the nuptials of joennett

At Ravensthorpe a stately home
a wedding was to be
for Bennett and Joanne
and friends and family

The charming hosts Deb and Jim
worked very hard indeed
and spruced and trimmed and catered well
to ensure it would succeed

They weren't concerned about the rain
that lasted all the week
we'll have the wedding inside the house
the roof doesn't leak

But when we woke on Sunday morn
the rain had gone away
we knew then when the sun came out
this was a special day

The guests arrived and gathered by
the fountain on the grass
to chat amongst themselves
and wait for time to pass

Bennett waited patiently
the arrival of his bride
his brother - we are later told
had butterflies inside

At last Joanne came from the house
and walked through the crowd
she was on her mother's arm
you could see that Jan was proud

Then they slowly made their way
towards the grand rotunda
the marriage which would now take place
let no man put asunder

"The time has come" the Celebrant said
"to speak of many things
of shoes and suits and gel and wax
and marriages and rings"

"But wait a bit" Cheryl cried
"before we start all that
Bennett's forgotten his ribbon
did he leave it in his hat?"

Good old Duncan to the rescue
"I'll fetch just what you need"
and having done so Cheryl thought
mmm now we can proceed

And so the service did begin
the vows were spoken loud
and the binding of the ribbons
impressed the eager crowd

"How nice" they said "how happy
to see such love today"
some tears were shed by Mum and Dad
as they watched them drive away

For an hour or so a relaxing time
to enjoy some scones and tea
to meet friends old and new
and our extended family

Soon Bennett and Joanne returned
from their photo shoot
meanwhile the guests were busy
bringing in the loot

The wedding feast had now begun
the food and liquor flowed
I looked upon our daughter-in-law
and she simply glowed

After food and wine the cake was cut
beneath the arched balloons
and all the while the band did please
us with their jazzy tunes

Evening's end was soon to be
bouquet and garter thrown
and caught by hopefuls wishing
for loves of their very own

Then came the time to say goodnight
and bid the guests adieu
for tomorrow they would rise
to start their lives anew.

A poem to Bennett and Joanne
by Marilyn McElwee