The Day We Wed, Part One

At the end of May this year, I married my love, Dan. It was the perfect day we had dreamt of for so, so long. Here begins the story of our day...

After a full day of preparation, bridesmaid Becka, my Mom and I stayed in the most beautiful little cottage on the Calke estate for a night of watching tv, eating pizza and drinking bubbly in anticipation for the big day ahead of us. Becka and I, who shared a bed, stayed up in to the wee hours, gossiping and trying desparately to sleep. Of course we were up at the crack of dawn (literally) watching the sun come up through the tiny window in our room. 

The morning of the wedding was so relaxed. We made preparations for getting ready, sat down to an enormous continental breakfast and ended up watching Rosemary and Thyme whilst waiting for Anna and Zeke (our amazing photographer) to arrive. Then it was operation bride!

After all the important people arrived, we got down to the business of hair and make up. I decided to do everything myself and I am so pleased with the outcome. Becka and I did a fantastic job with my vintage style up do which was the perfect solution for my all day hairstyle. It gave the 1920's feel that Dan and I had been dreaming of for all of the years we have been together.

Then I slipped on my wedding gown. I chose my gown after seeing it on Pinterest a very long time ago. When we decided that we were actually going to get married, I hunted it down, had it ordered to our local Phase Eight boutique and we bought it then and there. Due to my size, we did have to make a few alterations  and we ended up adding 50 hand sewn buttons to the back and also some pearls to the waistline. I am still so in love with the Mariette gown, it was the perfect dress.

Then it was time for a few bridal shots before rushing down to Calke!

All images copywrite Ezekiel Taylor Photography

To follow; Part Two - The Ceremony



With thanks to;

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

Haircut

With less than a week to go before the Wedding day, our amazing hairdresser popped around to give us all a once over so that we are looking lovely for the big day. Strangely enough, it was the first time I have ever captured a Louie haircut on camera, it has only taken 4 1/2 years. 

#heidishen

For weeks and weeks, my bridesmaids and Mother Hen have been plotting behind my back, a secret Hen Party. All I have known is the date, I didn't even know who was going to attend. This morning, I got all ready and waited for my chauffeur to arrive (also known as my sister...), I donned my blindfold and off we went.
Even though I guessed the direction we were going on (I seriously think that my super power would be navigation!) I had no idea as to where we would be going or what we would be doing.

We arrived at Stapleford Park hotel. A beautiful 4 star country house deep in the Leicestershire countryside. We were escorted through the house to the billiard room which had been decorated beautifully by my little team of hens! Photographs covered the walls, canapés made by Becka decorated the table and two hair stylists were waiting to give us all vintage makeovers!

I was so pleased to see this friendly face! Helen, my friend from school who now lives in Edinburgh made it back to spend the day with us, it couldn't have been any more special! 

 In total there were 8 of us, Laura and Nicola from work, Hellie from school, Anna and myself, Mother Hen, Teresa my sister and my lovely Becka!!

After we had all been beautified, it was time for our afternoon tea. Most of us chose to sample the extensive tea menu. Coffee and Ameretto, Mango, Passionfruit and Hibiscus and Rose were just some of the delights that we chose. 

We had a traditional afternoon tea, with neat finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam and a selection of petit fours.  

Thankfully we were indoors all day as the weather was frightful. The view from our window was of beautiful yellow rape fields and incredibly moody skies. Most of the day we watched the rain move in sheets over the golf course in the distance. We would have enjoyed a stroll through the gardens but unfortunately, I was the only one who came prepared, I was 'put off the scent' by being told to bring wellies and a raincoat.

On our way out I was able to see the beautiful surroundings, thankfully no longer blindfolded. We were escorted out by this little pheasant. 

It was a beautiful day, the girls went to so much effort creating a scrapbook, orchestrating a 'Mr and Mrs' quiz (we both got most of the questions right!) and baking so many different things! I had a truly wonderful day.

19 days to go!!!

If you happen to be on instagram, search #heidishen for more photos from the day!

This week we have been...

Playing with water in the sunshine

 Baking Bread

Mama's loaf and Mr Bee's loaf!

 An awful lot of sleeping

 Playing Hide and Seek

 Having our hair cut, new 'do for Mama Bee

 National Trust-ing with our friends

 Bee Spotting

 Eating

 Having Mama and Papa time at the Cinema

 Playing at the park

Phew... We're exhausted!