Those standing beside us

The Wedding Party

Here's the funny thing about our wedding party: every single one of them comes as a pair — and we've been lucky enough to dance at all of their weddings. After twelve years together, we've decided it's finally our turn to return the favour. These are the people we love most, two by two.

Groom's side

The brother & the right hand

Chris & Hayley

Chris Bennett · Best Man
Hayley Bennett · Bridesmaid

Alex's older brother and the easiest 'yes' of the whole party. Chris has been Alex's first phone call for thirty-odd years — co-conspirator, voice of reason, occasional voice of unreason. Hayley joined the family and somehow made it calmer; together with baby Theo they are the proof that the good kind of chaos is worth it. The rings are Bodie's responsibility, so Chris has only the speech to worry about — and he promises to keep it short.

Bride's side

Katie's oldest friend & his better half

Adam & Lysanne

Adam Seaton Shaw · Man of Honour
Lysanne Seaton Shaw · Bridesmaid

Adam has been Katie's friend since their school days — keeper of every secret and the first name on the list for any big decision (this one included). Lysanne brings the warmth and the wit, and the two of them are the kind of couple you leave a dinner party still quoting. Man of Honour was never really in question.

And the rest of our favourites

Groomsmen & Bridesmaids

Kiran & Elisa

Kiran · Groomsman
Elisa · Bridesmaid

Alex and Kiran go all the way back to school — a friendship measured in decades and in-jokes no one else quite understands. Elisa slid straight into the gang as though she'd always been there, and these days the four of us are rarely apart for long.

Oliver & Pheobe

Oliver · Groomsman
Pheobe · Bridesmaid

Oli is another of Alex's school friends — proof that the best ones stick around. Pheobe joined the fold and instantly made it better. Somewhere along the line this whole crew became the sort that does everything together; we wouldn't have it any other way.

Chris & Jen

Chris · Groomsman
Jen · Bridesmaid

We met Chris and Jen through Kiran and clicked within the hour — one of those rare couples who feel like old friends straight away. They have been firmly part of the furniture (and every group trip) ever since.

Ring Bearer

A very important member of the family

Bodie

Pembroke Welsh Corgi · 8 years old

We've decided that our family is, quite happily, just the two of us — and Bodie. Eight years old, endlessly waggy and a corgi of impeccable (if short-legged) character, he is the only baby we'll ever need, and we wouldn't have it any other way. So it felt only right that the most important job of the day goes to him: carrying our rings down the aisle. Please forgive him in advance if he is briefly distracted by a stray canapé.

We've toasted, cried and worn out the dance floor at every one of your weddings. Thank you for letting us throw one of our own at last — and for standing beside us while we do.