The Happiness of Others

I had been looking forward for a long while to the wedding of James and Nina, the wedding of the year for them. The weather smiled upon the couple and their guests and, in spite of reports of problems (with organisation) right up to the day, the day went very well with much evidence of fantastic organisation by the couple and their families and supporters. In fact, it was a lesson in thoughtfulness and attention to detail; a day planned as much for those invited as for James and Nina themselves. The church service was pleasant and very slightly informal with room for humour even though the photography police were on patrol in the church itself.

The reception venue, Hill Place at Swanmore is fabulous and the arrangements there were inch and minute perfect. The catering was of a very high standard in both food and service. The seating plan and table appointments were meticulously conceived and the attention to detail reflected in the lavishly filled goody-bags for the children. A discreet three piece band made a welcome change from blaring amplified music and a Spacehopper revival amused the children before they reached their meals.

With the evening guests due to arrive to demolish the hog roast, it was time for us to leave in chill evening air which would probably pass unnoticed by a couple with evident warmth for each other. May they have many happy years together.