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Going back to home to London at Christmas time was never going to be a quiet affair but I think over the past few months I’d forgotten how fast paced London partying could be……The tone was set from the moment I stepped on the airplane…… “sir would you like a glass of orange juice or Champagne” to which there seemed only one natural response.
Off the plane at Heathrow The first cold breath of air and warm hugs from my parents suddenly gave some authenticity to surrounding Christmas decorations and music which had seemed so missing in the Australia. London really is a beautiful city at this time of year lights, trees and Santas seem around every corner.

Back to the Champagne City

Stucros
2006-09-27 08:45:06

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Suited and booted my taxi pulled in outside St Pauls Cathedral for a sunny winter day which I’m sure I will re-tell many times (‘I once went a wedding at St Pauls’….. not quite the same as ‘We got married at St Pauls’ but I’m privileged by association!). In actual fact James reliably informs me Churches are so last season and Cathedrals are the new… white?

Stepping inside it was a struggle to overcome the grandness of the venue but as the ceremony proceeded with a professional opera performance, warm poetry and a stunning bride told me the venue would overshadow nothing on this day. An exchange of vows and a couple of autographs the new Mr & Mrs B exited under a shower of confetti. In amongst crowd of strobing guests I looked round to see a few tourists also taking souvenir wedding snaps.

Nearby awaited an upmarket bus stop stocked Mulled wine, mince pies and light conversation. As ever James had his timing to exclusive perfection as only the day before the Route masters had been retired from service with a media fanfare. Decorated in ribbons and bows this was to be our carriage for a quick tour of London and transit to our final venue. Grabbing a front seat I felt it was my duty to pretend to dive the bus and singing the ‘wheels on the bus’ although behaviour like this is perhaps a good indication as to why it wasn’t my wedding.

Starting at a most famous landmark and seeing several on the tour our next venue, the London Barristers building, although hidden in a closed courtyard was equally fitting. Warming us up with the string quartet was yet another offer of champagne but who can resist when the label when has the
bride and grooms names.

With a different wine to compliment each of the divine four courses guests were reminded me that half of the married couple was French. Although as to which side was French could have been confusing when Catherines and James Fathers gave their speeches with impeccable English and French, respectfully. The Grooms speech although starting in French to rapturous applause quickly deviated back to his native tongue. Watching him wander about the room and breathing out charisma I once again felt privileged to witness my oldest friends come of age on his most important day. With the tables cleared away it was time to do some embarrassing shape cutting before heading back to the hotel for a nightcap. James thanks so much for the last min invite it was great to share your day.
One more week of work this time champagne free and it was back to sunny Sydney for some essential sun.

Sorry for the delay in posting this...... seeing as i've been back to London again since i'm sure you know all the stories but thought you'd like the pictures!!!