Down by the sparkling lake and nestled between the tall trees, something really exciting was happening. Splash and Willow, two otters who loved each other very much, were getting married!

Standing side by side, holding paws, Splash and Willow were dressed in their finest clothes, with all their woodland friends gathered around them. Rustle the sleepy hedgehog was curled up under a moss-covered tree, while Holly the robin and Nutmeg the squirrel sat on a high branch to get a good view of the happy couple. There was a gentle breeze carrying the sweet scent of lavender.

With a skip, Bramble the rabbit hopped his way to the front of the gathering. He was wearing a tiny bow tie and carrying a bunch of pretty wildflowers. Everyone was surprised when he said he would be in charge of the ceremony. Bramble talked about how Splash and Willow really love each other, sharing funny stories about their adventures.

Bramble cleared his throat and began to tell a story that caught everyone’s attention. “Splash visited me at my burrow one day,” he began, “asking to borrow one of my crackers for a picnic he had planned for the two of them. He was bouncing with excitement as he told me his plan to tuck a beautiful ring inside.”

The woodland creatures leaned in, wanting to hear more. “But here’s where it gets interesting,” Bramble continued with a chuckle. “Splash didn’t expect to win the ring himself! So, when Willow realised what had happened, she got down on one knee herself!”

Gasps of surprise and delight filled the air, and the woodland creatures couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Splash and Willow’s playful and warm engagement.

Splash and Willow then promised to always be together, and everyone clapped and cheered for them!

After the ceremony, the happy couple, along with their woodland friends, hurried off to play some fun games that had been set up by a small local company run by an adventurous family of beavers.

Splash and Willow eagerly approached the stand-up paddle boarding area, where colourful paddle boards were lined up by the water’s edge. Excitedly, they grabbed a board each and waded into the lake.

“Watch me, Willow!” Splash exclaimed, balancing carefully as he climbed onto his paddle board. He began paddling smoothly across the water’s surface. Eager not to be left behind, Willow did the same. With a bit of wobbling at first, she soon started paddling alongside Splash exploring every corner of the lake. Splash's Grandparents decided to join in the fun and give paddle boarding a try too. They even challenged Splash and Willow to a race and won!

Meanwhile, Rustle woke from his nap under the moss-covered tree. With a sleepy yawn and a stretch, he waddled over to the archery range, ready to show off his surprisingly sharp aim. Holly the robin fluttered down from her perch on a nearby branch, eager to try her wing at archery as well. With Nutmeg the squirrel cheering them on, they took turns aiming for the targets, jumping with delight with each successful shot.

The family of beavers had created a wonderful playground for everyone to enjoy, and even offered boat rides and a mini-golf course for those looking for more fun!

After their fun-filled activities, Splash, Willow and their woodland friends entered a room beautifully decorated with colourful paper chains and flowers. There was a buzz of excitement and anticipation as everyone took in the charming setting.

In one corner stood a magnificent 3-tiered cake, crafted by the talented field mice bakers who lived in the nearby farmhouse. It was a sight to behold, covered with delicate sugar flowers that looked almost real. The most enchanting detail was on the top of the cake – Splash and Willow, crafted from icing were having a picnic together.

Splash and Willow exchanged delighted glances, admiring the creativity and skill of the bakers and the other small companies that had helped make the room look so special. Everything looked perfect and the woodland creatures couldn’t help but appreciate the attention to detail.

The tables were decorated with centrepieces that looked like little forests, with twisting vines and delicate flowers. At each spot, there was a charming white cracker tied with green ribbons, each with a tiny luggage tag attached bearing the name of the person sitting there. They looked just right with the forest decorations. Bramble, who had been asked to make the crackers, had truly outdone himself!

"Where's Rustle?" Nutmeg asked, noticing he wasn't at his seat. "It's not like him to be late for a meal."

All the woodland creatures joined in the search, looking high and low. Splash and Willow sniffed around with their keen otter noses. 

Bramble stayed inside while Nutmeg scurried outside. They often found themselves playing this game, “Find Rustle the Hedgehog.” Only this time he must have found a really good hiding spot.

Suddenly, there was a loud gasp as Splash spotted something stir behind the cake table. “Look!” he cried, pointing a paw excitedly.

There, nestled in the corner, was Rustle, snoring softly. He had found the perfect spot for a nap, completely unaware of the fuss he had caused.

“Typical Rustle,” Nutmeg chuckled, as she gave him a gentle nudge. Rustle woke and blinked sleepily. “Oh, hello everyone,” he mumbled, rubbing his eyes. “I didn’t miss the meal, did I?”

As they settled back at the table, everyone reached for the crackers in front of them. They pulled them apart with loud snaps, eager to see what lay inside.  

“What a beautiful pebble!” exclaimed Nutmeg.

“Yeah, Willow put a lot of thought into them. Those pebbles are from her own collection,” Holly remarked. “I’ve often admired them; she always finds the best ones. I’ve always said I’d love to have one for my nest.”

Willow blushed at all the praise. “I just wanted to share a piece of my treasure with everyone,” she said modestly.

The woodland animals appreciated Willow’s thoughtful gesture, each thinking of where they could display their new treasure.

Tucked inside the cracker, they also found some very funny jokes. “Why did the otters decide to get married?” Bramble read aloud, grinning mischievously. “Because they knew they’d never find a better catch!”

Rustle groaned, as the rest of the table laughed.

After the laughter died down, they all eagerly dug into their meal. Splash, who loved his food, had carefully picked the freshest vegetables from the nearby farm, and had caught the biggest fish from a nearby stream that very morning!

As the cake was being cut, Holly looked nervous. “They asked me to sing their first dance song” she whispered to Nutmeg and Rustle, her voice trembling with stage fright.

“You’re a beautiful singer!” encouraged Nutmeg, Rustle nodded in agreement. “You’ll be wonderful!”

Holly flew over to the dance floor, smiling nervously. But when the music started playing, no words came out from Holly’s beak. Nutmeg stepped forward, realising she had forgotten the words, “just sing what you can see!”

Holly looked around, then started to sing:

“Little forests standing proud,
Happy faces in the crowd.
Crackers on the table to make us grin,
Adding to the joy we’re in.

I love my pebble oh so much,
Shiny, bright and smooth to touch.
You’re the otters near the lake,
What a lovely cake the mice did bake! 

While I sing my happy song,
I hope this won’t go on too long!
Please join them both for their first dance,
Best hurry now it’s your last chance! 

How wonderful the otters look, so grand,
Let’s give them a cheer that’s heard across the land!”

Holly’s quirky lyrics had everyone laughing and cheering, turning her performance into an unforgettable moment. Willow and Splash thanked her with big smiles and warm hugs.

Reflecting on what a happy day it had been, the guests said goodnight and left the newlyweds to begin their next adventure together.