A romance that began when they met in the sixth form at St John’s School resulted in the wedding at Marlborough town hall yesterday (Saturday) of Martha Fogg and James Paterson.
And among the 100 relatives and friends there to see Martha walk down the aisle on the arm of her father, town councillor and former Marlborough mayor Nick Fogg, were guests who had flown in from New Zealand and Canada. It was very much a teenage romance that has stood the test of time as the couple, both 29, stood on the town hall steps as guests showered them with confetti.
“I never, ever believed I could be this lucky,” declared James, the son of David and Sharman Paterson, from Collingbourne Ducis, who took a degree in photography at Westminster University and is features editor of a photography magazine.
While his bride, the daughter of Marlborough’s deputy mayor Edwina Fogg, added: “It’s been a real effort to organise, but every moment has been worthwhile. It’s glorious to be surrounded by so many loving people.”
Martha read English at University College London, did an MA in Victorian studies at Royal Holloway College, and is now a commissioning editor with Adam Matthew Publications, the Marlborough-based high tech publishers.
Her ivory silk and chiffon wedding dress, by Amanda Wakely, was bought at Bertie Golightly, in Marlborough. The simple design with long flowing train provided a stunning vintage look inspired by the glamour of the 1940s.
Martha’s three bridesmaids were Kate Burningham, Josephine Lewis and Tamasin Coates.
Guests at the wedding – the reception was held at Rockley Manor – included the Axworthys from Toronto. Tom Axworthy, once Cabinet Secretary to Canadian premier Pierre Trudeau, kick started the Middle East peace processes and is now Secretary-General of an organisation of older statesmen that includes American president Jimmy Carter and German chancellor Helmut Schmidt.And from the other Marlborough, in New Zealand, came Andy Bibby, who makes the celebrated Marlborough wine now a favourite, particularly in its namesake town.
As Nick Fogg toasted the couple, he declared: “Here’s to Jim and Marfie. They’re an example to the world.”
All the younger guests camped on the Downs overnight, including bride and groom, who are honeymooning in Slovenia.
