Third time lucky and Graham’s son Luke was finally marrying his fiancé, Kayleigh.
Our first hurdle was finding a dog sitter as driving all the way back in a camper van with the dogs was not an option. We looked at dog kennels however found in Italy these were still outside kennels with only 20 mins field exercise twice a day. Not what the dogs are used to and as Jerry is an older dog would not have been good for him. We then lined up two dog sitter who nearer the date changed their minds. However, we ended up with a fantastic lady called Alessandra, her husband Leo, dog Nina and several cats who kindly stepped in and did a wonderful job of looking after them for the duration. The dogs now have new friends, and we couldn’t thank them enough as we sooooo appreciated their help.
Preparation to return to the Italy during a pandemic was tedious and frustrating due to ever changing rules and restraints. Luckily the UK removed the need for us to quarantine upon our return. In the end we needed one test to leave Italy, a day 2 test after our return to the UK, a test before departing back to Italy, 5 days isolation upon our return and a test upon day 5 of our isolation and release back into Italian civilisation upon a negative test. Phew nearly done as on day 4 of isolation when writing this.
Leading up to the wedding all was very stressful with restrictions still in place that impacted upon the arrangements for stag and hen events. Once restrictions were lifted it was only a couple of weeks before the wedding with many people having already planned conflicting get togethers as everyone had not been out or seen people for a long-time during lockdowns. The other issue was people getting covid prior to the wedding. Kayleigh’s brother being one where the family had to lockdown with Charlie staying in his bedroom and sanitising to the bathroom and back. He came out of isolation 1 day before the wedding – just in time! A few guests last minute were caught up in track and trace isolation and were unable to attend the day and evening.
The weather forecast was 80% rain on the day and as it was planned to be an outdoor wedding this was a concern. It rained heavy on the night before and up until 9:30 on the day. Then, the sun came out, all was dry, and the wedding went ahead outdoors – yip yip. The weather could not have been better, temperature just right and completing dry.
All was worthwhile as the wedding was a fantastic event. Everything was just perfect. I have never seen a groom so relaxed and a bride so full of joy and smiles. Kayleigh loved every minute of her fairy-tale wedding.
What a relaxed venue. The ceremony took place in the beautiful courtyard garden under a historic impressive tower. We sat on cute wooden chairs all waiting in anticipation for the wedding party to make their entrance across the lawn. Luke and his group of groom’s men along with his mother Tracy and his Father Graham were relaxed and chatted whilst eagerly waiting for the events to begin. A quick slug of whiskey for the boys and the music started.
It was spectacular, with the bridesmaids coming out in pairs followed by the maid of honour, all looking stunning in their navy-blue dresses and bouquets of flowers. Rose petals were scattered down the aisle making a surreal scene. The music continued and the bride and her mother Kelly dramatically appeared through the ancient medieval gates of the Priory. Wedding vail and dress train all adjusted and ready, Kayleigh made her elegant walk towards the group of eager guests and Luke. All eyes turned, observed, and marvelled at the beautiful bride gracefully walking towards her husband to be. Kayleigh’s smile radiating all the emotion and joy of finally after 3 years of waiting to marry her true love and soul mate Luke. Words were said from the heart and an expression of the commitment to each other and married they be. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Venn.
The rest of the day whisked past in a blur and flowed so seamlessly. With band playing, canapés eaten, cocktails drank, guests socialising, children playing and the weather and ambiance perfect. Photographs to catch the memories of the day were taken, guest traditionally welcomed to the wedding breakfast, fantastic emotional speeches professional presented and then the dancing began with the evening guests arriving.
What a band, they were just brilliant, everyone dancing everywhere with a crescendo of merriment until the very end. Smiles on everyone’s faces, children joyfully enjoying the day, guests relaxing and socialising effortlessly in the beautiful courtyard garden and priory house until unfortunately the end came, and we all needed to go to our beds.
Mr and Mrs Venn you could not have wish or received a more perfect day.
Travel adventures 