And the bride wore wellies

In my first reporting job, working for a weekly newspaper, one of the chores was typing up the wedding reports. There was a standard form that people filled in, including a description of the bride's dress. I don't remember anyone ever mentioning wellies.

We met this wedding party as they were trudging up Leith Hill near Dorking after the ceremony in the village of Cold Harbour. A marquee had been erected on the cricket pitch but to get there the guests had to get up a steep and rutted muddy lane, not easy for cars. But this bride and her escorts seemed ready for anything.

I'd joined the Financial Times "Old Lags" on one of their monthly walks. Ten brisk miles with a pub for lunch, all spiced with stimulating conversation. You never know who you might meet on an old lags walk. It was nice of the group to smile for me. Everyone smiles at a wedding and this pair looked very happy, in spite of the mud (and the date!). I hope they live happily ever after.