Ireland and Ben and Betsy's wedding

So, the big day has arrived, despite the day before being a huge day for me, as David and I met up with Mark and Emma at Dublin airport. The first time we've all been together for about 4.5 months. It was so wonderful to be a family again. 

We had a fabulous meet up with all the family that evening. I realise more and more how much I love these chances to get together.we have such a small family in NZ, and here in Europe so many! 

The wedding day was definitely one of the happiest days of my life, made all the more special by having both Mark and David with me. 

Mabli and Betsy threatened to steal the show now and again see, looking so pretty alongside beautiful grandmother, my niece and great friend, Ceri! 

An anxious wait for Ben, my great nephew. He did so well to control his emotions. It was such a fantastic venue and such a colourful group of guests, but a longish wait at the front.

At last, the first of the bridesmaids, my gorgeous great niece Bethan, with Betsy, followed closely by my other lovely great niece Daisy, with Mabli. Everyone and everything was stunning. An absolutely wonderful ceremony full of laughter and tears of joy.

Bethan, Ben's wife, looked truly stunning and oh so happy. There was rarely a moment when she was not beaming from ear to ear. It was such a happy wedding day. The sun even decided to shine at just the right moments between showers - one thing which had to be left to chance, the rest was fantastic organisation.

The venue, with its magnificent garden and lawns, was perfect for kids and hotel pets. This lovely Labrador was a real treat for everyone.

He certainly stole the limelight as well as stealing a finger puppet duck, which we were all terrified he might eat as he rolled around with it in his jaws. Luckily both puppet and dog survived! 

Every brilliant wedding has incredible food and drink, and lots of it. We seemed to eat and drink for most of the two days! Bethan and Ben's entrance to the music of Uptown Girl was spectacular and Bethan enjoyed a touch of karaoke! 

There was a fantastic band and dancing till the early hours. It was a good workout.

All too soon it was time for lots of farewells. So many family members who I won't see for a couple of years. Thank goodness for WhatsApp and internet. 

Mark and Emma, David and I had a really nice, quiet evening at a small bar near our hotels and then a brunch before I left. 

We had time for a short walk to the river and then parted ways, me to the airport and the others to the Guinness factory! 

And here I am at Dublin airport, all alone, despite being surrounded by strangers. It seems so strange after the wonderful days surrounded by the people I really love. 

Time to fly, just like these cute little swallow chicks, who were probably most photographed, after, of course, our gorgeous bride and groom, Bethan and Ben! What a journey for every single one of us, what joy!