Waddeson Manor

After watching a documentary about this opulent chateux nestled in the Buckinhamshire countryside, I knew I had to make a visit and having a boy free weekend, I saw a road trip on the cards.

The gardens featured a 3D parterre, an aviary and my favourite, a rose garden.

I spent another day following the bees around, I certainly think I have found my calling. Then it was time to wander around the mansion. An enormous collection compiled by generations of the Rothschild family.

 

 It was so refreshing to visit such a beautiful place and have all the time in the world to explore and relax. It may not happen very often, but this is the time to myself that I treasure.

Leicester's Botanic Garden

 

This morning my boys left the house before I even woke. Off on a visit to see the in-laws, they left me at home as I already had plans.
The recent bout of hot weather has kept me in the cool shade of our front room, as the heat is far too much for me, but this morning I was up and out to make the most of the weather before it got too hot. It was a trip to our local Botanic Garden of the University of Leicester. Beautiful and expansive gardens not too far from the city, it is a little haven for wildlife and those seeking a little tranquility.
I met a school friend there for a little photo shoot of her perfectly charming little girl, it feels so good to be getting back in to the swing of photography again and I can't wait to see where it leads to next.

Brad-date

Our first date as husband and wife. A last minute trip to Bradgate Park with a fish and chip supper.

Perfect.

The Day We Wed - The Ceremony

We shared our wedding day with our closest family and friends at our favourite place, Calke Abbey. It was so personal, especially as it is where Dan proposed.

As the bridesmaids and I were getting ready, the boys arrived at Calke early to greet all of our guests in the stunning Calke Abbey Riding School that Sophie (of Honeysuckle and Castle) and I had worked so hard to make perfect.

The bridesmaids wore beautiful gowns by H&M (yes really...!) and the flower girls wore ivory dresses from Monsoon. Each carried a hand tied bouquet of lavender crafted by myself. The boys all wore morning suits hired from Greenwoods, including top hats and boutonnaires of wheat and lavender, again, crafted by myself.

My bridesmaids and I entered the ceremony to an acoustic version of Deadmau5's Arguru. A song that always reminds Dan and I of our first date to Fleetwood almost 6 years ago. My bridesmaid's brother Sam Hunt, did a fantastic job mixing the track for me so that it was more bridal than drum and bass... The perfect surprise for my husband to be.

It was a small and intimate gathering of only 34 guests in total. The drapes through the Riding School worked perfectly to make the open space intimate.

Louie did a fantastic job of looking after the rings and giving them to the registrar carefully. Our rings were specially made by Allen Brown Jewellers of Lichfield. Due to my engagement ring being such an unusual shape, we knew that we were going to need an expert jeweller to craft a wedding band to fit. Allen did a fantastic job of both of our unique wedding bands.

All images copywrite Ezekiel Taylor Photography

Part One - The Day we Wed

Part Two - The Ceremony

Part Three - The Gardens

With thanks to;

Honeysuckle and Castle - Wedding Planning Services
Ezekiel Taylor Photography - Wedding Photographer for the East Midlands
Phase Eight Bridal
The National Trust

Allen Brown Jewellers - Bespoke Jewellers to the West Midlands