Happy joyful moments for dear friends…

One of my very oldest and dearest friends got married at the weekend. And what a day it was.

I haven’t been to a wedding in ages – it’s all christenings and toddler parties these days – but it was such a happy, warm, beautiful day, filled with love. We were in north Yorkshire, at a beautiful old country house, looking down on the ruins of an ancient abbey.

Despite some September drizzle, Saturday dawned bright and sunny and the bluest of skies greeted the bride to be when she woke. Perfect.

I was touched to be asked to do a reading at the service and even more touched when the couple suggested we pick our own reading. After much searching and reading and thinking, I set aside a few that I thought were special, and together we agreed on the below, by Wendy Cope. It’s not especially sentimental. it doesn’t have long words, or profound statements, but, I think , it is one of the most heartfelt things about marriage I’ve ever read.

A Vow

I cannot promise never to be angry;
I cannot promise always to be kind.
You know what you are taking on, my darling –
It’s only at the start that love is blind.

And yet I’m still the one you want to be with
And you’re the one for me – of that I’m sure. 
You are my closest friend, my favourite person,
The lover and the home I’ve waited for.

I cannot promise that I will deserve you
From this day on. I hope to pass that test.
I love you, and I want to make you happy.
I promise I will do my very best.

Much love to Lisa and her new husband James, may all your days be filled with love, and joy, and sunshine…

Pictures courtesy of numerous lovely wedding guests…