It seems impossible that 18 months ago I was writing about our preparations for our daughter's wedding. The lists of lists, the tidying of the gardens, the planting of foxgloves and lily of the valley the many, many little things to organise. Now suddenly it has been and gone and what a wonderful day it was. The May weather last year was spectacular and the wonderful setting that is Knapp House didn't disappoint. The 100 year-old rhododendrons flowered like a thousand white and pink butterflies all alighting at once. My 80 foxglove seedlings did well with the protection of the polytunnel and fantastic advice from the keepers of the National Foxglove Collection who were so generous in responding to my email cries for help. Nearly 40 white and apricot foxgloves flowered in time to be centre stage in the church with the birch trees and the wish for a hedgerow at each end of the aisle, came to life.
The setting in amongst our mature trees was magical. The marquee guys raved about the setting - best we've done and the guests posted pictures with comments such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream" brought alive.
The beautiful flowers came from Triangle Nursery and filled the house with delicious scent before they were ferried to the church. The bride insisted on styling her own wedding and my word it was so lovely with quirky touches such as needle felted bears on each table, handmade decoupage plates and homemade damson and rhubarb gin and mother made membrillo.
Getting ready was stressful in places but what a memory of our time at Knapp House and proof it is the most fantastic wedding venue.