When, finally, the law changed, Dusan and I finally got our dream and the chance to be together and much like our dream came true, yesterday it was Helens turn.
I have been honored to be invited to so many Civil Partnerships over the years, Richard & Mark's, Stuart & Iannis and of course our own. Like I said, so much has changed. When I first met Helen & Nick back in 2001, helen was straight and a party chick. We all met in Heaven through mutual friends and I ran into them a week later standing the queue. We all hit it off immediately. Helen and Nick shared a flat in Earls Court but with Nick about to go off to University, Helen needed to find a new home and I was looking for somewhere too. I don't think we had known each other 2 months when we started house hunting. How does the old joke go? What do Lesbians do on a second date? Move in. But she was my Alpha girl. This was back in the day when the internet was fairly new, we were pre 9/11 and somehow the world seemed a better place.
I can't quite explain the feeling when you meet someone and you feel a bond, like you knew each other in a different life or are destined to do more together. It was exactly like that the day I met Helen & Nick.
9 years on and some four years after her finding her true love she and her gorgeous lovely wife, Keely, decided to get hitched. There is something daunting about going to a loved ones wedding and not knowing their better half. What if, just what if, you feel something is wrong and they should not go ahead with it. What if when they say in the ceromony "Is there anybody here who knows of any unlawful impediment as to why these two, Helen & Keely, may not enter into partnership today. I always hold my breath at that point while poised on the edge of my seat incase somebody says something. The amazing thing is it reminds me of our own situation. Dear friends and family asking "Are you sure you want to get married so quickly". Worried love ons scared you are on a whim.
I reached Keighly station around 950PM and Helen had said she would come and meet me and take me to the pub. I waited 2 minutes and saw through the dark 2 shadows coming forth. As my eyes focused, I couldn't believe that Nick was over from Australia. Let alone coming to meet me at the station. I hugged them both long and hard, so happy to see them again then made our way a few minutes up the road to the Pub.
Immediately I met Keely there was a warmth, a glow. We both exchanged hellos but I was amazed she even knew my surname and much like I talk about dear ones, Helen had clearly mentioned me on occasion to Keely. Just watching the two of them together was enough proof for anyone that they were truly in love. Even today friends tell me how they can see Dusan and my love for each other. The way no matter where we are his admiring me from across the way. Even Richard and Mark (Leather Queens) who so kindly picked Dusan up from Heathrow on his arrival to the UK who initially we sceptical gave us their blessing in the understanding that just seeing two people together and how their own aura really stands out in a way you don't usually see. Like in the Readybrek adverts. Seeing Helen & Keely together was just the same.
In the pub met several other of their friends and Matt & Kal whom I have not seen in forever. How nice it was to see everyone again, meet new people and yet people that don't seem like they are new at all.
We all ended up in the hotel bar till far later than expected.
Friday Morning, wedding day, I woke with a mouth as dry as the Sehara. How much did I drink yesterday? I put it down to the air conditioning and lack of real air instead as I jumped in the shower, shaved and put on my three piece. It suddenly became clear to me that I had fallen into tourist mode and like a fool had no information. Helen had arranged everything. I didn't even know what time the wedding was, let alone where. Thankfully I spotted Huk & Jackie outside the window so joined them. There was something magical about Jackie & Huk, kind, warm, good folk. Great personality, uber glam and also down to earth. I shared a taxi with them to Riddleton Hall around 1330 and we all sat in wait for the Bride & Bride to arrive. It was a National Trust property and an old house with grand gothic fireplace was where the ceremony would be. As we walked in your senses went into overdrive with the smell of the flowers. Two looming bouquets either side (thanks to Matt's fabulous floristry), loomed 6 foot each over the room. Imagining an old Stately home's Library or study. A smallish room with grand fireplace and a dark tudor staircase up the edge on which a girl stood. As the music started this girl with voice of an angel sang a song about love, friendship & soul mates. You could hear the soft sound of sniffles and handkerchiefs being fluffed. Speeches from friends, a touching service and seeing these two beautiful girls, Helen & Keely, dressed to the nines, looking radiant, love filled and both happy and peaceful. By the end of the service I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.
Once they were officially Mrs & Mrs we all had some champagne and lovely appetizers while Matt & Kal peformed a mirical with the barn which had been transformed into a wedding party fit for any royal. A lemon theme existed in the floristry which was hanging on every wall, from every pillar as well as every centre piece. Then there were the 4 foot tall candelabras on the tables and a an amazing white tree with a Photo of each and every guest hanging from it with their table number.
We enjoyed dinner and then they started the speaches. Tears started to well up in most peoples eyes but not sad tears, happy tears. Happy for Helen & Keely, happy to be there and totally caught up in the love in it all. It wasn't just Helen & Keely, you could feel love from everyone. As Nick then Tracey, then Keiran followed by Keely & Helen did speeches everyone was both laughing and crying. It was an an amazing magical beautiful moment and as you looked around the room, you could just see love everywhere. Friends that care deeply for one another. Couples, parents looking after their children and the girls friends who were so warm and welcoming.
As the evening guests arrived there were people I had met through Helen over the years and then met Andrew V whom I have not seen in so long and his partner Spencer. It was so nice to see everyone again and I came to the realization that the feeling in the room, the tears and love all came from the fact that the souls in that room were all like souls. Clearly Angels attract Angels and positive attracts positive. It was such a calming feeling knowing how happy they will both bet in their lives with each other and all their loving friends.
Taking the train home this evening, I felt whacked but also like I had re-kindled friendships and made friend a new. We both wish Helen & Keely a wonderful life together full of love and joy and happiness and really look foward to seeing you all soon. Thanks a million for a perfect day.
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