Finally, after testing their partnership for a few years, Ian and Nina decided to 'take the wedding vows' at a grand gathering of friends and family on 3 May 2003. The scene was set in a splendid restaurant at 'Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons' - a beautiful old building set in the Oxfordshire countryside at a place called Great Milton.
The day started with many relatives and friends assembling at the Peacock Hotel, a few miles from the reception center. Ian had wisely booked all of the 25 hotel rooms for that night and arranged a coach to transport guests to and from the reception. This proved to be a boon - especially returning in the early hours of the next day. The weather was dry - although overcast but spirits were high as we set-off at about 4pm after a light lunch, a rest and a session of dressing-up.
The wedding took place in The Milton Room at the reception center wherein we all crowded and listened to music and watched the registrar's assistant make copius notes on the registration forms. Nina entered looking very splendid with her sister Aini and niece Tasnem to a pleasant background music. All looked lovely and radiant. A lady registrar performed a very pleasing and sincere ceremony as the wedding vows were made. Ian's brother John admirably fitted the roll of 'Best Man'.
Then outside in the grounds of the hotel where champagne was liberally handed around and lots of photographs taken. Guests intermingled with lots of pleasantries and jolly as they made aquaintances.
Eventually, we drifted into a large dining room and all experienced a remarkable multi-course meal which went on for about five hours. The technique was to keep each course to very small portions so that one never felt replete until finally, the cake was cut and the waiters served everyone liberally. Wine was always at hand with yet more champagne to cheer the speeches and round off a splendid affair. The food was of the best and top marks for quality and taste.
Fortunately, the weather turned-out to be a beautiful warm Spring day and Ian's immaculate lawn was the place to be for more excellently cooked food and drinks. Thanks to Nina's Mum helped by her Aunt. A lovely end to a wonderful weekend.