Pendrell Hall, Staffordshire
Team Jo
Matthew – Chief Bridesmaid
Friends for longer than either of us can remember. We grew up on the same road and used to walk the streets together before we were old enough to go anywhere else. He wears a wig for a living and is an avid fan of every possible sport (except dressage).
Kate
One-time colleague, long-time partner in crime, she came to Vietnam and Hong Kong with us and joined us for sweaty walks and large dinners. Ask her about grammar or Germany and she'll talk to you for hours.
Katie
We met in Durham and spent a year in Vienna together, looking very out of place wearing glittery tops to grungy bars. Katie married a lovely Austrian man and has two beautiful children, Arthur and Greta, who will have a starring role.
Philippa
Friends since the first days of secondary school, we still manage to natter nonsense when we catch up in a Lichfield pub. Phil fits in more exotic holidays than seems possible in full-time employment, and regularly inspires me to go running more often. Until I hit the snooze button.
Claire
Another age-old school friend, who entertained me through French lessons and teenage parties, before forging a respectable career as a lawyer (whilst trying to avoid the Mancunian accent).
Chris
My big brother. We had to be barricaded apart as kids to stop us fighting. As teens we mostly just ignored each other. Now we bond over our parents' oddities. He won't be allowed to give a speech.
We are hugely grateful to a bunch of excellent friends for their support, giggles and
gentle harassment, both in planning the wedding and in everyday life. Thank you!
Mum & Dad (Marilyn & John)
And last but not least, a special thank you for years of support, from tantrums to taxi rides and life advice, not to mention all their help with making our wedding plans come true. They have welcomed Joe into the family with a liberal sprinkling of seasonal chocolate, bacon sandwiches and beer (they know the way to his heart)! They know my school friends well, and hear stories about the rest of you, so do say hello! I fear I can't stop dad giving a speech, but don't believe a word of it.
Chloe
Totally bonkers redhead, who will say yes to anything and often drag us along for the ride. She has run a marathon, swum in the Serpentine, filled an inflatable Tardis with party guests and baked a cake with a lobster on top, just because.
