The whirlwind that was the wedding planning process came and went. The 18month time frame we had just flew by and before I knew it the day was here!
Our venue, was Llandaff Country Residence, in Masterton. Llandaff is a big old Homestay built in 1890 which now operates as a boutique bed and breakfast. It was the ideal all in one location for our country/vintage wedding.
We were super lucky with the weather as all week they were threatening rain, luckily the rain stayed away but the sun was intense with temperatures of over degrees!
We set up some chairs and umbrellas (in case of rain or sun) on the expansive lawn and it was absolutely perfect!
Because the venue was a bed and breakfast it meant that I could stay there the night before with my bridesmaids and I had hair and make-up come to us.
Our hairdresser, Lynley Wyeth was knocking at our door at 9am ready to go!
Straight after hair it was into the next room to see Lorna Potter to get makeup done.
While the hair and make-up was going on I gave my Bridesmaid the gift bags I had made for them. They each got a calico bag I had made and painted their names and 'duty' on. Each bag contained; a pair of jandels, perfume, their jewellery, a survival kit (with makeup removers, hair pins, plasters etc) a botttle of water and a chocolate bar.
Kyla, our flower girl, also got one with a few toys to keep her happy, she carried around that bag all day.
Before you knew it I was beautified and ready to go!
Then it was time for that moment every girl dreams of...... putting on THE DRESS
My Bridesmaids got dresssed into the dresses I had made for them
I had my last minute touchups.....
And we were good to go!
The Legal Stuff
Heading towards the service was the most nerve wrecking experience of my life! My heart was beating a million miles a minute. I was so nervous!
Everyone was seated and eagerly waiting my arrivial. (I must say I do not remember the clouds being that black! It was over 30degrees!!!)
My arrival was not a traditional one. I rode my white horse Roxy up to the aisle ! She was so well behaved considering she is usually a handful
Having my Dad walk me down the aisle was the most touching moment. I am his eldest daughter and he loves Cody like a son. He was so proud and man did he scrub up well!!
Then it was time to do those vows. Me and Cody had written our service, and to be honest I couldnt even tell you to this day what we said - it all went by so quickly and because it was so hot, we were just about dying up there!
Then before you knew it we were husband and wife!
Now...POSE!
Straight after the service we had arranged for Mr Whippy to come and give all our guests ice-creams! It was such a perfect idea (and it was one of Codys)
Then we were off for our bridal photos - here are a few of my favourites.......
PARTY TIME:
Once all the formalities were out the way we headed to the reception, because we had an 'all in one' venue, the reception room was merely metres away..
I was so nervous as we waited to be announced into the reception, but Cody took it all in his stride and in we went as husband and wife!
Once we were seated we started off with a few speeches
We had some of the most amazing speeches - Codys one diffently brought tears to my eyes..
We did our first dance to Lonestar - Amazed.. for a few minutes anyway, then it went into Micheal Jackson - The Way You Make Me Feel, which got everyone up on the dance floor for a boogey.
