Tying The Knot - An Elopement

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

The decision to take this bold step was made last week. Butch called on our old friend, a retired but refired 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”. All our children and grandchildren (20 in all) would be notified at the same time. The last thing we wanted was to make someone feel hurt or left out because of travel restrictions, time or 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! 

We are thrilled to make this announcement to all our family, friends, followers and acquaintances. Mr and Mrs Robertson and the Honey Badger are one step closer to setting off on an adventure of a lifetime.

All our plans have fallen into place perfectly, a sign that we’ve made the right decisions, and by sheer chance, we’re able to enjoy a weekend of celebration with a few of Butch’s family from afar. My parents, who were unaware of our plans will have a visit from us next week! 

All photographs are from Sue's keen eye!

Butch’s favourite song:

The Book of Love
Peter Gabriel

The book of love is long and boring
No one can lift the damn thing
It's full of charts and facts, and figures
And instructions for dancing

But I
I love it when you read to me.
And you
You can read me anything.
The book of love has music in it
In fact that's where music comes from
Some of it's just transcendental
Some of it's just really dumb

But I
I love it when you sing to me
And you
You can sing me anything
The book of love is long and boring
And written very long ago
It's full of flowers and heart-shaped boxes
And things we're all too young to know

But I
I love it when you give me things
And you
You ought to give me wedding rings
And I
I love it when you give me things
And you
You ought to give me wedding rings
You ought to give me

Wedding rings

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Stephin Merritt
The Book of Love lyrics © Gay And Loud Music
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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 congratulatary droppings!