Patti and Leon got married
And so, the deed is done, in front of witnesses, so it's official.
I must say that it was a remarkably fun affair and, for those of you who weren't there, I'm sorry that you were able to join us. There will be pictures but, in the meantime, this eye-witness report will have to suffice.
Clint, Kalina and I turned up to meet a sea of faces, some familiar, most not so. I was almost immediately kidnapped by Beena (apparently I was being searched for) and brought to join the wedding party. Once all were present, we went into the legal stuff, licences signed by Patti, Leon and both sets of parents, followed by the signing of the ketubah (a Jewish wedding contract) - yours truly being honoured by being one of the witnesses. It was really rather special and Leon and Patti looked tremendously happy to sign all of the paperwork.
Once that was done, we moved on to the ceremony. With both a rabbi and a priest present, there was plenty of potential for tension but it went very smoothly with some wonderful thoughts from both of them, plus two really meaningful readings from their friend Kim and, in a non-singing role, Chris. It is fair to say that a few tears were shed and the whole affair was incredibly life-affirming.
The reception afterwards was hugely enjoyable. As you might all realise, dancing and I are as familar as penguins and the Sahara but I felt it only right to take a full part in the festivities. I may be aged but I can still move. Besides, how often do the disparate parts of our family get together? Everyone had a great time, with good food, good wine and a marvellous atmosphere.
Hopefully, there will be pictures for you all to see shortly but in the meantime, I need some sleep so I'm signing off...
posted by Mark Valladares @ 4:37 AM
