Paula
The first time I met Ellie was over a meal in Bristol. It was so lovely to finally meet this lovely lady who I’d heard so much about, and I felt really at ease in Ellie’s company straight away. It was a lovely afternoon but it was so quick. It was such a wonderful afternoon because we were all together again, but now we had an extra very special member in our group, too.
We had the most amazing, wonderful time Ellie and Simon’s magical wedding. It was simply divine, just the best day! I think even more so because we’d have the worry of not making it because of the snow, so when we actually got there, it felt like a magnificent mini miracle!
Ellie and Simon both looked absolutely stunning, it was just perfect, and once again, even though we’d spent so little time with Ellie, it felt like we’d known her for years. She took the day in her stride and it suited her so well, she took the time to talk to everyone and seemed so relaxed. She was such fun and they both just fitted together like pieces of a puzzle. It felt effortless and we were so, so happy for them. Everyone being together again to celebrate their wonderful union and in such a cool place was so special. One of my favourite memories ever.
Our next encounter was at Kat and Gon’s after the birth of Florence. Soooooo fab to all be together again, and celebrating the addition of our newest, youngest and arguably most gorgeous group member! We all chilled in the Lounge and took it in turns having cuddles with darling Wren. We caught up and heard more about the wedding and newly married life. Ellie was a radiant wife and again, it felt like we’d known each other for years. She always seemed to be so interested in everybody and loved hearing people’s tales, she was very generous in that way.
Case in point: During this visit, I fell in love with Kat & Gon’s phone! I’ve always wanted a retro one like theirs. A few weeks after our gathering, Ellie messaged me a photo she’d taken of one in a shop window, telling me it made her think of me. It made me smile and I was so touched. Such a minor detail but she’d noticed it and gone to the trouble to message me about it. She didn’t need to do that at all, but it meant a lot, and was making connections. Just so lovely.
And now to one of my absolute favourite photos. It was so wonderful having them come to our wedding, and seeing them having their breakfast just absolutely made it for me. I love them both dearly and getting that little extra snippet of time together was so precious, they were such a comfort to me on that morning. I’d not got around to speak to everybody like I wanted to on the day, (unlike darling Ellie had done on her wedding,) so I was so grateful to see them both then. They were both as lovely and generous as always, reassuring me and just being absolutely wonderful friends.
This is the image that instantly springs to mind when I think about Ellie - just being so lovely. She was such a strong, interesting and funny person and I so, so wish we’d had the time for more conversations, more experiences. She made her mark and I will always cherish having known her and the times we did have together. My life is the richer for it.
They are such an amazing couple, amazing family, amazing friends. An inspiration.
