6^th September 2019 - Wedding Tea . . . there as a greeting after the journey to the wedding venue, there as a pick me up after an outdoor ceremony where the weather got a bit nippy, and there to mark the segue from eating to speeches, where the tea pot sits amongst sparkles and hearts, favours and flowers, disposable cameras and bubble bottles.  The photograph, an aide-mémoire which, like the slice of wedding cake, contains flavour and fragrance, texture and taste; a visual reminder of all that framed the tea pot: family histories, deep-rooted relationships, precious friendships, echoes of life lived, prompts to life present and questions about memory.  Too much analysis, or not enough?  I need more tea to reflect on this.

I was asked to read at the wedding, and from underneath a very big hat accompanied by the noise of planes in the sky I said the following;

It is a honour to be asked to read at the wedding of David and Michelle. The words I will read were written by BOB Marley, and whilst they read as gender specific, all of us here today, invited to share in the marriage of Michelle and David, will, as we listen to the words, reflect on how they apply to our own lives, within our own relationships. Indeed is that not the purpose of coming together, to share this occasion., to bare witness to the love Michelle and David have for each other, and reflect on how we ourselves love and are loved. So I invite you to share in the following words, spoken for David and Michelle.  Michelle, as your sister in law to be, I should tell you …

"he's not perfect. [But you and I have had a chat, and you are clear...] You aren't either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn't going to quote poetry, he's not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don't hurt him, don't change him, and don't expect for more than he can give. Don't analyse . Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he's not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don't exist, but there's always one guy that is perfect for you.”   Even if he is obsessed with Tottenham Hotspur.