Wonderful wedding number 3: I'm using logic

Brace yourself for a picture heavy post.

A couple of weeks back The Boy and I were extremely privileged to be a part of the wonderful wedding of our best friends Amy and Simon. As the best man, The Boy was stressed out all week long in anticipation of the big day and wanting to do Simon proud, and I must say he did a fantastic job (even if he was incredibly irritating in the lead up to the event). 

Amy and Simon went out of their way to make us all feel part of their special day and we had a fantastic weekend from start to finish.

Traveling down with Amy, Simon and Julia on the Friday was lots of fun and really set the tone for the weekend (singing along to random rock songs and eating lots of food whilst laughing. A lot). 

This was the first wedding I've been to where it really felt like a three day event, with us all going for drinks and dinner in a local pub on the Friday night to start off the weekend in style. It was nice to get the chance to catch up with old friends and meet some new faces (over pies, beers and wine, of course).

 Clockwise from top left: Simon (using logic to make sure we get to the venue on time) - Gotta love a wedding venue that involves taking a ferry on a sunny day - Friday night drinks in Wareham - Our home for the weekend

The wedding took place at Kingston Country Courtyard near Corfe Castle and was a great setting for a beautiful service and reception - and allowed for most guests to stay on site (i.e. party into the small hours). The setting really was perfect and I don't think The Boy and I have ever stayed anywhere nicer. Our room was in the top courtyard, right by the venue, with views out onto the countryside - bliss.

Clockwise from top left: Guests wait to enter the venue - Personal touches made for a special day - Our gorgeous rustic bedroom - The Bride and Groom - Treacherous photography for me and the girls (balanced on a stone wall in heels) - Guests gather in the garden - The wonderful newlywed Mr and Mrs Bond - Such a perfect setting

On Saturday everyone donned their glad rags for the big event. The Boy did lots of pacing around (worrying about the speech) whilst I had a lovely leisurely time getting ready before going out to meet everyone as things got underway. 

Having already seen pictures of Amy's dress I knew she would look beautiful but she looked absolutely amazing in her stunning lace dress and Christian Louboutin heels, Simon is a very lucky man who (along with The Boy) also looked very handsome in the suits that had become the bane of mine and Amy's lives in the weeks prior to the wedding.

Clockwise from top left: The happy couple with friends and family - Flowers and lace - The Boy and the boys - Anyone for cake? - The delicious cake made by the supremely talented Edd Kimber (aka The Boy Who Bakes, winner of The Great British Bake Off) - A trio of sausage and mash for dinner - My ensemble for the day - The blushing bride

After the ceremony there was drinks and pictures on the lawn before dinner and speeches in the barn. It was a lovely afternoon in preparation for the evening's festivities. There was even a quiz on how well we knew the couple - and you know I love a quiz.

As soon as the DJ started everyone hit the dancefloor and that's where we remained for pretty much the next three hours. It was perfect, just the right mix of music to get everyone up and dancing, followed by bacon rolls for those that were hungry (I was still full from dinner but stashed one back in my room for the inevitable midnight munchies - cunning).

The party went on well into the night, culminating in cream teas in the Bridal suite at 1am - I've simply never been to a wedding like it. The day was wonderful and was a perfect reflection of Amy and Simon's personalities - friendly, welcoming and fun. 

As we headed home on the Sunday I had that dreaded back to school feeling when you simply don't want something to end - can we do it all again next year?

Clockwise from top left: The first dance - The gang hit the dancefloor - The Boys throwing some shapes - The Boy and Matt bonding

We had a truly wonderful weekend and couldn't be happier for Mr and Mrs Boylan - congratulations to the happy couple!