Over the past two-week period we have had the pleasure of attending two engagement parties and both engagements were celebrated by our fabulous neighbours: Basel and Anwar and their family. They have three children and their daughter and one of their sons got engaged a week apart from one another. Their daughter Innes enjoyed festivities  under a beautifully decorated marquee, with guests popping in throughout the day  in order to congratulate the happy couple, their parents and siblings. These celebrations lasted well into the night and continued over the course of the following week, with visitors arriving from far-flung places across Britain. We were warmly welcomed on our arrival and were invited to help ourselves to the most delicious selection of desserts one can image. Our glasses were kept full to the brim and we were made to feel most welcome and very much part of the festivities. We have become good friends over the past ten years. It was an honour to be part of a joyful occasion. This was the first engagement party we have attend here in the UK and I can’t remember the last one we did attend. I think it goes as far back as 27 years, and that was our party!

The week after one celebration we attended the second engagement party, that of their son, Haidar. This was held at a hall not far from where we live. And what a wonderful celebration that was too. It included a decorated seating area just for the special couple which  included items of special significance. The bride-to-be wore a beautiful shimmery long dress with flowers in her hair while the future groom walked around as proud as a peacock, looking just as dapper in his shimmery tie and carefully selected suit. It was just lovely to be part of this joyful occasion.

An engagement is s special preamble to the BIG event of marriage and should rightly be given our full attention and recognition. The couples mentioned above have not lived together and their anticipation of their marriage is palpable. I look forward to attending never to be repeated celebrations of  the huge events of marriage in the coming year.

Image taken by 1catholicsalmon