alexist

Yesterday was Andy & Nay's handfasting, so we headed out there for the afternoon/evening. Quite a change from last week's wedding! The more events I go to, though, the more I think I like the idea of a very simple ceremony. I don't know why, exactly. The Jewish ceremony is pretty basic but that's not entirely it. I understand why people want personalized ceremonies, but it doesn't entirely appeal to me--maybe it's the traditionalist in me. Not sure though, maybe if we were allowed more room with what we could do I'd change my mind. I wouldn't mind Neil doing the end of Proverbs (the woman of valor) but that's pretty traditionalist. (irrelevant anyway, we can't have it as it's Biblical.)

Speaking of which, a friend suggested incorporating some Jewish traditions at the beginning of the reception, as we can't include them in the ceremony (English civil ceremonies forbid the inclusion of any religious themes). I don't think I will, though. It would feel forced, somehow, especially things like the glass which are usually done at the ceremony. I would do the hora, but only about 5 people will know how to do it which makes it awkward.

It was a bit of a walk from their house to the riverside, but nice as it was warm and sunny but breezy. And it was flat most of the way. ;-) I think walking in London proper feels longer than it is because of the crowds and crossing streets etc--this was 1.5 miles each way but not bad at all. I declined to walk the full 4 miles to Crayford for dinner though ;-) Said dinner was an all-you-can-eat Chinese. It was good, not one of those cheesy buffets ;) As expected everyone pigged out on starters and relatively few mains got eaten. After almost 3 hours of eating we headed home.