December 18, and the roads to Bramblebury were packed with hobbits and the odd tall traveller. All set their course fer the stage on the homestead island, to witness the handfasting ceremony of Amorey and Peppy.
It had been a while since the last handfasting ceremony, so the locals were eager to witness this one. Rumours even said that a few furrin visitors would come attend the proceedings, so nosy hobbit children kept watch over the roads. They weren't disappointed, since both menfolk, dwarves and the odd otherworldly-looking elluf greeted them with friendly waves as they passed.
The stage area soon filled with festive peoples dressed in their best, waiting expectantly fer the ceremony to begin. At eight bells in the evening, the master of proceedings Simbo asked the guests ter clear the path and stand ready. The entertainers of the night (them talented fellers in The Chosen Few) played a rousing march as the groom entered the stage and the bride walked slowly up the path, clad in a lovely white dress.
The bride arrives, and the groom looks ever more nervous
The ceremony itself involved the couple exchanging vows and tying handfasting ribbons to their hands. Even the grumpiest and most hardened old gaffer had ter discreetly wipe a speck of dust from the corner of his eye when the bride and groom professed their love fer each other, and the cheering of the crowd could surely be heard in all neighbouring homesteads.
Amorey and Peppy exchange their vows
After the ceremony was over, a long night of entertainment and partying started. The Chosen Few played a lively set of tunes that had the crowds dancing. The Brandy Badgers performed a song written fer the occasion. Simbo recited a wedding poem, so popular it had ter be repeated at the end of the night. One of the visiting longshanks sung a song fer the happy couple. Miss Sevelda performed a set of three songs which once again had them gaffers scratch their eyes. And the bride surprised everyone by playing a song specifically written to the groom.
The Chosen Few, dedicated ter get the audience dancing
The night was rounded off by a magnificent fireworks display and a few farewell songs from Amorey and Peppy. As the sun slowly rose, the guests had to acknowledge that the party was indeed over, and that it was time to go home and sleep for a while. The handfasting ceremony would surely be the subject of much talk in the days to come, though. And once they had quit complaining about the weather and pesky youngsters, even the grumpy gaffers had ter acknowledge that Hobbit Heart now, more than ever before, beat as one.
Congratulations ter Amorey and Peppy! Here are a few more pictures from the night!
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