A Country Wedding

At the end of March my 'little' cousin got married... I say 'little' when in fact she's now in her 30s! I still remember many Summer holidays playing with her and her older siblings in the village where they lived

The day started cold and foggy but as we travelled towards Leicestershire the sun began to peep through. After the lovely ceremony in the church on the grounds of Prestwold Hall, we all walkedup a leafy lane to the venue.

What a beautiful location for a wedding! The house was superb and the grounds just
breath-taking

thanks to my Mum for the shot of Prestwold Hall

The sun began to shine and friends and family gathered on the lawns for canapes. We were served prawns with chili and ginger dip, chicken satay, scallops and stilton and chutney pastries. The atmosphere was so relaxed as we sipped sparkling rose and admired the view.

My cousin Kim looked absolutely stunning in her vintage style lace wedding dress (and Tom scrubbed up well too!) I couldn't believe how she was now all grown up...brought a tear to my eye!

The whole day had such a lovely relaxed feel to it and we really enjoyed spending time with all of our family.
Prestwold Hall was a fantastic choice and the weather could not have been better. Once inside we could wander round freely and we were made to feel totally at ease.

Mum & Dad making themselves at home!

The speeches were short and funny and the atmosphere remained fun throughout the day. We met some really lovely people on our table and the food...well I don't think I've ever enjoyed food at a wedding as much as I did that day...it was delicious!!

I was very touched to see that Kim and Tom had named their tables after the year family members had got married. My table was 1947..the year my Dad's parents Edna & Bill (my Nanny & Grandad) were married. So lovely that they were included in the special day.

Then it was time to party! Kim & Tom had their first dance (more welling up on my part!) then I hit the dancefloor with my fabulous cousins, brother, my parents, uncles, aunties and other (slightly) tipsy wedding guests. The playlist was cheesy but so much fun...9 to 5 and Thriller were particular highlights!!

Although there was a professional photographer on the day (we've yet to see the photos as the pair jetted off to India for a 3 week honeymoon!)

My brother has recently started out as a wedding photographer himself. Here are some of his lovely shots from the day....

OK, OK I know it's blatant nepotism but hey, I like his work and I hope you will too. Funny how we've both ended up being part of the wedding industry...please take a look at Wayne's site below

Wayne R Bowman Photography

Simple Pleasures

School starts again tomorrow for our 5 year old and to be honest I'm quite sad about the fact. Before the holidays started I was panicking about how I would manage to get all of my work done and look after both boys. I needn't have worried as firstly my Mum came to the rescue and had them for a few days each week - she loved having them over at her house and they always have a good time with Nanny (& Grandad) I remember playing at my cousin's house or staying with my Grandparents as a child and it was so exciting. However it doesn't stop the Mummy guilt from creeping in!

The other days of each week the boys stayed at home with me and I really enjoyed spending some quality time with them. Both weekends we decided to go out and do something as a family too which was brilliant and something we don't get to do very often. 

The boys are only going to be this little for such a short time that I decided I really must forget the work stress and make the most of every moment.

 We're lucky that we live quite close to a wonderful park. Alfie had a lovely time riding his bike and helping me take some Spring photos. We saw ducklings and talked about the flowers. 

Easter Sunday we had an Easter Egg Hunt in our back garden. This is one of Alfie's favourite past times even when it's not Easter!! Charlie was helped around the garden and squealed with delight watching Alfie dart around with his bucket.

Bank holiday Monday we took a (very soggy) trip to Twin Lakes near Melton Mowbray. The weather was pretty atrocious - the clouds didn't lift all day and we got soaked but we made the most of it! Alfie even got to feed a baby lamb and Charlie was mesmorised...I got a turn to feed the lambs too and it was such a joy.

 This last Saturday we ventured to the seaside - our most favourite place. We headed for Hunstanton. It was a sunny day at least but the wind was bitter but we were by the sea so none of us cared! Charlie spent ages sitting on the beach playing with stones while Alfie and Daddy tried to skim stones across the waves.

Next it was fair rides and crazy golf followed by a stint in the amusements. Before leaving for home we had some fish and chips and Alfie insisted on an ice cream even though the temperature at this point was close to freezing by my reckoning!!

It's been such a fun holiday and I managed to finish my workload too. Now I can't wait for the next one!