Calke and Calke Explore

Today I took my sleepy sausage to Calke to meet Anna, Isaac and Alistair for a day out. He was quite sad all day and not himself, I think he needs to stop waking up in the night!! We spent most of the day trying to hide from the sun as it was soooo hot but we still had a lovely time.
After Anna and her boys went home, we did a little loop and went back to visit Calke Explore, the brand new woodland adventure play area hidden in the Calke forest.

What a fantastic little area they have created for such a range of ages, well done Calke!

The Day We Wed - The Photos

After all of the ceremonial formalities, we had a little drink with our wedding party before sneaking off for the wedding photographs in the beautiful grounds and gardens of Calke Abbey. Of course, being such a frequent visitor, I had all of the best places in mind for our photographs and boy, we had such a laugh with our photographer Zeke and our wedding coordinator Sophie!

 

 

Zeke was such a star and he had us laughing before we had really gotten started with the photos! Dan was pulling faces and all four of us had to compose ourselves before starting again. We really didn't take the whole 'couples photos' very seriously and had a cracking time being silly!

Of course it wouldn't have been right for me to not have worn a pair of wellies to stomp around in, and it worked out pleasantly as my legs were not happy to walk in my beautiful wedding shoes. My wellies were the beautiful Evedon by Joules, in a stunning shade of red with big, ivory organza bows.

Of course more fun! Dan and I had one specific place that we wanted our photos taken, and that was the summer house in the corner of the walled garden. This little folly has always had a little place in our hearts since our first visit in 2011. Zeke had us posing and rearranging the furniture to do some arm wrestling! (Dan won, of course!)

 

Then Louie came to join us for a few photos, which he was not willing to cooperate with! Some bribing later, we managed to get a few but he was far too interested in having fun with his entire family waiting for him in front of the house!

 

 

It was so romantic to return to the very spot that Dan proposed  in. I am sure not many couples can say that they got married in the very same place that they got engaged so we are very thankful for having the opportunity, it was a dream come true. 

 

 

 

Everyone gathered for the formal photos with the mansion as the backdrop before we all headed back to the Riding School for the delicious wedding breakfast.

All images copywrite Ezekiel Taylor Photography

Part One - The Day we Wed

Part Two - The Ceremony

Part Three - The Photos

With thanks to;

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

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.