In all the 6 years or so I’ve been driving across The Wharfe every work-day, I don’t think I’ve ever seen it quite as full as it was on Friday. Fi and John’s wedding was the next day, at The Red Lion in Burnsall – right on The Wharfe. There were genuine moments of worry the night before the big event as roads around North Yorkshire were blocking up thick and fast and places were actually being evacuated, due to flooding, as rivers bust their banks all over the shop. Thankfully, it calmed down a bit – and perhaps this edge of risk, the thought that it could all go horribly wrong, was what turned it into such a precious celebration.  I think I can speak on behalf of the now honeymooning, deliriously happy couple that it was a grade A, top cat, beautiful wedding.

Our family were all pretty much involved (I personally get a bit twitch for something to do at an event if I’ve got nothing to do).  I got involved with a bit of photography, I did a reading during the ceremony (A Lovely Love Story by Edward Monkton). Felix was prop assistant to the best man and Eirene was head bridesmaid (who looked stunning) and Sophie was the most beautiful flower girl I’ve ever seen, who got to lead the wedding precession in. I admit, it brought a tear to my eye. Beautiful ceremony, lovely wedding breakfast, cracking knees up.

We’d got digs there – turns out, our digs (#2 riverside cottage)  were one of those cottages you could fall in love with quite easily. A sleeps 5 cottage overlooking the river and bridge. An upside down house which served as a bit of an overspill / chill out space for the party in the pub next door and a bit of an after party venue.  We’d had two chairs pulled up to the big window watching the view as depicted in this webcam , drinking pints of Timothy Taylors from next door.

I took Elsie dog up there as well. She was a poppet. Didn’t eat any wedding cakes. We got up the next morning and found a geocache – which I was quite proud of as my battery died, with still 607m to close in. Going of pure memory, I pieced together enough info to enable us to find it. After a stroll back down the valley and into the village, I’d built up a right appetite and verily appreciated their full of your English breakfast from top hosts,  the Red Lion.

Sad Adeau’s, fond farewells, Bon Voyages, and we were on our way back to Harrogate  for a slap up binge from Graveley’s Fish and Chip emporium.

[photos to follow]