A Very Brighton Wedding

An article by Claire Jones-Hughes    No Comments

Front page news this weekend was that same sex couples are finally afforded the right to get legally wed in the UK and couples in Brighton were among the first in the country to exchange their vows. And we happened to get caught up in some of the festivities.

We were strolling past the pier when we became distracted by a group performing a dance routine to a group of onlookers. Which they were. Only the audience were Phil Robathan and James Peters, the first couple to get married at Brighton Town Hall, and the crowd were performing Kool and the Gang’s ‘Celebration’ in their honour.

The proud couple looked on, while friends and family sung along to the tune with heartfelt admiration. Press and passer-bys held their cameras and smart phones aloft to capture the happy moment. But rather than shrug them off as nosey opportunists they engaged with the crowd, encouraging them to capture the moment.

Finally the newly weds bopped across to join the group in their dance. The wedding photographer, surrounded by press photographers, but continues to boss them about to her shot of a very unique moment.

While the top-hatted brother of the groom chatted to an elderly gentleman enjoying the spectacle, I started to well up (it’s the same at every Pride parade). He catches me sobbing-cum-smiling and I congratulate him. ‘It’s been amazing,’ he beams, ‘everyone’s been so supportive.’

‘I hope you don’t mind me taking photos,’ I say, ‘I’m a local blogger for a parenting site, we’re all 100% behind equal marriage’. I am desperately trying to get 5 year old Loulou to come over with me and congratulate Phil and James but she is a little overwhelmed by the emotional atmosphere. It is intensely happy.

But Mr Top-hat calls his brother over to us, who is only too happy to be pulled in all directions – typical wedding day chaos. ‘Oh yes I’ve heard of the website, please do share and thank you,’ he tells me.

They go on to explain how keen they are for everyone to spread the word, share photos and videos. This clearly is not only the happiest day of their lives but one they are bravely, eagerly keen to share in order to raise awareness.

I reluctantly tore myself away, slightly envious of the celebrations. The car parking ticket is due to expire, Loulou is having the grumps and I cannot stop sobbing with joy. The sun was shining bright and strong at 11am, the sky was clear blue, so if God really does have feelings about this, we can only think how happy he is we are finally making progress in some areas of humanity.

Press and passers-by