This weekend I attended a family wedding. A few decades ago this would have been an impossible event, and even now it is not possible in many countries around the world. Luckily, we live in modern times in UK, and weddings are an all inclusive events open to everyone. This lovely couple held their special day at an absolutely stunning location. This location is so beautiful that it is worthy of a travel post, but I'm going to keep it as a wedding post as I feel it's important to celebrate this special occasion.
The Wedding
It was a beautiful ceremony, full of the usual little gaffs that happen during wedding such as the little page boy running down the aisle to mummy instead of walking slowly ahead of the couple, and one of the brides saying I do eagerly before she is supposed to. It's all these little things that make the ceremony such a lovely intimate affair.
The reception was held in a marquee and they opened up one side looking out into the garden. It was lovely to feel the warm summer breeze flowing in, as if nature was blessing us with the most glorious weather.
The wedding cake was simple yet filled with loved. They were topped with a bay leaf on each, freshly picked the previous day from one of the mother of the bride's own tree at home. I'm told the tree meant a lot to the family. What they didn't know is that our family surname means leaf in Chinese. They were over the moon when I told them that, and that the love of one family has now become the union of two, linked by marriage and a tree.
The House
The wedding of course is the highlight of the day, but the venue itself was totally outstanding and deserves a mention. It is a 12th century medieval house surrounded by a moat.
This is one of the entrances across the moat that leads into the courtyard and then the house.
It was the perfect location to welcome the newlyweds after the ceremony. Everyone lined up here waiting for them to walk through.
And this is the terrace on the other side of the house. This is where the guests all mingled after the ceremony, offering our first congratulations to the newlyweds, and taking photos, both of the wedding and this beautiful location.
The Gardens
After the ceremony and photo shoot at the house, we moved to the gardens where they continued to serve drinks and take more photos. This was a perfect arrangement as there was so much to do here. Some quests walked by the moat surrounding the house, some choose to wander into the secret garden, and some like myself played with the garden games laid out for us.
The Field
There was a massive wheat field next to the venue that belonged to the owner. They have harvested the wheat, and the bales of hay were tied up left on the fields. It was the perfect place for a walk around in the afternoon. Luckily the host had advised us to wear comfortable shoes (I had my stilettoes on for the ceremony earlier on) otherwise it would have been rather difficult for me to stand on top of the bale of hay.
As the afternoon drew and the sun began to set, the golden ray shining onto the hay was a beautiful view.
The Gift
A few month ago I went to another wedding, and gifted the newlywed a Swarovski crystal from my personal collection. This time, I did the same and gifted them this set.
And in traditional Chinese fashion, a wedding gift always includes a little wad of cash especially when its family. Wishing the newlyweds all the best in their new live together.
