'A Strange Affair' by Jan Lloyd

John's wedding was a strange affair! Not the normal nuptials we are all used to. No, John wanted something significant, an event which would be etched in our memories for ever.
John is someone who is commonly known as an anorak. He is a dedicated, earnest and no holds barred, train enthusiast. How could someone who stands out in all weathers waiting to photograph a particular steam train, who will rise at the crack of dawn to spot a particular engine pulling into a station, have a "normal" wedding.
So it seemed perfectly acceptable when I received my invitation to John and Rose's wedding to attend, not a church, but the Severn Valley Railway!
On July 21, 2007 I duly arrived at the station to board a steam train. Along with many other guests we squeezed into one of the carriages which had been decorated accordingly with flowers and ribbons adorning the windows and seats.
As the couple recited their vows and the ceremony progressed the train chugged along through pretty countryside at a steady pace. Steam spouted past the windows forming romantic puffs of clouds in the sky. By the time we reached our destination the couple were happily married and the guests were offered champagne. The reception continued on the train as we returned and a special wedding feast was served. The cake was a splendid concoction and was designed in the shape of, you guessed it, a steam train! The champagne continued to flow freely and lots of interesting photographs were taken to mark the happy event. Although it was tricky to remain steady as the train moved along the whole event was joyful but amusing at times.
The couple return every year to celebrate their anniversary and travel on the same route to remind them of their "strange" but romantic wedding day.