One Castle, One Dress, One Wedding

On August bank holiday weekend I had the pleasure of spending the entire weekend at Walton Castle for my sisters wedding. (Forget for a moment that my sister was getting married... we were staying in a friggin castle!) Rich and I decided to make a long weekend of it and took Friday off work as well. We drove down to Clevedon and (after an emergency stop at Cribbs to buy swim shorts) arrived at about 3pm. If anyone has ever been to Clevedon you will know that it is one of the most stunning places on the planet. With private beaches and a picturesque pier (yes, this was where the One Direction video was filmed) and cute little cafes serving cream teas, there aren't many other places I'd rather spend a weekend. After a quick stop to take in the sea air we headed straight up to the castle. Not one to do things by halves, my sister and Graham kicked things off on the Friday night with a BBQ and pool party.

The Saturday we woke up bright and early (well 10am...) to organise that days entertainment. More friends and family came down and after a quick round of archery and a soggy game of rounders we settled down to chomp on the biggest picnic I've ever seen. No photos of this... I was, of course, stuffing my face, worries about fitting into my bridesmaid dress apparently forgotten.
 

At 4:30 we headed back to my sisters house (equally stunning views) and chowed down on yet more treats - homemade croissants courtesy of Carl and ginger biscuits courtesy of Alice.

After an earlish night it was the big day! Preparation started at 6am... Pip (of course) went for a run. Look at that view! I like to think that if I have a view like this I would go running more... The hairdresser came at 7, make-up at 10 and before we knew it it was time to set off for the church.

Pip had hired this gorgeous vintage car to take us to the church - it was just a 15 minute (bumpy) drive away and there we waited for the beautiful bride to make her entrance.

After the (slightly tear-jerking) ceremony we headed back to Walton Castle for the proper photos. Bridesmaids duty officially over it was time to relax with just one (okay maybe two..) glasses of champagne. The salmon en-croute and sticky toffee pudding dinner was incredible - it always amazes me how catering companies can pull something like that off in just a marquee. Teary speeches and cutting of the cake ensued and after the first dance (your song by Elton John, sung by Pip's incredibly talented friend Hattie) the night was well and truely underway. Past 8pm there aren't many photos but of course we had to have a round or two in the photobooth...