WELSH WEDDING

We're all back in Cardiff now, after a lovely time in Portmerion (North Wales).  We travelled up on Thursday.  I took my car (with Shirley and Tom) while Ceri took Shirley's dad and his wife.  Tom got very adventurous and took us on a beautiful (if somewhat tortuous) route - though even he got a little confused at one point, telling us we needed to turn around (on a very narrow country road) ... only to tell us to turn around again, once we'd obeyed.

Portmeirion is hard to describe, but the photos (if I manage!) will be self-explanatory.  It was started by one man and his family and is a little village all on its own, completely owned by the family.  It's a cross between italian and spanish and is an extremely popular tourist resort.  Evidently they hold an average of 350 weddings there every year.  Ceri and Shirley (and family) love it there - and it is the "home" of Portmeirion pottery.

The wedding was most enjoyable - about 60 family and friends all of whom had travelled some distance to attend.  Steve's speech was a riot - despite him being very nervous about that part of the proceedings.  And of course, Kate looked beautiful.

We stayed there two nights, returning on Saturday - this time with Kate's friend and Tom in my car.  Again Tom treated us to a unique tour but in the end, we beat Ceri and his carload by about half an hour ... possibly something with them stopping for an hour's lunch break, and a cuppa upon dropping off Shirley's folks.

I refuse to be disloyal to my very good friend - despite scolding remarks to Tom from both Shirley AND Sarah ... and much rudeness from (cousin) Ceri about his eccentricities.   He always gets me where I need to go, with unstinting certainty and excellent manners - it would be churlish to make any comments to the contrary.

It's been a lovely weekend - with yet another day tomorrow (Bank Holiday).  We're all pretty tired, but agree it was worth every moment and a great time was had by all.

PERHAPS, some photos may follow... specially for you, Karen!

The shower (over the bath) - pretty tidy work!

Shirley and Ceri in their room - after arriving - the day before the wedding

Who on EARTH is that fat woman with Ceri and Shirley - note the background architecture

Marion, Lenka, Evie (in arms) Mia in front of Simon, Ceri, Shirley and Don (Isabella in Pram) - 4 generations in one photo.

Who can the excellent photographer be - classy stuff, eh?

Oh - and again - such ability ... greatly helped by magnificent scenery all around

The gorgeous mother of the bride - Shirley

Bride and groom - just after becoming Mr and Mrs

Shirley, Steve, Kate, Ceri - with Enfyss, their daughter

Evie and Mia

Kate

Lenka

Steve's speech

Ceri was NOT leaping for joy at having gained a son - merely sitting on the fence - action photography now ... whatever next!

Mother and daughter

Tom's excellent navigation took us through some fabulous scenery - though hardly motorway traffic!

Who could argue with Tom when he takes you through this sort of countryside???  Not me!