Wow! What a scorcher of a weekend we’ve had. It has been such a lush few days; not only because of this glorious weather, but also because I was privileged to be a guest at my oldest friends wedding – where we laughed, reminisced, danced and celebrated a wonderful couple with others there.
It has been literally years since we last attended a wedding and well over a year waiting for this one to be able to go ahead (for obvious reasons). It was so beautiful and such fun too, and I loved the opportunity to chat to new faces (as well as the old ones!). They are such a fun, beautiful and kind hearted couple and it was a pleasure to share in their special day.
Friends are one of the greatest blessings in life. We all have some that pass through chapters of life – enriching it, helping us or just bringing some good times (or lessons)… and then there are others who seem to be our “forever friends” or kindred spirits; ones who become more like family (one of mine actually did when I married her brother, but that’s another story!) and no matter how much time or distance passes, you seem to be able to pick up where you left off.
This friend is the latter – I have known her since I was 11 and moved back to Yorkshire in 1996 – within a few days of joining her form in Year 7 of high school, I became part of the crew… we enjoyed baked goods or chips and gravy for our lunches, had sleepovers, talked about boys (a lot) and wore hoodies! She introduced me to football (of footballers) and as her parents reminded me on Friday – we also had a girl band singing into kitchen utensils in her dining room and called ourselves “The kitchen utensils” (obvs) – good times! Life has at times taken us far away from each other, but we have always kept connected and maintained our great relationship. We were pregnant together in 2016 and she has been there to talk to about the highs and lows of life.
I was over the moon when she met her now lovely husband and they began to build their lives together. I was more so when she announced her engagement and couldn’t wait to see them take that step. Whilst it has taken a lot longer than we all hoped with covid barriers (rescheduled 4 times I think it was), and life has dealt some difficult things, at last they are married and Friday was really lovely and special. She looked stunning, the food was delicious, we loved chatting with everyone their and watching them make their vows. The weather couldn’t have been better – it was such a nice day all round.
I can’t not go to a wedding with out reflecting on our own marriage and wedding day. I am thankful for that day almost 12 years ago that Nathan and I took a leap, and before God, family and friends we vowed to walk through life and love, support and nurture one another in all seasons of life.
I am truly thankful for the gift of marriage – it makes me feel blessed to have found someone who I can I love so so much and who loves me abundantly in return. I still get butterflies when he holds my hand or kisses me and I love that in him I have found my soul mate – he has my heart and I have his! His love and friendship enriches me. We laugh together daily, but he has also wiped my tears and held me tight. We have seen each other succeed but also fail. He brings me comfort food when I need it and motivates me when I feel like I can’t go any further. We share the load in life and work together to raise our family. I could go on, but in a nutshell, as I watched our friends begin married life this weekend, I was reminded that love is such an amazing thing and that marriage is a wonderful (and at times difficult) adventure. I am glad I am on it with Nathan and that he is my partner and forever friend!
I am grateful this weekend for friends old and new – I love finding them, making them and bonding with them!
I am grateful for dancing in the evening sun and reminiscing, bantering and just having a joyful time with others.
I am grateful for shopping in York, chats and laughing with my new friend, and sunbathing and a roast dinner this eve to top it off!
I am grateful that Nathan is my husband and I am his wife. Being married to him makes life wonderful and I love dreaming together!
It has been a fab weekend; filled with sunshine, friends, love, a wedding and plenty of laughter! Let’s hope the Summer continues to deliver on the good times!
