From this day forward

When Mary Jaquiss and Ben Wilson returned from their holiday in Florence last June, they were met at the airport by Mary's sisters, Lizzie and Cathy, with flowers and champagne. The reason? Ben had proposed to Mary in the Green Cloister of Santa Maria Novella. Text messages had alerted family and friends to the good news that she had said yes. Both families were delighted—though hardly surprised since by then the couple had been going out together for nearly 10 years.

In a nice example of history repeating itself, Mary and Ben had met while they were at Manchester High and Manchester Grammar School, just as Mary's parents Clair and Kevin had done. Like them, too, both went on to Cambridge University. They graduated together and then came a separation. Ben's first job was in Gloucester, while Mary started work in Manchester, so each Friday evening would see one of them heading for the motorway. During those two years apart they say that the weekends became very special. They worked hard during the week—Ben was studying for his actuary's qualification—and then were able to make the most of their time together.

Three years ago Ben's job moved to Manchester and so their engagement, buying a house and plans for their wedding in August have followed. Although they live outside the parish, they are delighted that they will be getting married in St Mary's. Mary, who read music at Cambridge, was a member of our choir for seven years and it's important to both of them that the choir will sing at their wedding. Mary finds our Director of Music, Sasha Johnson Manning, inspirational and says that Robin Coulthard is 'a brilliant organist'. What will make the day even more memorable is that they will be married by Mary's mother, Clair, who was a lay reader here for many years and then our curate before moving last year to All Saints, Hale Barns, as Assistant Priest.

As part of the planning for their wedding Mary and Ben attended the marriage preparation course at St Mary's. They received useful practical information and enjoyed meeting other engaged couples. They think it's a bonus that they can have their wedding reception in the Parish Centre next door, which will be beautifully decorated for the occasion; they're both looking forward to a good party when they can enjoy fine food in the company of family and friends. But before that, what will be really special for Ben is 'seeing Mary coming down the aisle and making our vows in that beautiful building'.

KMP