It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.

Friedrich Nietzsche

Pádraig was groomsman at his sister Maria’s wedding last week. He, along with our two families and friends, thoroughly enjoyed the ceremonies, get togethers, and the celebrations with our two families and friends. First, and earlier in the week, in our church with the signing of the civil register, followed by a small get together of the two families in the evening. Then, a few days later, in a beautiful country estate the humanist ceremony with around 130 guests, followed by an all night brilliant party.

Not everything worked out exactly as planned. For one, the Child of Prague only delivered on the first day: although he was put out in the garden before the wedding we weren’t exactly blessed with glorious sunshine on the second day..

The first pictures of the Bride were taken in our back garden. After that, we went across the road into the church which I had never seen as nicely decorated with stunning flower arrangements. The civil register was signed by the happy couple in the Church, as well as by the official witnesses, including Pádraig. He had practiced his signature and did a brilliant job on the day.

Maria was driven in a 40+ year old BMW by her husband’s grandfather to the humanist ceremony a few days later. The ceremony this time, was almost entirely conducted in Irish.

The couple had decided that they would, rather than offering a ‘favour’ to their guests, making a donation to the An Saol Foundation – a very thoughtful gesture that was very well received by their guests.

We all, including Pádraig, had a fantastic day which later spilled over into a long night with the best company of new and old friends, as well as our two families.

I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves,

I wish Maria and her husband happiness, love and good health for their life together.

With a huge “thank you” to all who made the past week one we will never forget.

Love was all around us. But, above all, friendship.