A Horse’s Tale - As I grazed solitarily upon my lawn, deep in my usual morning breakfast routine (unraveling those great mysteries of the universe understood only by horse-folk and attempting to simplify their complexities to an extent that even the brain of one of the rider-folk might begin to understand)) I became somewhat distracted. It had been an unusual week already; my inner monologues oft disturbed by the comings and goings of construction men building what I took to be the new west wing of my stable. Though the work had disturbed my penning of the final scene of what I believe to be the greatest one-horse play ever written (working title “Peace-Horse”) I confess it was a welcome and admittedly attractive addition to my estate and I looked forward to sampling the delights of the new catering facilities.

On this occasion, however, it was the sight of my adopted mother entering the paddock uncharacteristically early that disturbed my morning study. It was not so much the break from routine that intrigued me and more her appearance as she strode towards me. Atop her head she wore a crown not dissimilar to those worn by the great queen riders of my ancestors and, despite the more orthodox jeans and jumper ensemble, she also appeared extremely well made-up for a simple breakfast in my stables. However I put this down to the stress of decorating the new extension to my property; a task she had taken upon herself almost single-handedly in both the design and application; the floral decor painstakingly prepared with the loving care and attention that only a leading professional and complete perfectionist can apply.

As we strolled together towards my living quarters several rider-folk started to arrive and entered the tall stable where the two-legged members of the family normally reside. Indeed quite a crowd began to form… could this be the day of the grand west wing opening? Eventually mother returned to her own stables citing a need to finish getting ready. As she did so a mighty horseless carriage pulled into the paddock and, after a time, from deep within its bowels came a smaller, rather elegant carriage and two rather fine looking fellow horse-folk who, it would appear had kindly consented to pull it.

They were rather convivial fellows and as we engaged in psychic conversation (we horses never have understood why you rider-folk choose to make your conversations audible) and they explained that this was in fact what the rider-folk call a “Wedding Day” and that my mother and father were to be “married.” Whilst I normally do not concern myself with the trivialities of the lives of rider-folk this word ‘married’ “rang a bell” as the rider-folk would say.

Some time ago, whilst waiting for mother’s regular morning visit to my stables, father had unexpectedly arrived instead. Seeming somewhat anxious he had asked me to wear a sash (an unusual garment but one I consented to wear due to his clear nervousness). On it were the words “Will you marry daddy?” and after helping me to put it on he hid away, awaiting mummy’s imminent arrival. Unfortunately she was a little late. 45 minutes late to be precise. I think father was about to give up hope! However with her eventual arrival and reading of these words she had seemed happier than I had ever seen her and, from then on, there had been much talk of this “wedding” my new friends spoke of. Apparently the day had arrived.

With my new friends now ready for the offing our conversation was broken by a flurry of horse-folk leaving the stable. As the crowd parted, a visage of pure white befell me: upon the arm of my doting grandfather there was mummy, looking more beautiful than I had ever seen her, her delicate crown and long, flowing veil now accompanied by an exquisite white dress and delicate shoes, all complimented by the beauteous self-made bouquet she carried elegantly before her. The woman I saw typically in wellies and jeans had become, quite simply, a princess, and one worthy of the grand carriage that now whisked her away.

I later learnt that they had travelled to the local church where a very special and sacred ceremony had taken place described by the guests as beautiful, moving and joyous. My fellow horse-folk described the scene as mother and father and all of their guests exited the church, with hugs, laughter and many congratulations being thrust upon this happiest of couples, their smiles never fading, their love clear for all to see.

Upon their return their spirits could not be dampened by the rain now falling swiftly from the skies as they entered the west wing. With delicious smells coming from the catering tent and trays of amazing looking delicacies going back and forth to the dining area I almost felt compelled to abandon my nutritious hay! The drinks were clearly flowing as well; the sound of Champagne corks popping and the clinking of glasses filling the air amidst the evening dew. As the guests moved back and forth their enjoyment couldn’t have been more evident, smiles glued to their faces and the general buzz and laughter electrifying the air. Even Guinness (a most sociable creature but one of questionable manners) seemed to be enjoying this elegant soiree, although he did inform me in rather bitter tones that though “the groom” made a most entertaining speech it did include instruction to the guests not to feed either of us, a subject of some personal disappointment to Guinness.

As the sun broke suddenly through the clouds and sparkling sunlight glistened against the rain drops, Guinness raced to inform the couple and Man and Wife took their chance to stroll outside awhile and enjoy the crisp, golden air. Surrounded by so many loved ones for so much of the day they enjoyed an intimate moment together on their own… well, almost on their own!

As the evening wore on the reception room lit up and was filled with the sound of music as guests clambered onto the dance floor. I myself chose not to join them on this occasion as it takes forever to put my dancing shoes on but nonetheless when the rather excellent singer sang a special song just for the happy couple Guinness and I did enjoy a little “boogie” from the comfort of my stables.

Although I was a little disappointed to learn that the west wing was in fact constructed only temporarily for the purpose of the wedding I had no complaints. It was a truly amazing day and mother and father looked incredibly happy together. It was the wettest of days filled with the brightest of spirits and none could question that this happiest of couples are simply perfect for one another. Though the day had ended it would never be forgotten, and for mother and father, Bride and Groom it was a perfect beginning to a new dawn of married life.

After such a perfect day of happiness and romance it seems the only way for a horse to end this tale is for Bride and Groom to ride together into the sunset. Sadly I have philosophy to study… I wonder if we can find young Guinness a saddle?

When Kristina and Chris asked us to give them an engagement shoot last year we didn’t realise what fast friends we’d become. We just loved working with this amazing couple and we were over the moon when they asked us to photograph the wedding over on Lake Garda in Italy. The wedding itself isn’t until August but we were lucky enough to be given the chance to fly over with the happy couple last week for a pre-wedding scouting mission and just couldn’t resist taking a few shots (and a bit of a continuation of their engagement shoot) at this incredible location!

Thanks to Kristina and Chris for taking us over and to the whole family for their amazing hospitality! We CAN NOT WAIT for the wedding!!!

A Lovely Love Story – It’s funny, the winding paths of our lives. The people that come and go, the chance meetings, the fast friends, the long-forgotten faces and the childhood relationships that unknowingly shape our personalities and touch our souls. And every now and then life throws us a curve ball – a friendship left in the past destined to become our future: the most important friendship of our entire lives.

Suzanne and Paul had once been childhood sweethearts and to see them together they fit so naturally, so freely that you couldn’t imagine they had ever been apart. Though they had grown-up and enriched their lives and experiences individually, such was their bond that they were never truly apart. They fitted back together like the missing pieces of a much-loved old jigsaw, and with this, their wedding day, the final pieces slotted seamlessly into place.

The best jigsaws always feature a stunning landscape and today was no different, for the couple had scoured the land far and wide to find a place beauteous enough to host their nuptials. They found it at last in the alluring serenity and elegant rusticity of North Yorkshire’s Raven Hall Hotel; a venue well-known for its charm, character and seated cliff-top location and spectacular coastline views.

Whilst the bridal party anxiously awaited their Bride as she prepared for her day in one of Raven Hall’s gorgeous Log Cabins, down at the bar the Groomsmen had started a little prep of their own! (Just to calm the nerves of course!) And well might our groom be nervous, for his beautiful fianceé was busy slipping into the stunning white dress, donning the delicate heels and being anointed with the impeccable hair and makeup that together would ultimately create an almost celestial visage that he would never forget.

With the guests now congregated and Groom and Best Man pacing the aisle in eager anticipation it was time for Suzanne to ascend gracefully up the stone steps and affirm a lifelong commitment to the boy she had known as a child and the man with whom she had fallen in love.

It was a beautiful ceremony, complete with a very fitting reading of A Lovely Love Story by Edward Monkton perfectly delivered by one of Suzanne’s closest friends. It is a story of love and of life, of chance meetings and everlasting commitment; a story so fitting that I can think of no better words with which to share the wedding of Suzanne and Paul with all of you today.

The fierce Dinosaur was trapped inside his cage of ice. Although it was cold he was happy in there. It was, after all, his cage.

Then along came the Lovely Other Dinosaur.
The Lovely Other Dinosaur melted the Dinosaur’s cage with kind words and loving thoughts.

I like this Dinosaur thought the Lovely Other Dinosaur.
Although he is fierce he is also tender and he is funny.
He is also quite clever though I will not tell him this for now.

I like this Lovely Other Dinosaur, thought the Dinosaur. She is beautiful and she is different and she smells so nice.
She is also a free spirit which is a quality I much admire in a dinosaur.

But he can be so distant and so peculiar at times, thought the Lovely Other Dinosaur.
He is also overly fond of things.
Are all Dinosaurs so overly fond of things?

But her mind skips from here to there so quickly thought the Dinosaur. She is also uncommonly keen on shopping.
Are all Lovely Other Dinosaurs so uncommonly keen on shopping?

I will forgive his peculiarity and his concern for things, thought the Lovely Other Dinosaur. For they are part of what makes him a richly charactered individual.

I will forgive her skipping mind and her fondness for shopping, thought the Dinosaur. For she fills our life with beautiful thoughts and wonderful surprises. Besides, I am not unkeen on shopping either.

Now the Dinosaur and the Lovely Other Dinosaur are old.
Look at them.
Together they stand on the hill telling each other stories and feeling the warmth of the sun on their backs.

And that, my friends, is how it is with love.
Let us all be Dinosaurs and Lovely Other Dinosaurs together.
For the sun is warm.
And the world is a beautiful place.

- Edward Monkton

A Winter’s Bride

A winters tale of love renewed

One frosted morn ‘neath skies of blue,

Across the land the church bells rang,

The crisp air buzzed as choirs sang.

Top hats and tails across the room,

As Chris arrives, today our groom,

The sunlight breaks across the lawn,

His nervous wait ‘fore vows are sworn.

Into the church step groomsmen spritely,

Whilst to the curb a car pulls tightly,

Out steps a gent; well groomed, good cheer,

Holding the door for she he holds dear.

And bouquet first out steps our bride,

Then arm in arm, with father’s pride,

Beneath the spire they walk so fair,

Down blessed aisle to grooms’ stunned glare.

And as she joined him at the alter,

Their love, t’was clear would never falter,

And for this couple’s love so true,

A blessed married life was due.

And so set forth the perfect wedding,

The best man’s speech; grooms cheeks a-reddening,

A beauteous bride dressed pure in white,

And guests with not a frown in sight.

Champagne and wine and buoyant mood,

But to this pair all eyes were glued,

As glasses raised unto a toast,

Joanne and Chris, in love engrossed.

And so here ends our happy tale,

Of joy and love: the holy grail,

As bride and groom start their new life,

Together always: husband and wife.