Tying The Knot - An Elopement

We did it! With only my brother Percy and my sister-in-law, Sue, in attendance, Butch and I tied the knot. As we say in Afrikaans, “ons het die knoop deurgehaak!”

We took this bold step last week. Butch called on our old friend, a retired but revered minister and celebrant, Eras van Zyl. Percy and Sue, our camping crew, were called upon to be witnesses.

Because it would be impossible for my children and grandchildren to attend an impromptu wedding ceremony, we decided to ‘elope’. We notified all our children and grandchildren (20 in all), shared our joy, and made them feel included despite the distance.

As a friend said in a message a while ago, “there’s a time and place for everything and now the time was right.” Indeed.

Percy walked me down the passage and happily passed me off onto Butch. Eras’ short but beautifully crafted sermon was well received, and we all shed a few joyful tears!

A celebratory luncheon at the magnificent equestrian farm Cavelli followed. Who says the fab five can’t party? We were the last guests to leave, leaving everyone with a sense of joy and lively celebration. 

We are thrilled to share this news with our family, friends, followers, and acquaintances. Mr and Mrs Robertson, along with the Honey Badger, are now embarking on an exciting new chapter, with plans for future adventures and celebrations together.

All our plans have fallen into place perfectly, a sign that we’ve made the right decisions. By sheer chance, we can enjoy a weekend of celebration with a few of Butch’s family from afar. My parents, who weren't aware of our plans, will visit us next week, and we look forward to sharing more moments. 

All photographs are thanks to Sue's keen eye!

Butch’s favourite song:

The Book of Love

Peter Gabriel

The Book of Love is long and boring.

Wedding rings

Source: musiXmatch

Songwriters: Stephin Merritt

The Book of Love lyrics © Gay And Loud Music

Feedback

After an exhausting five days of getting our administrative ducks in a row, the bachelor and bachelorette parties were a flop as we faded fast.

The bluebird of happiness (a wagtail kwikkie) made sure he ruined our bridal chariot with his congratulatory droppings! 

My dress is off the peg (online purchase), shoes are the same, something old from Sue, and all the other frills are thanks to Sue. We spent our "first night" at A Knight's Stay. Fantastic. My ring was made by Dalene Bruwer, who had exactly five days to fashion a traditional gold band.

PSS The bride's maids, Lolli and Wynanda, arrived a day late, but as we said: "better late than never"!