Sunday 2 September 2012

A weekend of celebrations!!! (Part 1)

This weekend has been a busy time for us.  Firstly, it was James’ 60th birthday on Friday (31st) so there was good reason for celebration and a time for a big party.  Secondly, (and this had been in the planning for the last 6 months) also on Friday, we had our Civil Partnership at Brighton Register Office.  It was a quiet ceremony with just our daughters Vicki and Frances as witnesses – they, and their partners Tom and Kel, were the only ones who knew what was happening.
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We went to Brighton on Thursday evening and stayed in the Hotel du Vin.  Here we are, in the hotel bar, enjoying a bottle of champagne before going out for dinner.  Frances, Vicki, James and Doug. 
At 10:30 on Friday morning we enjoyed a very relaxed ceremony at Brighton Town Hall with the most lovely registrar, Cheryl, and her assistant Fanny.
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The fun bit.  Yes we both suddenly developed fat fingers!  Our photographer, David Myers, was the most amazing and relaxed guy who spent 3 hours with us recording this special occasion for us.  Anyone wanting a photographer in the Brighton area should certainly contact him we can’t recommend him highly enough!!
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The legal bit!
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On the main staircase in the town hall.
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David, and his assistant Christina, took us round Brighton for the photo shoot.  These are taken outside the Royal Pavilion.
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We had glorious sunshine all day.
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After the Pavilion we went down to the beach.
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All the fun of the fair!
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All aboard!
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Back to the hotel for lunch.
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We could not have had a better day.  The sun shone, the ceremony at the register office was a hoot, the photographer, David, did a most splendid job and the staff at Hotel du Vin were exceptionally attentive.  Our feet haven’t touched the ground for 4 days now what with the party and an open house on Saturday for guests who were staying in Selsey for the weekend – hence the late blog.  More pictures of Brighton, and the party celebrations on Friday evening, on the next blog.

25 comments:

  1. Hi Guys

    I'm a fan of your blog and just wanted to wish you many many congratulations.

    Paula

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  2. Congratulations.

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  3. Congratulations
    from
    Norwyn NB Shell Bell

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  4. Congratulations... what too you so long... well that'll be a birthday you'll never forget and no excuses for forgetting the anniversary either LOL
    Nice suits too... I hope they were on hire, not even you too would tackle locks and tunnels dressed so elegantly :)
    All the best.
    Kevin xx & Harry xx

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  5. Hi Doug and James,
    Congratulations!!! So glad to read you had a wonderful day and may it remain a special one to you both for ever more.

    Chris and I would like to wish you both all the very best for your future happiness together.

    Warmest regards
    Steve and Chris Spreyer
    nbAmyJo

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  6. Thanks Kevin and Harry, the suits are brought and paid for! but don't think we will be using them on locks and tunnels!!! xx

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  7. Well done both, congratulations. About time, too!

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  8. Congratulations - it looks like a wonderful celebration.

    Sue, nb Indigo Dream

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  9. Well would you believe it. First James has his big 60th birthday bash ( Happy belated birthday James ) and then you go and tie the knot. I cant tell you how pleased Ian and I are for you both. Two great guys like you deserve every happiness for the future. Many Congratulations.
    Xxx

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  10. Congratulations, looked like a great day. Best wishes for the future.

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  11. Congratulations guys!!! Hope you are intending a long "honeymoon" on Chance soon!!
    Gary and Della
    Future MGM Boat "Muleless"

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  12. Many Congratulations to you both!

    Pip & Roger

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  13. Many many congrats to the two of you, you truly really deserve each other!

    (In the nicest possible way, of course!)

    Have a great time - looking forward to part 2…

    All the very best

    Bruce & Sheila

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  14. Good one guys, we will have a drink or two for you tonight. Very snazzy suits too.
    All the best for the future
    Paul and Elaine NB Caxton AKA The Manly Ferry

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  15. Resplendent in silver and pink,
    James, (now 60) and Doug got linked.
    Streets of Brighton,
    Horses not frightened.
    And two Oscars approve, I think!

    Beautiful pictures of a wonderful day. One minor fashion quibble... neckties in "Chance Blue"??

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  16. Hi Louis, I knew we should have asked you for fashion advice! never crossed our minds about having matching chance blue! Thanks again x

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  17. Congratulations to you both, we wish you a long and happy future together!

    Fabulous photos.

    Sorry its late we have had no internet.

    Ali & John xx
    PS Been a 'Chance weather' day today.

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  18. Great photos. Congratulations James & Doug!

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  19. Congratulations both, you kept that quiet!!!
    Lovely news and wishing you all the happiness you both deserve xxx

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  20. Caroline and Martin4 September 2012 at 08:14

    great stuff, well done, enjoy life. Caroline and Martin

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  21. Many congratulations! We met you years ago waiting to go up Frankton locks in your old boat and found out about your blog through mutual friend Morag. Glad to see Oscar is still with you!
    Debby and Dave (used to have a share in Padworth, now on NB Chuffed)

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  22. Congratulations Doug and James.
    Glad that you had a lovely day.
    All the best for the future.
    Bob June and Phoenix

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  23. Just been looking at the photo's. You will now need to buy a paint scraper. Not for blacking the boat but for getting the smiles off your face.

    Congratulations and our best wishes for the future.

    Mick n Mags

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  24. Oh my word huge apologies for not commenting sooner. Congratulations to you both, the photos of your very special day are fantastic, you both look so happy and that is lovely. I love the suits they are very smart! I have been a bit slow recently with writing and reading blogs, so only just catching up! Lovely to hear from you on my last post, but I don't think it has published properly? Take care. Debbie :))

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