A Tale of Two Weddings

Last week we went to England to see old friends, but also to attend two weddings (it made it worth the trip!)
First we had the city wedding.  This was held in London in the Oriental Club just off Bond Street.We stayed with 'Aunty' Betty and the journey into town started with a half-hour drive to Stanmore at the end of the Jubilee Line of the London Underground.  The drive in was uneventful - light traffic - but then, to our dismay, the car park at the station was full!  We had collided with the Rugby League final at Wembley stadium, so the car park was full of 'northerners' who had driven down to support their team.
After reassuring ourselves that there were no places by driving round the car park three times, we set off in search of somewhere nearby to park.  Foolish!  All of the surrounding sideroads were Residents Permit Only.  We therefore continued driving on in towards Central London.  Within 5 minutes we saw a sign to other Tube Stations, one of which was Canons Park. A small station, but with a small car park - and about 3 parking spaces left.  Day saved!  However, even here, the Rugby League supporters were making their way to the match and we had some banter with a group of lads.  We were highly amused when one of them asked us if we were going to the match.  There they were, in jeans and team shirts, and there we were, suit and posh frock, on our way to a wedding!!

The Oriental Club turned out to be a bastion of old fashioned colonialism and correctness.

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The walls were hung with paintings of Colonels and administrators of the Raj and the noticeboard informed of curry lunches held in the Calcutta Cavalry Bar.

Not surprisingly, the food was a very good selection of what seemed like authentic Indian curries.

The next day was the country wedding, a total contrast.  Held in the large rear garden of Clive and Mary (Clive is Betty's son and the groom is Betty's grandson) in rural Leicestershire.

The occasion wasn't designated as formal, but everyone dressed smartly as befitted a wedding.  The simple but sincere ceremony was held in a very large 'teepee'.

The exchange of vows and the readings from friends and family reduced Sue to tears.  It was a happy, joyous time.

The ceremony was followed by speeches, food and dancing.

So, two different weddings, the chance to renew old friendships, a lot of rain, and a lot of driving ... and queueing ... on motorways!