A punch up at the wedding

Polly has got it sorted and Simon is left holding the baby (Eva)
© Simon's Mum

I like a good wedding. Everyone always looks the part, there's usually free grog and it's a happy occasion for the bride, groom and everyone else.

Cousin Polly's last weekend was a great occasion, with the reception being held in the House of Commons. Yep, that one. Owing to her dad Martin (also my cousin) being an MP, we got it to ourselves for the arvo, no doubt bringing the country to its knees for the duration. Martin showed us around the Chamber of Commons and the House of Lords and we voted 'no' on something. Well it was Saturday.

The Houses of Parliament in Westminster
© Jeff Jones

I managed to get a hotel nearby called The Wellington that promised a lot more than it delivered. It overlooked a park and the exterior was quite nice in an ivy covered way. But the interior brought back memories of the badly named Hotel Adjacent Casino in Adelaide - a shabby and depressing '50-60s look. It also reminded me a bit of the Terry Gilliam film Brazil, with pipes and ducting running everywhere. The heating was turned up full blast, despite it being a relatively warm (if wet) day. I turned it off and probably caused an explosion in the basement.

I was 'upgraded' from a single to a double room, but I would have preferred to see as little of the inside as possible. Oh well, you get what you pay for I suppose. At least I had the foresight to beat the multitude of Germans and Russians to the breakfast room the next morning, otherwise I would have starved.

Martin and wife to be Sara. Note: Not part of this particular weddin'
© Jeff Jones

The reception itself was far better. I caught up with several long lost relations, including cousins Robert and Sophie who I hadn't seen for 10 years (approx. 33 years in the case of Sophie). Robert actually didn't show up until 6pm, having overslept, but not too many noticed. And a cousin Philippa from what used to be Rhodesia and is now Zimbabwe, and still a bloody mess. There were various other members of the Linton clan there but I think I was the only Jones. Some of the older set thought I was Hugh Laurie of House (and plenty of other things) fame but I disabused them of this notion.

It was, of course, good to see Polly and Simon with the knot securely tied. Food, drink and many photos followed. My skills as a photographer have improved so much that I completely missed getting the bride and groom, instead ending up with a blur. Then another blur. Then my batteries ran out and the spares were flat. I should concentrate on shooting wolverines in Sweden. Luckily someone else by the name of Simon's Mum had a camera.

Polly, of course, looked good
© Simon's Mum
Martin and Polly
© Simon's Mum
Polly had time for an autograph session too. Simon waits patiently.
© Simon's Mum
Someone forgot to hire the limo
© Simon's Mum
Martin's speech
© Simon's Mum
Don't look at the camera. Cut the cake straight!
© Simon's Mum
The first dance
© Simon's Mum
The entry hall innit
© Jeff Jones
I don't believe I managed to get the bride or the groom in the frame. Obviously I need a bigger lens. Pass the wine.
© Jeff Jones

Note: there wasn't a Punch-Up At The Wedding but that's the only appropriately-themed song I have. It's better than Myxomatosis.