, everything strikes me as incredibly sensible and real. xx
A helicopter!!!!!!!!!!! Goodness me. I have been to two Quaker weddings, the other being that of this bride's brother, a Quaker funeral and an ordinary Quaker meeting and I agree with you, incredibly sensible and real. I wish other churches would take heed. x
DeleteHow lovely. I've enjoyed reading your description of the proceedings which sound delightful. I haven't been to a wedding for ages and the last one I went to ended after two years with anger and hearbreak all round. I do hope that the couple at the wedding you attended have a long and happy life together:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rose, that's a lovely hope. I've known the bride since she was two years old and she has an immense heart and real integrity so I am hopeful, too. x
DeleteIt sounds a wonderful way to celebrate a marriage. I shall hold all day the lovely image of a nun drinking a pint of beer.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that a wonderful image? Anne (Annie?) I feel honoured by your visit here - I've been reading your blog for several years and made your raspberry loaf cake many times. Thank you. x
DeleteWhat beautiful photos! Love the idea of listening to both languages. I love French and English in
ReplyDeleteAn English accent is like a different language to me!😄
Thanks Kay. Everything about the day was beautiful. You are funny! x
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a really lovely wedding, full of personal meaning and the love of friends and family. Your photos are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorrie. I think you've summed it up very well. xx
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