Jonathan is a second Lieutenant in the Queens own Yeomanry, (as well as being a solicitor)
so he can use guns to have a great deal of fun.

Naturally the army sent some fellers along
to ensure that having turned up at the church,
Jonathan would continue in the correct direction
and go on to marry his Lady.

The swords may seem picturesque
and perhaps mere decoration.

Simply on a whim and to see what it would look like
I asked the honour guard to point their swords at my camera.

I wish to report :
to have four glittering pointy swords aiming directly at ones face - even by good humoured soldiers,
is a distinctly unnerving experience.

At risk of seeming a bit of a sissy,
I professed to be happy with the picture,
and retreated immediately to a safe distance.

The customary ritual character assassination of the groom
was carried out by his very able best man - Rob.

Among other nuggets of information,
here, Rob is busy explaining all about Jonathans Army exploits

including the episode where Joe set a tank on fire . . . .

 

(that surely can't be true . . . . )

Here we have an official looking gentleman,
possibly an army sort ?

officer in charge of . . .

(what's he holding in his hand ?)

ah - now we see -
he's the officer in charge of parking !

 

and well organised it was too !

pink parking signs . . .

well - it takes all sorts to make a world . . . . . .

 

 

Enough of such frivolity,

Jane sweeps up to the church,
veil catching the gentle breeze.

actually - the breeze wasn't really gentle.

and t'was a trifle chilly too.

everyone is still smiling though !

The church appears to be guarded by some of her majesties trained assassins.

Traditional army games are played with swords.

here we see the Queens own ceremonial
lower lip and nostril piercing display team.

(along with a very sensible groom !)

Mr and Mrs Farndale-Thompson

emerge into the light of day.

A delightful lady vicar
explains that there is to be no photography during the service,

she says that she has explained this to the couple
and that the family are happy with the situation.

 

hmm. not what I heard.

but a vicar wouldn't fib . . .

anyway - you can either have a test card at this point,

or this picture of the church interior - pre wedding<

just try to imagine it full of happy people . .
thanks vic..

 

The guys outside of the church reveal their true purpose.

Yes - it's a rainy cloudy stormy day.

ceremonial lightning conductors,

no one should be without one on a day like this . . .

(the idea being that they get struck - not the couple . . )

what gallant fellows.

Quite a crush of people surround the guard of honour.

clutching cameras -
and - because of the slight breeze - hats.

Two or three pictures are taken,
the rain starts and a dash is made to the cars.

hey - it's summertime. . .
we ought to expect weather like this . . .

Excited goodbyes -
see you in a moment down the road. . . .

200 guests form an orderly group in Sarahs parents garden.

Fiddling about with a heck of a long lens,
( just because I can) . . .

I zoom in on Jonathan
and find him to be smiling.

Sarah passes by and is grabbed by the guys. well - really by her husband.

 

I don't think she minds.

The ritual cake impalement
is recorded by a bunch of solicitors with cameras. . collecting evidence.

oh dear - if that cake claims that the use of a sword was a bit excessive . . . .

Whilst a scotsman shows what he'd look like dancing with a partner

 

if he had one . . .

 

ok . . you try to make up a comment for this picture.

send it on an email to

icarus2@ukonline.co.uk

if I get a good comment - I'll put it on the site

 

(nothing too rude mind you)

I am nabbed, as per usual -
and asked to take a picture.

General merriment ensues

 

Experienced hands make the bubbles in pink champagne dance and twirl.

 

ah - but whose hands . . .

Grandpa - the owner of the hands
and the holder of the champagne

 

I was warned that he'd leap into
almost every picture.

he didn't - but oddly enough -
he was nearby every time the camera lens was uncovered..

 

The marquee begins to fill with guests

hey - it's roomy in here.

at this point - I make a sharp exit.

got stacks of pictures.

leaving happy people.

all is as it should be.