Wednesday 1 August 2012

The Perfect Day

I am quite careful with my use of adjectives when describing things but I cannot think of a better one to use when I describe the day we had last Saturday for Milly and Tom's Wedding. It was simply The Perfect Day. Those of you who know me well appreciate that I rarely put family faces on my blog but I have had such support from all my blogging friends that I will make an exception here and I will post lots of family photos. It is hard to know quite where to start in describing this momentous day but I suppose the very first photo everyone wants to see is one of the beautiful bride and her handsome groom. I teased you on Saturday with my pre wedding peeks here  and I gave you a peek of the back of the dress. You all said that you were so excited to see the front of it..... so can I present to you...........................

The Bride and Groom.....;0)

Yes she looked totally radiant and Tom totally handsome. I will tease you a little longer wanting see the whole dress because to give a true record of the whole day I need to start at the beginning. This is quite a long post so do make yourself a cup of something, make yourself comfy and enjoy. For those who have just come to see today's card challenge just scroll to the end to find it.

The day started in Midhurst, West Sussex. Milly and I  had spent the day before there and some time in the future I will do a post about that because  it is a most historic town and well worth visiting. The hotel we stayed at dates from 1460 and was a typical old English hotel. It was wonderful to spend the last day before she married Tom together, some quality Mum and daughter time.  Our room was up in the eaves and as we woke up on the Saturday morning we could see that the sun was shining...from that moment we just knew the day would go well.

After a leisurely breakfast and a walk in the sunshine we set off for the wedding venue, Farbridge, in nearby West Dean. This is a wedding venue created from the restoration of gorgeous flint barns. It is set in the glorious West Sussex country side. There are also 10 en suite luxury rooms created from the old stable blocks so the immediate family were able to stay on site that night, which was such a bonus.
This was the view of the surroundings of Farbridge when we arrived...I can not think of a more perfect setting for a wedding. Through the gate to the left is this view.



The stream was full of fast flowing crystal clear water. The sheep were grazing in nearby fields and you could hear them gently bleating in the the sunshine.












This is the view from further back from the ceremony room. The sky had fluffy clouds drifting by and there was a gentle warm breeze so it was not too hot.







The florists and the caterers were already in full swing when we arrived, just before noon. Although the wedding was not until 3pm we could already see how wonderful the venue was looking. What struck me first
were the flowers, they just blew me away. Milly had wanted a "bright" theme for her wedding and wow she had achieved that with the most stunning displays. She also wanted the bridesmaids to carry sunflowers. The florists had never used such bold flowers for a wedding and they have actually asked for permission to use their photos for demos afterwards as they looked so spectacular.





Here are the ladies hard at work. At the far end is the table where the vows would be made.









This was the arrangement on the table.






And these were the little displays tied to the seat end with "Cadbury Purple" ribbon.













There were also large displays either side of the doors leading into the ceremony room.


These striking flowers were in long black vases set in the centre of every table in the reception room.
Milly's bouquet continued the theme and the bridesmaids carried sunflowers.


We left everyone to their work as it was soon time to start to get ready. Milly had her hair put up by an amazing stylist who we had already had a practise run with. I showed you a sneak peek of that on Saturday. We were groomed and polished and we were ready for the pre wedding photos by 2.15pm. The guests started arriving from 2pm and this was from the other side of the barn so we were able to keep Milly secret until she arrived in the ceremony barn. So here we are having our photos taken in Milly's room. You will be able to spot her pearls I made for her. Her bracelet was worn on her left wrist and is visible in later photos. You can also see the first glimpse of my beads...
I think it shows in our faces what proud parents we were.





Here are her 2 lovely bridesmaids, both friends from medical school days. They are wearing their necklaces I made and the pearl studs. Everything fitted perfectly. It was then time for me to leave Milly in the hands of her darling Dad and bridesmaids for the very last minute preparations and putting on her veil. I knew the next time I would see her would be walking into the ceremony barn to marry Tom. I stepped outside and went to greet some of the guests and also catch up with my son, who was one of ushers.










Here I am with my lovely boy. He looked so smart in his tails and silver waistcoat. You can see behind us the doors to the en suite rooms.

The guests all gathered together in the ceremony room and we took our seats. At 3.05pm the music struck up and everyone turned around to see the bridesmaids appear at the top of the steps and behind them the silhouette of Milly and my Hb in the door way. Their sunflower bouquets were so sunny and bright. You could not but smile.








As Milly got nearer I could see that she had decided to wear her veil down and at that point I really did struggle to hold my composure. She just looked so beautiful and her Dad was just so proud. It is a moment I will never forget and even now typing this it makes my eyes prickle.
She made her way down to Tom who looked at her with such adoring eyes I just knew that this marriage is for keeps. The ceremony was a civil service and they wrote their own vows. As they made their vows I just beamed with pride.



















There were several readings and they were pronounced husband and wife to rapturous applause.

It was then time to sign the register.










I just think there is so much love in this photo and they look so blissfully happy. They walked out of the ceremony barn to the tunes of  Bruno Mars' "Marry Me". If you don't know this song put it into Google and play it....such an upbeat song and everyone almost skipped out into the glorious sunshine ready for champagne on the lawn.











What an amazing backdrop they had for their photos. Everyone ate canapes whilst waiting for them to finish their photos and then it was time for the meal in the upper barn.
The tables were all named after places in England which have a lot of meaning to Milly and Tom.




The top table was "Leeds" which is where they met.


They came in again to tumultuous applause from everyone.

The meal was delicious. Speeches were made by my Hb, Tom and the Best Man. Some wonderful and memorable words were spoken and thank you gifts were given. This is Milly thanking her dear Bro.




 Milly and Tom had decided not to have a traditional cake but instead to have individual cheesecakes...they were so scrummy.




They were eaten as  the pudding, such a great idea. The cheeky topper they bought had the bride pinching the groom!

So of course after a most wonderful ceremony and meal it just had to be time to.......





PARTY!!!!!! They had bought lots of glow sticks and glow glasses. Everyone looked hilarious wearing them. Even my parents wore them....such a fun time.















Milly's gorgeous dress had a special ribbon tie system underneath so her train was converted into a stylish bustle for her to dance the night away. The bar sold their favourite cocktails as well as all the usual beverages.


















This is my son with his big sis....so lovely to see them together and to know that he has a brother in law now!

So all great things had to come to an end and after lots of hugs and good wishes we all made our way to bed. What was such a lovely touch is that we were all able to have breakfast together the next morning (there were a few sore heads there ;0) It was a perfect end to a perfect wedding. I could not have changed a single thing.

Milly and Tom are in Hollywood as I type. They flew out on their Honeymoon on Monday to the West Coast of America. They have hired a Ford Mustang and are driving the West coast for the next 3 weeks. They certainly have celebrated in style.



So for my card choice today  just has to be a Thank You card. I made this for my son's girlfriend's Mum who looked after Billy whilst we were away. I also gave her one of the amazing floral displays from the wedding. My house looks like a wonderful florist shop at the moment; I have stunning displays everywhere.
I would also like to dedicate this as a thank you to my fellow bloggers. I felt so much love from you all when I launched my blog post on Saturday. I was able to read all your sweet messages on my smart phone . What a wonderful bunch you all are. Thank you all so much.



I used a sweet Nelly Snellen stamp which I bought in a sale after Christmas and I have not inked it up before.

I thought the image was very appropriate (even though our Billy is more tabby) but I did colour the nose pink!
I used my Promarker pens and highlighted my colouring with my Prismacolor pencils. The backing papers are from my stash and from Nitwits (I won a $20 gift token from one of my card challenges). The gorgeous flowers are wild orchid crafts, I added some Stickles glitter glue to give them some "bling". The punched leaves are Martha Stewart. The sweet tag sentiment is from Lili of the Valley. I also added some bling rhinestones and a lovely gingham ribbon.

I would like to enter my card into the following card challenges;

Really Reasonable Ribbon #53 bling and ribbon
Divas by Designs #46 flowers
Crafter's Companion #27 best friends
Dream Valley #37 summer
Joanna Sheen Animal crackers
Cupcake Craftroom Fresh and summery
My Mum's Craft Shop ice cream flavours #68 my flavours are strawberry, a hint of pistachio with a cherry on top!! I think this is a really fun idea for a summer challenge.

So there we are, the long awaited post of Milly and Tom's Wedding. It was an unforgettable  journey from beginning to end. They arranged the whole event, I want to thank them too. I have also gained a wonderful new son in law, a soul mate to my darling daughter. Everyone had a ball and I was so proud to be a part of it........And yes, the bride just looked stunning :0)

It really was the Perfect Day.

We have so many memories of such a happy time and I wish them a lifetime of happiness together.

Bye for now,

Back soon (It's our Olympic visit on Tuesday!)

Jane x
(aka Mother in Law to Tom!)













49 comments:

  1. It really was a perfect day Jane, everything was so lovely. The bride and groom looked so happy.
    The dresses and flowers were beautiful. You, your Hb and Matt all looked fantastic.
    You will have so many treasured memories.
    I wish them lifelong happiness and I hope they have a brilliant time in the States!!
    Have a great time at the Olympics, it was a good day for Team GB today, I spent the afternoon cheering on Bradley. :) We have three local boys in the rowing tomorrow so will be cheering them on too.
    Vivienne x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks so much Vivienne ;0)
    More excitement to look forward to..
    ...Go Team GB!!
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ooh what beautiful photographs Jane. The happy couple looked just lovely - what a gorgeous dress! And you and your hubby looked so proud. Thank you so much for sharing the day!
    Victoria xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. Well Jane, what can I say other than it all looked totally wonderful.

    The venue looks amazing, the flowers just beautiful, the proud parents as it only fitting, the bride looked fabulous and of course your boy very handsome.

    Thanks you so much for sharing such a specill day.

    Like you I never blog family pictures, but also made an exception when one of our boys married. And they also dedicated a city to each table, although as she is French (and where they married) there was a continental mix.

    I will hopefully get everything posted off tomorrow, beet a bit up against it today with rush C&C samples for the weekend.

    B x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Looks like it was the perfect day Jane. The Bride looked stunning and the dress was gorgeous. Very best wishes to the happy couple.
    Hugs
    Caz x

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks it was such a special day Victoria and such a bonus that the sun shone on us :0) we were indeed such proud parents.

    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  7. I agree Brenda that it is such a special day which just has to be shared doesn't it. Thanks so much for your lovely challenge and I do hope that Buffy is still stable. Take care,
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you Caz and I have passed on everyone's kind wishes to the newly weds!
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jane, I don't think anybody could have wished for a more perfect day! Everything came together so beautifully. I'm sure many good memories were made and they will be remembered so fondly as the years progress. And what a cute thank you card! Hope you are still enjoying the summery bouquets! Thank you for sharing these glimpses into your lovely family's most special occasion! Sending hugs and welcoming the newlyweds as they visit the west coast! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dear Jane and family... I absolutely loved reading each word and seeing each photo of the wedding. It looked just totally perfect from start to finish. You are gorgeous and Milly looks just like you! Just FAB!!
    *C*O*N*G*R*A*T*U*L*A*T*I*O*N*S*!* from Oregon! I hope your daughter gets to see the Oregon coast and maybe even the Columbia River Gorge!
    ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Michele, my West Coast girl ;0). What a day we had and to celebrate it with our nearest and dearest was so special. The bouquets continue to fill my house with colour..gorgeous!
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ah thanks Teresa, you are so kind. The newly weds are en route up the coast...they have an amazing itinery. Wave through the ether to them ;0)
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  13. gorgeous photographs and a sweet card
    hugs Kate x

    ReplyDelete
  14. Such a beautiful post! What a wonderful wedding, perfectly arranged and everyone looks so lovely and happy! Love Milly's gorgeous dress, and the delightful pictures of the happy couple :)
    Your outfit was lovely too, Jane, and all the jewellery you created specially for the wedding looked so pretty.
    Enjoy the Olympics...it's certainly a busy time for your journal!
    Helen x

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thank you Helen for your lovely comments, it all came together perfectly. I am still walking around with a smile on my face. I am going to see my parents today and have a wonderful wedding debrief over lunch at Coolings ;0)
    Olympics here we can...so much excitement here! Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  16. You clearly all had the most perfect day Jane(wonderful that the weather held up for you too)...I am so happy for you all...everyone looked simply devine and such a beautiful bride (and 'Mother of' too I must say!)
    How fantastic too for Milly & Tom to now be driving along the west coast of America in a Ford Mustang..such a perfect start to their life together!
    Enjoy the Olympics Jane..it's time for you to take it easy!
    Susan x

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a completely fabulous looking day! I am so glad all went well (although with all the work put into it, I never expected anything else). You all look wonderful, nice to see all those fantastic beads with the dresses and I love that the wedding is set in the countryside. I hope you are relaxing now and enjoying the Olympics, I know how much work is involved in a wedding. Thanks for sharing the photos, Bethx (the linen cat)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Beautiful! May the marriage be as perfect as the wedding!

    ReplyDelete
  19. The perfect post of the perfect day, dear Jane! I have said it a few times earlier, but everything is so beautiful, the flowers, jewelry and most of them all the bride&mom! This day will be remembered a long, long time... And what a perfect (my new favorite word I think?) start to the newlywed's life together. Much love and happiness to them!

    I wish you wonderful first days of August, and fantastic time in the Olympics! We've been watching quite a lot of them and your team seems to be doing great (we're still waiting our first medal...).

    Lot's of sunshine (really!) from Finland again!

    Yours,
    Mia

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks so much Susan and we could not believe the weather after the summer we had up til then! Milly and Tom are in San Diego as we speak...I agree what a start!
    I am really enjoying the Olympics,
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks Beth it really was the most idyllic setting. I am really relaxing and enjoying our Olympic Games. Enjoy your visit there!
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  22. Here, here Linda ;0)
    There is a lot of love there!
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi my dear Mia. Yes it was so perfect and we did enjoy every single moment. I so enjoyed sharing all the build up and the big day here with my blogging buddies. Milly and Tom have driven up to San Diego, what a start to married life for them ;0)
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  24. Jane! It truly was a perfect day, you are so right! There are smiles aplenty on everyone's faces..and Mily and Tom sure look so happy together! All of the gorgeous details (those bright vibrant flowers and the bridesmaid's dresses, to your wonderful jewelry and those dapper men in their coattails! How marvelous! I just cracked up at the pinching bride..too funny! And what an amazing venue for your daughter's wedding..it was perfect! I am really happy for them, for your whole family and for the future to come enjoying your new son-in-law and his family. It is exciting to know they're out on the West coast!! I hope they enjoy all of it and visit San Francisco and the wine country...perhaps they'll head to Sonoma or Napa? Oh it's beautiful here too..I really hope they get some good weather and really enjoy themselves. Thanks so much for posting these amazing pictures, Jane!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am still grinning from ear to ear Shirley. I just had a text from Milly and she said that her and Tom cannot stop talking about their Perfect Day. They are off to San Diego Zoo in the morning ;0) Thank you for all your wonderful comments, I so enjoyed sharing this wonderful time,
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  26. Gorgeous photos and such a pretty card....thanks for joining the Divas!
    xxx Margreet

    ReplyDelete
  27. Dear Jane,

    This is my first visit to Jane's Journal - via Vivienne's blog - and I am grinning away here after reading this joy filled post. I would simply like to wish the radiant bride, Milly, a rich, peaceful, long life with her obvioiusly elated husband Tom. May their lives together be beautiful and filled with hope.

    Stephanie

    ps It was lovely to meet you.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hello Stephanie, lovely to meet you too and thank you for visiting my blog. We had such a special time and I think my photos do show just how happy Milly and Tom are. Thank you for your very kind wishes to them ;0)
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  29. Dear Jane, thank you for sharing your special day! Everything looks so beautiful, Millie and Tom look so happy and I wish them all the best and happiness! All the dresses are fantastic and you look so good and young! You have made really special jewelleries and they will be unforgetable memories!
    Have fun with Olympics and enjoy your weekend 'MIL'! x Teje
    PS. I read this post first thing in the morning when it came to my reader, but didn't find right words so early - that's why I'm now quite late with my comment.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Superb card Jane and beautiful wedding pics, Thanks for joining us at Joanna Sheen this challenge. Hugs Teresa xx

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thanks Teje for your lovely words, we certainly have some unforgettable memories...this time last week Milly was getting into her dress ;0)
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  32. Lovely card, love your LO and the image, thanks for joining our challenge at MMCS, hope to see you again, Gaynor xx

    Lovely wedding photo's too

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thanks Gaynor, the excitement continues tonight...3 golds for Team GB in the athletics..what a night!! Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  34. A gorgeous card and thanks for sharing those beautiful pics, looks like you had a fabulous day and Congrats to the happy couple! Thanks for joining us at Divas!
    Helen x

    ReplyDelete
  35. We certainly had such a fabulous time Helen. The newlyweds are off to the Grand Canyon today, what a lucky panr. Thanks for liking my card,
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi Jane,( I read your wedding post of Friday but could not comment until the weekend.)
    How splendid----what a lovely couple. I love the blending of modern and traditional elements. Thanks for all of the previews and for sharing your family's day!!
    Bon voyage for the honeymooners!!
    Have fun watching the Olympics!

    Anne
    PlumCreek22

    ReplyDelete
  37. Aw Jane thankyou so much for sharing the ownderful day from start to finish, I feel like I attended, Its a miserable afternoon her thunder and lightning and pouring,but you have brightened up my afternoon sweetie, thankyou and I am so pleased you enjoyed it all.The card is goregous darlin as always, thanks big huggies Juen xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thanks Anne it was a perfect day, all their hard work paid off..everyone thinks so too. They are at the Grand Canyon today :-)
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  39. I'm delighted I cheered up your afternoon June..the smiles in the photos say it all!
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  40. Wow Jane it looks like it was such a amazing day as it should be and your jewellery was just a perfect touch. Your card is super cute :D

    Hugs

    Amy xx

    P.S. In case you haven't seen I am setting up a new challenge blog and there is a chance to win some follower candy HERE

    ReplyDelete
  41. It was indeed Amy. Thanks for visiting.
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  42. Everything was so lovely and full of those special personal touches! What a beautiful family! Thank-you for sharing your life with your blog friends. I hope your daughter and new husband have a wonderful time in the States--the California coast is a great area to explore. Again, congratulations!

    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thank you Jane, it was such a special day and everything was just perfect. They are having an amazing honeymoon and are visiting the Grand Canyon at the moment. What a lucky pair!
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  44. A lovely card & lovely photos. Thanks for joining us at Crafters Companion Monthly Challenge. x

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks for popping by Caroline,
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for leaving a comment; I really enjoy reading every single one of them.

To comply with the new Data Protection legislation (GDPR) May 2018 I wish to state that any comments left here are with your consent that your name & comment are visible to anyone who visits my blog and that you accept that your personal information is being used for that specific purpose.

Jane x