I almost forgot how beautiful weddings are
Especially when a lovely couple has to postpone for two years
A blend of Chinese custom in a tranquil western setting
Perfect way to start a new life
The weather report said Saturday would be cold and gloomy, turned out they were wrong. It was a bit chilly, but we couldn't have asked for a better day for a wedding in April. The venue, Berwick Lodge is a beautiful boutique hotel in the west of England, on the outskirts of the city, but a hidden away from everything and everyone. Built in 1890 during the Victorian era, the mansion was originally a wedding present by a marine General for his daughter. Since then, it has been used as a private residence, a school for children with special learning needs, a psychiatric hospital and finally a lavish boutique hotel in 2009.
The outdoor area is massive, and is perfect to have a traditional English afternoon tea in the summer. However, yesterday was a bit too chilly to dine outdoors. In fact, it was a bit chilly to stand outside for too long without my coat on. The photographers did the photos here, as the garden provided plenty of stunning backdrop for the wedding shots. And of course I had to remove my boring coat to take the photos, got to look my best for wedding photos even though I'm just a guest. Boy, was it chilly!! I felt sorry for the bride and the bridesmaid in their beautiful sleeveless gowns.
| This Summer House dates back to 1890 | And looks absolutely enchanting at night |
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Back to the wedding. Although the wedding was a western style one, the newlyweds instilled some Chinese tradition into it. Such as the lovely little red gift boxes placed at each seat. It has the traditional double happiness symbol on it which is always used at weddings.This can also be found on the red cushions which the newlyweds use to kneel on when they serve tea to the elderlies. A tradition to thank the parents and elderlies for everything.
The wedding ceremony was held in one of the outbuildings on site, an intimate event with about 80 to 90 guests I think. And after the ceremony, I managed to catch this rather blurry photo of the lovely couple.
Then is the cutting the wedding cake, where I managed to find a nice top down view, followed by dinner and dancing for the young at heart.
I can't remember the last time I went to a wedding, it was definitely some years even before Covid.
I can't remember the last time I went somewhere where no one wore a mask, that seemed like another universe
And I can't remember how beautiful weddings can be, it was lovely to be at one again