The big wedding party at Coombeshead Farm! All the close family members (except Matthew and Sarah in Melbourne) and friends were there. Evething went very smoothly and there was a great atmosphere. The sun also shone!
In the morning the girls (and mums) had their make-up done and hair styled. Laura was first up for the stylist Amelie to do her hair - blow-dry, curling and make-up. My turn next, as Mother of the Bride, for make-up and hair styling, what's left of it. It all looked nice. Then Dan's mum Denise and Laura's aunt Lesley took turns, followed by the four bridesmaids, Frannie, Emily, Kathryn and Jess, who arrived a little while later with a lovely haircut. It was a very relaxed and fun morning and afternoon bonding session.
The wedding party took place first at 16.00 in the Coombeshead Farm garden. It was very sociable, apart from the wasps. We had champagne on the lawn, and had chance to meet all the family members and close friends including my brothers Paul and Hugh, their wives Tam and Julie and children (apart from Joe who was at a music festival), and Dan's parents Denise and Peter, his brothers Josh and Sam and their partners Vittoria and David, plus his relatives Ruth, Irene, Melanie and Andrea.
We then went indoors to the barn for the
wedding celebration. After the guests were seated, the bride and groom entered to the music of Like a Rolling Stone, followed by their bridesmaids. Dan's friend Tom introduced the event warmly, and his brother Sam read the letter from John Steinbeck to his son. Laura and Dan exchanged rings and repeated their vows. The Clixby quartet of Hugh, Julie, Jess and Frannie sang a beautiful a capella version of Forever Young by Bob Dylan.
Then we all walked round to the restaurant where the reception continued with a sit-down meal. Robbie was the master of ceremonies and did a fine job! Everyone sat down to begin the starter course. Speeches followed each course. I made the first speech, recollecting Laura's early life, her talents and our move to Switzerland. There were some other speeches. I've currently forgotten them all.
There were official photographers at both wedding ceremonies, and so private picture-taking was discouraged. I managed to get a few snaps in the restaurant. After the meal, there was dancing in the barn.
The official photos will be available soon.
Later I slept like a log!
