And I love you so...

As I pulled into the drive to Wadhurst Castle which was where Iain and John's civil partnership took place, the Perry Como classic was playing on the radio. It has been a favourite since I was a girl. Perry Como was my singing James Stewart, the perfect man.

We began with drinks on the terrace, which is where Iain and John exchanged vows - at which point everyone suddenly went quiet. Not quiet in the normal way - the fact that something special was taking place hung heavily in the air. It was very emotional.

There were lots of readings which were all lovely, but it has to be said that the star turn of the day has to have been Iain's sister, Tracy from Essex. Put your daughter on the stage Mrs Dale! It was my first civil partnership and contained all the best ingredients of a good wedding. Everyone had a really lovely day.

At one point I began to find the whole experience quite surreal.
I looked to the left and Gyles Brandreth was striding towards me, hand outstretched saying , in the rather over-excited school boyish manner he has “We've never met have we?”

At that moment I heard familiar voices, but only from the telly, exclaiming “Ah Nadine” moving up behind me, it was Neil and Christine Hamilton.

"Gosh" thought I as I turned right squinting to see who it was walking along the gravel towards me waving, it was David Davis.

I looked down at my glass and thought “Is this champagne?"