We met (yes, online!) in February 2020, about 6 weeks before the first lockdown. The world was a very strange and frightening place during those weird months of lockdowns and household 'bubbles' and such things, but it gave us the space and time to get to know one another well and to spend time together that we possibly would not have had the chance to do, had the world around us been 'normal'. We soon realised we had shared interests and humour - and a desperate need to bring Abby's 'greatest films of all time' knowledge-library rapidly up to speed with Martin's (mainly so that when he quotes seemingly aimless lines from them, Abby knows what he's talking about!) As a result, many cosy evenings followed, spent snuggled on the sofa. Once the world opened up again, we began to travel - something Martin is passionate about. Whilst many of our travels were far and wide, many were close to home too and we enjoyed going to galleries, museums, and exhibitions. We went to the see plays at the theatre and shared our love of dining out and enjoying a glass or two of vino. We also shared our love of the countryside and of walking there and enjoyed lazy summer days in the shade of vast trees, a picnic rug laid out underneath, with delightful morsels to munch on, as we chatted, listening to birds and bees carrying about their daily business and watching the long grass and trees on the leaves swaying in the gentle wind. Martin's love of exploring the world and his gentle persuasion and assurances encouraged Abby to become a little braver and to embrace trips and locations she may possibly have dismissed, once upon a time. More of this will be revealed on the day. Our shared love of fur babies soon came to the fore and very soon Abby's two cats, Skittles and Tiggi and Martin's dog Maisie, were an important part of our joint lives too, though sadly Maisie and Tiggi never really saw it that way! Maisie continues to share our life and is loved by many, including Jess, who now gets her daily dose of a doggie she always wished for! Skittles and Tiggi very sadly left us but, in recent months, Reginald the tabby kitten, has joined our family. Reginald adores Maisie and, as a result of living with her from the age of 8 weeks old, he now believes he is a dog! Maisie is so good with him and watching them play together in the garden, albeit briefly, is such a joy. A couple of years' ago we bought our first home together. Martin quickly realised that he was living with the 'Queen of Laundry' and 'Master of Intending to do DIY jobs but not always getting to it' as well as a lover of cushions, mugs, pretty napkins, candles, and flowers - note, there is now a house-ban in place on the first two items in the 'lover of' list. Abby quickly realised that Martin was a lover of clearing clutter away, including any bit of paper that happens to wander into the 'recycling pile', watching old re-runs of 'Top of the Pops' on a Friday evening, listening to 'Cat Calming music' whilst doing his morning stretches, having a clear draining board and making a cup of coffee and taking it to her in bed in the mornings. The rest, as they say is history. And, of course, history in the making.... We are so excited to be sharing our love with you all on this special day, and so grateful to you for taking time out of your lives and travelling, some of you quite some distance, to be with us as we say 'we do' to each other and make our promises to each other for the rest of our days. We know that what we have found in each other hearts' is special and precious and not to be taken for granted - and we are really, really looking forward to writing the next chapters of our story.....! Thank you for being a part of our story and our journey. Your love and support - and friendship has helped us along our way and for that we will be forever grateful. We hope you are looking forward to celebrating with us as much as we are with you. See you there!