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Emma-Jane and Julian's Wedding24th May: We had a wonderful Blessing of a Marriage today for a couple with Venice in their hearts, even though they have to live in London (meanwhile...). They very kindly invited us to take part in all the celebrations, as well as the Service in Church, and that included a large boat on the lagoon the day before, and a splendid reception afterwards at the glittering Palazzo Pisani-Moretti. We actually held the Service in the beautiful church of S. Trovaso, by the very kind permission of Don Silvano Brusamento, who's a warm friend. It's not far away, and St. George's was too small for all the guests. Their obvious joy at the wedding and their love and respect for the couple and their families made it a particularly warm occasion; and the music, with S. Trovaso's historic organ and both St. George's professional Sopranos engaged and giving their very best, was truly sensational. The flowers were stunning too, and we were delighted to be allowed to take most of them back to St. George's after the service, a memorable boat journey through the local canals.They chose a passage from Ecclesiastes (c.4, vv. 9-12) which refers to strength in partnership of a rope, so I gave them a sermon about 'tying the knot' and 'getting spliced', the two of them with God, as it seemed to fit with Venice's boats. Emma Jane wrote afterwards, "we shall never look at a piece of rope the same way again! It was so important to us both to say our vows to each other in the presence of God and all those whom we truly love and care about. "
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