Sunday 26 August 2018

‘Huddle round… Goobies and Jess are getting married!’

Back to the ‘mere, a place I know well and one that has fond memories of my naughty college days and joy of joys this gem of a wedding had lots of college friends in tow, namely the (in)famous Huddle. An unruly gaggle of the nicest, naughtiest boys anyone could hope to meet and have grown up with… I’m honoured to call them friends. They’re a gang. They’re trouble, we all feel sorry for their wives, you marry one, you marry them all. Oh Jess! And as mentioned in the best man speech, naughty Jonny Pell, age 6 was the instigator… naughty Jonny, naughty! GANGS folks, tut tut… The exact antithesis of what Ed’s parents were hoping to achieve by moving to leafy Haslemere.

So on this particular day, it was one such member, Ed’s (aka Goobies), big day to marry his beautiful bride Jess. Who knew the girl was a genius, well she did say YES boom boom, but more than that, I was very impressed with her high-brow accolades… Research Scientist in Micro biology blah blah, they lost me at research, but I now look at Jess in an ‘All hail the almighty, we are not worthy’ way. Plus she’s super lovely and gorgeous, it’s no wonder Ed fell in love. But equally Ed is so talented and funny and just so darn lovable, it’s no wonder Jess fell in love too.
A perfect pair to be sure.

They should be very proud of themselves and award themselves hearty back-pats after organising a dream of a wedding… it was such a memorable day and it flew by without a hitch. Everything was considered in the planning, from the beautiful location of Haslemere Museum (lived there for years, never been…shame on me!) the huge marquee and pretty table settings, the best table plan I ever did see, stunning flowers arranged by Jess’ Grandma, a Prosecco bar ding ding, flipflops for those achy heeled feet, dress-up for the kiddies, beer barrels, free bar (the Huddle are in attendance after all), stunning Savile Row attire no less and a dress to die for, and if the genetics pool hadn’t dished out enough to Jess, it threw in artistic talent as she hand-painted all the signage for the wedding and it was penned to perfection. And where better to say ‘I do’ than at the beautifully historic St. Bartholomews Church. Considering Ed and most of the huddle went to St. Barts Primary, it was a fitting choice.

The getting ready part of the day deserves a mention too. Jess’ parents’ house was a big bubble of excitement… hair dryers were blaring, make-up was mastered, Prosecco was flowing, and the atmosphere was joyous. I enjoyed this part of the day so much as I was welcomed with a big metaphorical hug from the moment I arrived. Everyone was just so excited for Jess and she was the epitome of gracious calm, taking it all in and enjoying the moment - no bridezilla here! What an ace bunch of girls and Jess’ mum Karen, well, she’s a legend in my book, same too with her Dad. Ahhh no wonder they make such fine off-spring!

On another impressive note, the speeches were a thing of comedic genius. I didn’t think Ed’s could be matched, and if truth be told, a tiny part of me felt sorry for best man and brother Aiden having to follow such a triumph of a speech, but au contraire my friends! In true little (possibly annoying?) brother style, he smashed it and feasibly became a worthy rival in the comedy ranks of the Taylor-Gooby household. Bravo Aiden, it was hilarious. I’ve always known Ed to be incredibly funny, but who knew little brother could be too! Mr and Mrs TG, you produced some seriously talented and funny children, big hand claps to you! A huge mention must go to Dad of the Year Ray, he did a fantastic speech, welled-up a few times like all good Dads should and presented the couple with a mighty fine piece of artwork (it’s ok, he is an artist) paying homage to them… and the Huddle of course… marry one, marry all Jess!

To finish, I’d like to wish this these two lovelies my very best wishes and the very best life has to offer and if both sets of parents are anything to go by you’re going to be together a long old time chaps! What wonderful role models you have.

So go forth and conquer! Conquer the science world, conquer the acting world and continue to spread your love and happiness just like you did on your wedding day. You both deserve the very best and no doubt the universe will reward you with lots of lovely jubbly things, even if they’re delivered in the continual presence of 8 other fully grown men.

Thank you for letting me be part of your day, it was an absolute pleasure.

My love, hugs and rambles to you both,

Loukie x



The Fab Suppliers....

The Huddle... for supplying Ed ;-) 
The Venues: St. Bartholomew's Church and Haslemere Museum
The Dress: Farnham Wedding Boutique
The Suit: Savile Row tailor Chester Barry
Hair and Make-up: Bridal Hair by Sam Epps, bridesmaids hair by SJ Murray and make-up by Charlotte Murray
The Caterers: Moodies, Liphook

The Cake: Brownie stack by Moodies
The Flowers: Provided by Nursery Fresh flowers, Horndean, arranged by Bride’s grandmother (Brenda Ashby)
The Music:
Covers In Arms