1st Jan

2011 dawned bright and sunny: perfect for Edith’s wedding.

Out of respect for the day’s big event none of us had got too drunk the night before, so we headed out for brunch bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and hangover-free.

When sufficiently full on bagels and granola we went back to the apartment to put on wedding frocks/suit/kilt and then jumped in a cab to St Paul's for the Coakley/Stowe nuptials.

John and Edith met whilst singing in the choir and it was very evident that the church was full of close friends. The sermon was filled with warmth and the priest showed obvious affection for them both: and the choir, despite being without the happy couple, sang fantastically!

It was a very traditional Anglican service, which meant that if I didn’t follow the order of service carefully I got somewhat confused about when I should sit/stand/kneel etc, but there was a real beauty inherent in the ritual itself.

After the ceremony was complete, and a beaming Edith & John had walked back up the aisle hand in hand, we all went upstairs for wine, canapés, & speeches followed by some renaissance dancing. Andy and I made a brave attempt at the dances though I’m not sure we acquitted ourselves too well. I think we’re better with a sweaty D&B dance floor or a boisterous cèilidh than the stately refinement of the renaissance.

The celebrations finished at a very civilized 6pm (not like the disheveled 1am wedding parties that I’m used to) so we headed back to Sam and Nina’s for delicious home-cooked lasagne and to watch Shutter Island. The film, in all it’s B-movie-tastic brilliance, was great but too long! It’s a rare film that can justify a running time of more than 90 minutes, and this wasn't one of them.

p.s. I know this is a wedding cliché, but the bride today looked breathtakingly beautiful. And all the very best to Edith and John in their married life together!