Friday I got the train to Recklinghausen and was picked up by Daniel's brother-in-law and his father to take me to the farmhouse where the wedding celebrations would take place. Silke (the lovely bride) and a few others were already there for lunch. After lunch, it was time to get in the carriage and then the drive to Raesfeld Palace where the celebrant would be waiting for us. 
Daniel (the groom) arrived shortly after us, riding a motor-bike in his tuxedo with tails and top-hat. He looked great! I would've liked to have seen him on the bike in that gear, but didn't get a chance. Perhaps in the photos that others took.
The castle had to be photographed too, naturally?
The service was laughter-filled (both witnesses forgot something in the car and had to run for it at different times) and very nice. A few photos here at the castle with everybody and then the bride and groom got in the carriage for the trip back to the farmhouse.
Back at the farmhouse, we toasted the bride and groom before they took off for a photo session which took a lot longer than expected. This meant that we didn't get coffee and cake til around 6pm and then weren't hungry for dinner til after 8pm. But the cake was worth waiting for, as was the dinner! Everything was so delicious.
One of the funnier things that happened was when Silke threw the bouquet. There was difficulties chasing up the single girls - they didn't seem to want to be involved. Grandma (Daniel's Mum) helped to round them up. When Silke threw the bouquet the first time, everyone dodged. It was hilarious. She threw it again and Daniel's daughter caught it though she didn't seem real happy about it :-)
Silke serenaded her husband next, and then the dancing was on for young and old. And me.
Partying lasted til after 3am. I went home with Daniel's parents around 2:30am and then sat and chatted with them til after 3:30am before collapsing in bed.
