Liz and Johnny's Wedding at Hornington Manor

28th April 2017

Hornington Manor at this time of year is bustling with joy not only with our beautiful weddings, but for the new life it brings with the baby lambs.

On the morning of Johnny and Liz’s wedding, the baby pet lambs had a special treat when Johnny came and gave a helping hand to feed them. This definitely helped calm Johnny’s nerves which were understandably taking hold. With the help of eight more of their guests, the pet lambs were soon fed and it was time to start the preparations for the day.

The weather was kind, bright and sunny as the guests started to arrive. Liz and Johnny’s guests ranged from 4 months old to 91 years young, and it never fails to amaze us how far friends and family travel to be with their loved ones on these special occasions. From as near as York to as far away as America and Saudi Arabia! The bride’s aunt flew in from Picayune (north of New Orleans USA) and her cousins from Little Rock, Arkansas (including her 1 year old, gorgeous little daughter) another cousin flew all the way from Malta in Up State New York. The best man had flown in from Saudi Arabia. Most of these were all flying visits of four to five nights, so what a great effort on their behalf!

Elizabeth was of course the star attraction, wearing a gown of white lace, with little pearl buttons down the back, she looked so radiantly happy. Her bridesmaids, who were escorted by the 3 groomsmen, led the way into the wedding barn and everyone had the first look of this eye catching scene. I was certain I saw one or two tears shed by Elizabeth’s father as he walked her down the aisle – which is somewhat avoidable during such a special moment.

It was a lovely ceremony and a special reading read by a family member which I couldn’t help but ask for a copy to share…

I am nothing special.

I am a common man with common thoughts and I’ve led a common life.

There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten,

but I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul and to me, this has always been enough..

So it’s not gonna be easy, it’s going to really hard; we’re going to have to work at this every day,

but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday.

You and me forever… everyday.

Drinks and canapés were waiting for the guests as they left the barn. This offered the perfect chance for everyone to chat and catch up before returning for the wedding feast. The tables in the barn were all aptly labelled with good old Yorkshire slogans and decorated with fresh flowers and candles – they looked lovely.

Photo – Vivienne Edge

The speeches were said and everyone was thanked for playing their part in organising this special day. Johnny’s speech was exceptional and particularly funny, especially when he told of his first meeting with Andrew (Liz’s dad – who he met even before he had met Liz) and how he shared a room with him on a stag do – no details spared on that one. As the saying goes ‘What goes on tour – stays on tour’! Andrew finished his speech by thanking all the parents for doing a great job in bringing both himself and his bride up to be first class citizens.

Photo – Vivienne Edge

The next day was Johnny’s birthday, and in true British Yorkshire style, not even the rain stopped the planned barbecue. Brollies were up and the cooking done and what a fabulous memorable time they all had – even the little boy who came down with chicken pox didn’t put anyone off from having a good time!