Meet the wedding party...
Andrew & Sally Argent (aka Chuck & Lily)
Despite his enormous vocabulary, Andrew is undergoing a chronic word shortage. Bar a decent whiskey, only a topic that intrigues him will get the words flowing. Recovering workaholic, he'd rather be dangling out of helicopters or paddling on (or in) the vlei. Famous for his patience, unorthodox salads, nonchalance towards life-threatening ailments and taking 25 years to finish writing anything, he's due a mid-life crisis and we hope it takes him off-road in his new Landy.
Sally is always ready to help, and with matrix skills, she will bend over backwards to accommodate you. Despite having missed her calling as a rally driver, she is an accomplished field guide, town planner, poet, environmental worrier, artist and writer, but she'll sell herself short if you let her. Legendary for her birthday cakes and notoriously late for everything, she's warm and hospitable to the n'th degree, but cross her kids and she'll eat you alive.
Ariane & Mark Gravenor
Always ready with a smile, Ariane breezes through life as though she never left the beach she grew up on. Recently promoted to Corporal in the international grammar police, her training as a translator comes in handy with her Frenglish kids. A talented juggler she keeps ten balls in the air: running taxi, tuckshop and toolshed though her watch can't keep up with the pace. Peacemaker, environmentalist and card shark, Ariane has it covered. Remember to kiss both cheeks!
Itchy feet keeps Mark globe trotting, but if you catch him at home he'll probably be under Kaspoz (his Landy) or digging his new wine cellar. He makes his money putting people to sleep, but give him a glass of wine and last season's pop music and he'll be the life of the party. Smart, generous to a fault, and an undercover speed freak, keep an eye out for the Red Baron as he blurrs past on his Ducati.
Jonathan Argent
Sharp as his carefully trimmed side-burns, Jon is currently working as an economist in Rwanda, where he moonlights as a tour guide. A little obsessiveness never hurt anyone, but then Jon's not one for half measures (or sleep for that matter). Businessman, sportsman, chess fiend and endurance conversationalist, he is competitive to the last - so expect a rematch (and hurriedly turn it down) if you are lucky enough to get the better of him.
Céline Gravenor
Over-achiever extraordinaire, Celine likes her schedule overflowing. Bookworm, scout, rock-rat and bun-head, a mini-Muriel complete with nerdy glasses and unbrushed hair. Good luck to the boys who will no doubt be queuing up soon: pack your hiking boots and try to keep up!
Jean-Michel Gravenor
This wheeling-dealing entrepreneur could sell ice to Eskimos and would sell his little sister if it would buy him a new rod or reel. Belieber hairstyle and guns to boot, freshly trained in Israeli martial arts, I'd say 'beware' but he's probably gone fishing. A catch for the ladies!
Lucienne Argent
Known by some as Lucy-the-Great, this beautiful young woman (single at time of writing!) likes short walks on the beach, writing her name on scrap paper and appreciates a good paint stripper. Best approached between the hours of 12-noon and 4pm and on big head days. Perfectionist, artist, historian and favourite little sister. We are honoured to have her in our wedding party.
Matthew Spangler-Bickell
Matt's devotion to climbing is only overshadowed by his love for his wife (and possibly building geometric shapes with matchsticks). On a recent trip to Fontainebleu, he froze his fingertips to the rocks rather than be put off by the snow. Shortlisted to feature on the Big Bang Theory, Matt is a physics wizz - we expect a mention in his Nobel Prize acceptance speech for helping him through his masters. Currently chalking up a PhD in Leuven, Belgium. His dance of choice is the tango and apparently he bakes a mean pie. If you get a chance to tie into the sharp end with Matt, you can be sure you're in safe hands.
Michelle MacDevette
Don't be fooled by the cute blonde hair and blue eyes, Chuck Norris wears Michelle MacDevette Pajamas. Since first year we have been awed by this weekend warrior's crazy masochist attitude to endurance sports. Be warned that if you chance to meet her on the streets (or more likely downing beers in the bars) of Barcelona have an excuse at the ready or you'll have your arm (or knee caps) twisted into a casual marathon before breakfast. She's doing a PhD in industrial maths on the side. Can't wait to see this far-away special friend back on home soil!
Wade Holland
His parents aptly chose a verb for his name. If Wade's not pacing it round the Sports Science track (and winking at the blonde on the treadmill) before boxing aerobics, he's getting his hair done at "For Him". He'd like you to think he's hardcore but he can't watch the Lion King (for the 50th time) without a good sob - and you should hear him scream when he gets his weekly chest wax. A qualified Engineer and the smartest guy I know (just ask him, he'll tell you), he currently commutes to Scotland where he lifts 'crane only' equipment by hand. Loyalty (not Danger, though he'll tell you otherwise) is his middle name, actually its Ronald (like his darling cat Ronaldo).
Caitlin Spangler-Bickell
Caitlin bounced into our lives like a double rainbow, right across the sky! Whether it's dancing by herself in her room or doing headstands in public, she brings an energy that's impossible to match (and should probably be kept away from fizzy drinks). Currently living in Leuven, Belgium, we miss her bright red hair, infectious smile and tendency for bursting into song. Archeologist, historian, and (undiscovered) Broadway star. Be warned, she will dream about you and tell you about it. We know we can trust her to bring us overflowing love at our wedding!
Mark Horton
Architect, soccer coach and whiskey connoisseur, Mark subscribes to Car magazine and dreams that he is the Stig. Rumoured to have been shaving since he was 12, his mind is finally catching up with his body. Mark is a persistent hunter when he's chasing girls on or off the field, his never-give-up attitude (though scaring most of his previous targets into emigration) has finally paid off. Pragmatic and suave by day, Mark releases his inner football hooligan at night, especially when his precious United thugs lose to superior Manchester blues.