Into London

I was at a really lovely, loving wedding in London today - in Brixton where I lived for many years and which I still miss, though walking through reminded me again how much it's changed since I left. (Obviously - so has everywhere.)

I find formal occasions stressful - having to behave and dress according to codes I don't know how to follow. I loved that we were told in advance to wear whatever made us feel comfortable, and I loved the notice stuck up at the wedding which said, 

IF YOU'RE FEELING SOCIALLY WORN OUT REMEMBER TO TAKE A BREAK
You can go write in the wedding guest book or go take a walk around Brockwell Park.
The walled garden next door is peaceful and very pretty. It's completely ok to leave at any time. This is not a hostage situation.

As a result it was one of the very few weddings I've ever been to where I haven't wanted to run away.

I think I caused a little stress to the mother of one of the brides, though. She wasn't there by 4 minutes before ceremony time, and when I phoned I found she was 50 minutes away and wasn't aware of the timings! I'm not sure many people noticed that we just all kept drinking and chatting for an extra three-quarters of an hour.

I now have over 400 photos to look through.