Here is Ruth and her gorgeous sisters, I wish you could hear their lovely Scottish accents through the photograph! When this photo was taken they had just taken all of the food baskets around the apartments. Unfortunately a small rain shower happened and they got a bit soggy!
Sarah and Louise were wonderfully helpful with set up. Jonathan was on childcare for the day, looking after their daughter Arabella, leaving the girls free to get cracking.
Silver vintage tea lights and little vases of roses set off the fireplaces superbly.
Hydrangeas are in full bloom at this time of year and looked great in white pots on the window sills. It was lovely that these could easily be given away as presents or taken home to plant after the wedding.
The ballroom was laid up in two long banquet style tables, with more Roses, Hydrangeas and silver tea lights down the centre.
Deryn from 'Twigs' was the florist for the weekend. The Hydrangeas again in this display looked amazing and picked up the pink and white theme.
So after a meal at the Rock Pub on Friday night, Saturday morning preparations began. The boys met for a beer and put on their button holes. I got rather a shock on Friday when I realised I went to sixth form college with 'the master of ceremonies', Simon (third from the right). I haven't seen him for 23 years, it brought lots of memories flooding back....you haven't changed a bit!
This was Simon back in the day (the one on the left), he always was the cool one with his bow tie undone, even before the Ball started!
Ruth's dress was absolutely gorgeous, it had a pink hue that added a delicate softness to the overall effect. Thank you Pete Cox, Ruth and Jonathan's talented photographer, for the photos.
Stunning!!
Beautiful bouquet...
Now time for the kilts! Ruth's dad, Liam, was sporting his as they walk down to the rose Arbour. His sporran came in very handy for storing everyone's lipstick. Good old dad!
Here is the adorable Arabella walking in with Donna (Ruth's bridesmaid and oldest friend).
How cute and so well behaved!!
The ceremony was both wonderful and emotional, especially when Jonathan welled up....tissues anyone? It also had a delightfully relaxed feel, with the children sitting at the front on a rug.
Then drinks to celebrate, Prosecco or beer in the sunshine....
Served by the lovely Ollie and Will
Delicious canapes, two of of which were fresh crab tarts or....
Black Bream with lemon and ginger, scrummy!
Just caught Pete, the photographer, having a quick slurp of elderflower presse between snaps.
The happy couple.
The youngest kilted member of the clan....sooooo gorgeous!!
Speeches were in the Italian Garden before dinner. The three best men were brilliant and even had handouts!!
And so to dinner.
The place settings were pegged to glasses with tiny pink pegs.
The ballroom really did look splendid. This was the first outing of our new Pickwell chairs.
The children had their own table in the Snug, with lots of fun entertainment.
They had the same main course as the adults, just a mini portion.
To start was English Asparagus, wrapped in Parma ham, with fresh Parmesan, served with a homemade wholegrain roll and butter.
For main course, there was local fresh fish Pie served at the table or.....
Devon beef and ale pie all served with Lyonnaise potatoes and a hand tie of fresh vegetables.
Pudding was Ruth's Cranachan, a traditional Scottish desert served with homemade shortbread on the side. I can almost smell the wee dram of Whiskey in that cream!
Ruth is a real cheese lover, so a cheese cake it was! Supplied by our lovely local cheese shop in Barnstaple 'The West Country Cheese Company', where you can go and have a tasting and choose your cheese layers.
Cutting of the cake heralded the start of the evening celebrations.
Then the first dance. Jonathan loves his music, so had a significant part in choosing the playlist for the night. Alex from 'Off Beat Entertainment' did a great job, I think most guests barely left the dance floor....
...apart from the twilight tennis players.
Cheese and biscuits kept the dancers going.
This was our first night stocking real ale from our new local micro brewery the 'Braunton Brewery'. I made sure I got feedback from the guests and there was unanimous approval.
The guest book provided great entertainment. Guests were asked to photograph themselves with the Polaroid camera and then stick the photo into the book with a message.
The fun of a selfie!
Congratulations Mr and Mrs Green! We felt so privileged to have hosted your wedding here and have loved every part of the journey with you. We are so glad that you have a holiday house down here, so we know it will not be the last we see of you and the gorgeous Arabella!
