One Year On....

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It's hard to believe that we were married only 12 months ago! 

Thanks to our dear friends Laura & Raymond, we were able to realise a dream and the day took place at the wonderful Chestnut Lodge in Cobham. What a celebration, what memories and what a truly special day for us both, made all the more special because you were there, it wouldn't have been the same without you!

You, our wonderful family and friends!

I (Mr. McKenna) have been asked a number of times if marriage has changed me and do I feel different. "Back in the day" I would have said no, it won't change me, it's just a piece of paper but we'll be just the same as we are now. Well it's not. It's different. I'm different. Life is truly wonderful (even more so than it was). For me, with marriage came the slow but steady realisation that (what with my insecurities and self doubt issues!) he did/does really want me, did/does really love me and does want to be with me for as long as it lasts (stupid bugger!!!). I'm calmer, I'm more sure of my future and I feel that I've 'found myself' through us finding each other. John Ellis, my handsome, effervescently jovial Husband is truly the best thing that has ever happened to me.

The Happy Couple

I truly cannot remember a time in my 40 years (yes, I said it, I'm 40!!!!) when I have been happier and as sickening as it sounds, life is just getting better and better. We've had such fantastic adventures together and we will hopefully continue to do so (Nepal and Malaysia being the latest), we have 4 wonderful hens and then there's our boy, Maximillian Sydney Bruiser McEllis. I couldn't live without my Boys and my Girls, they ground me and give me a joyful release from the manic, stressful 'work world'.

The Boys

So yes, marriage has changed me and it will no doubt continue to, and I hope it does. I'd recommend this 'serious commitment' lark to anyone, you just need to find yourself a John Ellis....oh hold on, I got the one and only.....LUCKY me!

Love Is.......

By the way, I don't know what my Husband thinks about this marriage, but he's never had it so good, or so challenging!!!

The other half writes.....

"One year, one husband, two dogs, four chickens and a pond full of goldfish later and we're still going!

It is truly unbelievable that a year has passed since we saw all of you, an amazing year in which we visited some incredible countries. Dogs arrived, chickens arrived (and went), the boys have turned into men and very proud of them we are, the godchildren continue their evolutions into perfect pink princess and lil' dude surfer boy under the direction of Uncle Dahlia and any spare weekends that we have are spent trying to see as many of you as we can.

Married life doesn't get better than this.

All we need to do now is start saving for the big 10 year anniversary party - see you all then"

A Sneak Preview

Only 6 days to go until we descend upon Cobham in Surrey for our Civil Partnership celebrations.

Today we had our "wedding haircuts", put the suits into the dry cleaners and Mr Ellis went off searching for a nice pair of shoes. Me, I stayed at home, playing with the hens and doing the washing....I'm domesticated already and not even married yet - Mr Ellis is indeed very lucky!!

We thought it would be nice for you all to have a little peek at the place where it's all happening, and so, here it is Boys and Girls.....the venue!

My Husband-to-be looking cute

Chestnut Lodge is truly a wonderful place and these photographs give just a glimpse of the wonders that await you all.

Chestnut Lodge flies the flag

There are still some last minute jobs for us both to attend to and sort out before Friday 14th August when we go to Lewisham Registrar for the 'legal bit', but for the most part I think we are done. We met with the caterer last night and all is now well and truly finalised......fish paste sarnies and pickled eggs ok for everyone???

A hint of Flamingo....

We're both very eager to know more about the cake. Sharon, one of the Best Women who I am sure you will have heard from by now, has made it for us as a wedding gift and it is also a complete surprise.......what will it look like????

Only 6 days until we find out!!!!

See you on 15th August!

We're in the Paper!!!!

Congratulations to the Daily "Hate" or should I say Daily Mail for publishing an article on our forthcoming nuptials.....we're gaying it up for the UK ! ! ! !

If only we knew who 'told' the paper so that we could thank them for the coverage!

Here's looking forward to THE Society wedding of the year darlings!!!

Bits, Bobs and the Boys

There is an underlying sense of panic but for no reason. Sure, there are lots of "small" things that need organising but I think for the most part we are there.

Given up on the trip to France however the lovely Lady Scott and Nackers took the initiative and came back from France loaded with lovely whites, reds and a stunning little pink bubbly number. Just more memories of France and needless to say we cannot wait for the honeymoon.

The weekend was spent half successful and half not successful. Oh yes, head petal scatterer now has her outfit - I am sure that Jemima Jane is going to look an absolute star. We now have to start collecting petals!

Anyway, two very special guests at the wedding, and indeed they mean the world to both of us but me especially, Mr Henry John Ellis and Mr James Daniel Ellis.

Henry John - first born - "H" to most. I remember coming out of the hospital after he popped out. No mucking about apart from trying to strangle himself with the umbilical on the way out. Going home at 7am, sunshine and lambs and green Welsh meadows and all this in the grounds of the hospital it was never going to be a day I will ever forget.

H is Mr Adventure. Snow-boarder, street hockey player, beer aficionado and part time ferreter (I have the photos). Live wire is an understatement and truly, I can get exhausted just listening to what he fits into his life but hey, that's son number one.

Still, age catches up with all of us and at the stunning age of 22 H has become worrying adult! Not only has he and lovely lovely girlfriend Emma done the "Visit Australia" experience but career focused and they now have a wonderful flat in Surbiton. Domesticity beckons I feel :)

So that is Henry - and I'm immensely proud that he will be doing a reading at our ceremony.

James Daniel - son number two - my little boy who is rapidly going to overtake me in height (though I personally think I'm shrinking). Memories of birth somewhat different from H as I had to be restrained in the hospital for trying to smack the registrar between the eyes (it's a long story).

James (or Dan as he gets called) is an opposite to Henry in that he's quiet (most of the time), laid back (to the point of falling over) and manages to look Mr Cool with his clothes and quite extraordinary hairstyles (which I am led to believe are the height of fashion).

Dan also hasn't selected the life career yet. Some ideas have been floated (I personally think if he had started on the hair dressing apprenticeship he would have been an international stylist by now) however he is very good at drinking, a good cook and seriously could compete for the UK in the Olympics at the 24 hours sleep.

So that's James Dan - and watch for him at the wedding, he may well have a surprise up his sleeve!

So on the final countdown now - as you can see from below we have got our wedding outfits - hope you've got yours

Brothers & Sisters

Hello Everyone,

My, my doesn't time fly when you're stressing over Civil Partnership arrangements and the like.....much time has passed since my last entry!

So, as you can tell from the rather obvious title of this chapter, I have chosen to pick on, er I mean "showcase" those lovelies out there that claim to be our siblings.....DNA test results are awaited!

Olivia

I, John McKenna have only one sibling, my sister Olivia who is 7 years younger than me, although the way she nags on at me sometimes you’d think I was the younger one!

Olivia spends her time between playing Guitar Hero (I say nothing!), wanting a puppy/kitten/whatever pet she can think of at the time, driving in a mad, erratic manner and listening to very dodgy music….Who’d have thought Metallica were a band?? There was me thinking it was the colour of the season!

Me and my Sister

Anyway, for all her faults (far too many to list here, we only have so much space you know!), she is my little sister and I love her very much. We’ve had our ups and downs, as siblings often do, but we see each other right in the end. I was “lucky” (check the definition of this word!!!) enough to go shopping recently with her and Mum to find them outfits for the wedding and I think she’s going to look lovely – I never knew that Polyester/Rayon mix came in such an array of colours!

Guitar Heroine?!

John Ellis has 4 (the word I like to use is fertile!) brothers and sisters and they are, in order of age, as follows:

Christine

‘Mag’ (Christine Margaret, hence the moniker) is “the next one down” from John Arthur and is also a new grandmother to her grandson, Louis Jack, now 8 months old…..

‘Our Christine’ is also VERY proud of her bosom….it is heavy and heaving and it has been seen….a lot!

Mag's heaving bosom

Mag lives on the Isle of Wight with her husband Les and her two grown up children, Katie (the gorgeous mother of Louis Jack) and Tom (who is currently terrorising the female population of Kavos in Greece – *Go Tom, Go Tom*).

Pauline

She is a craaaaaazy woman, absolutely mad as a hatter…...but lovely with it!

When I first met ‘Pol’ she had just come back from a rampant ride around the Isle of Wight (she lives there too with her boyfriend, “Col” and her grown up children Ben and Lee) on her horse, Jack, and was re-telling the story to all that would listen (and those that wouldn’t!). I honestly thought to myself, “she is one craaaaaazy woman, we is not gonna get on, innit”…..but I was soooo wrong!

John's Niece Katie, Me and Pol

“Camilla” as I like to call her (in the right light she bears an uncanny resemblance to HRH), is fabulous…..truly lovely and we have a right laugh together comparing the size of our nipples.

Tim

aka Timothy Edward is, if I’m not mistaken, a little like a John Arthur “Mini Me”, especially with a goatee….what say you readers? I have to admit, when I checked with John who was born in what order, I did think that Tim was after John….sorry Tim, must have been the dodgy hair styling that caught me off guard ;-)

"Mini Me" and John Arthur

Timothy also lives on the Isle of Wight with his son and daughter (Sam and Philippa) and likes to think of himself as a bit of a laugh……Tim, with the hair sculptures you created, you'll be keeping us laughing for a while yet!

Richard

Known affectionately by John and myself as Captain Car Crash (for he is a little bit excitable!), ‘Dick’ lives in Cheshire with his lovely wife, Kate and their stable of thoroughbred horses and a number of little terrier dogs.

Dick, in one of his butcher moments!

Dick currently works for Her Majesty in the Army, and loves to tell a few stories about his adventures and encounters with the local ethnic populations….!

Dick enjoys dressing up and is also known to set a fashion trend when the whim takes him….I believe the spot on item for this Summer is “Pocahontas” style moccasins….watch out for them on the big day!

Well…..that’s the siblings done *phew*

Who to ‘do’ next I wonder…………………..?! With that thought in mind, I would like to leave you with a picture that I think pretty much sums up the "Ellis Clan"......not a brother or sister, but John's niece Katie, as seen above, but just a little bit drunker....here she is:

The FABULOUS Katie!

Only 5 weeks and 3 days to go people……I hope you’ve all got your outfits sorted, accommodation booked and transport arranged….

We’re nearly there….!

The Dalyan Posse (more VIWPPs!)

Hello, Good evening and welcome to another episode of Wolfie and Renton's wedding blog....this time we have chosen two very deserving couples to be our next victims, er...I mean subjects!

We met both couples on the same holiday in Dalyan, Turkey in June 2006....and so I shall begin.....

Bella & Muffin

We first met this lovely couple in the back of a 'transfer bus' from Dalaman airport to our Dalyan Hotel at 4am on a June morning in 2006. The first words to leave Bella's lips were "Hello, my name's Carole with an E!" From that moment on we loved them. As you can probably gather, Bella and Muffin are not their real names. Carole is Bella and John (another one!!!!) is Muffin.

Muffin is a bird watcher of world reknown and is the world authority on the One-wegged White Wagtail - a rare and seldom seen subspecies of the more common Pied Wagtail. Muffin will be able to tell you so much about it at the wedding, plus many more stories from his many hair-raising adventures overseas.

Why is Muffin called "Muffin" I hear you ask.....because he's a Stud Muffin, that's why......one night in a fabulous bar called the Sun Ray in Dalyan and the bar staff couldn't keep their hands to themselves! We'll let him explain...

Here we see the Great White Hunter in action

Bella is even more of an action woman than her adventurous husband. She loves nothing more than donning her favourite silver mountain climbing flip flops and "flopping off" into the unknown, armed only with a Gucci handbag and a gold Amex credit card (oops, shouldn't have mentioned that, Muffin will know you have one now!)...as you can see from the picture below, the flip flops really did get their money's worth whilst surveying the mountains of southern Turkey.

Bella used to be called Fatima being as she was feeling all Turkish (I don't know if any Delight was involved as I have not asked her husband!), but then she went to Italy and was possessed by the spirit of Bella Gucci Prada, the patron saint of shopping....she has been Bella ever since.

Bella "flopping" in the Turkish Mountains

Congratulations to Bella and Muffin who just became Grandparents for the first time to little baby Max William!!!

Lord & Lady Shaldon

Lord and Lady Shaldon (David and Bunty) were also staying in the same hotel as us, Bella and Muffin - this is the hotel http://www.asurotel.com/hotel.htm

We first met them by the pool, Bunty looking resplendent in a swimming costume, wide brimmed hat and "Jackie O" sunglasses. Lord Shaldon, her faithful attendant by her side, applying sun lotion to the soles of her feet (ok, there's a little bit of artistic licence here but you get the drift!).

Lord and Lady Shaldon live in Shaldon Manor on the South Devon Coast, which we have visited on many occassion for a weekend of civilised frivolity (Bunty normally gets really lashed!!!) and we always have a wonderful time, they are such generous hosts.

David's dinner party menus are a little questionable at times!

Bunty and Lord Shaldon introduced us to Slimming World, which I have to say is all very well until you visit them and the diet is put on hold in favour of copious amounts of wine and enough dinner party pudding menus to feed the British Army!

On one visit we were taken to the House of Marbles (I thought perhaps to buy Wolfie some new ones as he lost his years ago!) which is in Bovey Tracey - actually alot better than it sounds! We also subjected them to a morning looking at cock.......and chickens at the Devonshire Traditional Breed Centre in Crediton, Devon.

Finally, Bunty has the most enormous, big, hairy Pussy - I shall leave you with a cracking picture of it....

The Grand Design

In the beginning, there wasn't much in the way of discussion about the design and look of our invitations. There was, however, a decision made very early on about who we would like to design said invitations. The one person we trusted more than any other with this leviathan of a task was one Mr. Paul Batterham. 

Mr. Paul Batterham - the official Wedding Invitation Designer

Mark and Paul got married on 12th April 2008 - their invitations were gorgeous, and spookily enough, designed by Paul. So, with that thought planted firmly in our minds, we rocked up at Chez Batterham-Best one evening late in 2008 without much in the way of a design or colour scheme, in fact not much actually. Through a delicious dinner and some fabulous wine we decided on a design that we would use. The one thing I wanted, to identify our joint love of birds, was a feather on the front, the rest I was happy to leave in the hands of everyone else.

Mark & Paul on their wedding day

Well, you will notice that there is no feather, anywhere, at all, not one. That's because Paul made the fatal mistake of giving me (Mr. John McKenna) a web link to look at some feather pictures and off I went looking at lots of other pictures and I stumbled across the stylised hummingbird, which then (obviously) became our final design.

Paul is a designer (dahling), he designs....you can see his work via his webpage http://www.paulbatterham.com (my personal favourite being Tena for Men!)

As previously mentioned, Paul is married to the lovely Mark.....Mr. Mark Best used to work at London Zoo and that's how my fiancee met him, and thus I met him through John. He's a lovely man, now plying his trade on the river Thames on the boats.

This is Mark - "Hail Caesar"

Mark and Paul are wonderful chaps, they really are (just don't tell them I said that!!!) and we are really truly chuffed to pieces that they are not only our friends, but designed our absolutely fantastic wedding invitations! When I saw the first "hot off the press" invitation, I am not ashamed to say that I cried.....thanks Boys.... we love you tons!

Hear No, Speak No, See No