One of the reasons for the mini gathering at the weekend was to talk about the forthcoming wedding. There's just so much to organise. We are very thankful for all the preparations that are already underway in Salisbury. The Church is booked, though the emails and calls to the vicar remain unanswered. The venue for the reception is sorted, and so too are the caterers.
Two wedding mags were brought by Ruth for us to peruse. Well, what an industry has been created around the 'Big Day'! Some choices are quite mad in my opinion. Why give favours of any type to those who are attending - these are rather like party bags from children's celebrations, but at even greater cost, and probably quickly forgotten by the recipient?
We happened to get chatting to a couple over a cup of coffee today. They told us that she had been unable to get a wedding dress in the three months they had between the proposal and day. You apparently need at least six months to get a dress sorted. Why? This was a few years ago, but it's the same today for Ruth.
In my role I have conducted quite a number of weddings. One or two have been great occasions, which have been significant moments for the couples which I know they will treasure throughout their marriages.
Some have been quite different. Occasionally, the little bridesmaids or page boys are children of the bride, and would not be prized away from their mothers skirts, causing all kinds of chaos. I remember one of the first I conducted the video man set up a huge tripod which towered behind and above my 5ft 1in being. There was quite an exchange to get it moved before the service began. Each incident, and there have been many, equips the vicar in a new way - always on the learning curve!
There's a beautiful prayer from the marriage service that, from time to time, I have encouraged those being married to include in their service sheets so all present can participate in:
God of wonder and of joy;
grace comes from you,
and you alone are the source of life and love.
Without you, we cannot please you;
without your love, our deeds are worth nothing.
Send your Holy Spirit
and pour into our hearts
that most excellent gift of love,
that we may worship you now with thankful hearts
and serve you always with willing minds;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
It's my prayer for my son and his bride that their preparations will run smoothly and that they'll not be distracted by those things that are unnecessary for their Wedding Day.
Two years of training at the IYRS in Newport RI has finally come to fruition. Patience in abundance, hours of fun and loads of new skills have been honed. Today this pretty Lawley Tender has been blessed and launched. Ivor and his current workmate Beattie have put in four or five hundred hours from March to today. 
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