England pt. 3 - Sarah and Andy's Wedding at Wootton Hall

Sarah and Andy's wedding in the English countryside, at a romantic, sprawling estate called Wootton Hall, was beyond description. Pictures can't convey the magnificence and perfection of it all. It was quintessentially British; refined, cool; a cultural experience in the best way. It truly felt like we'd become characters in a Downton Abbey - adjacent period piece; or that we were in a fever dream and at any minute we'd wake up. Someone said they felt like they were in a fugue state; another that they needed a Xanax to cope with it all. Maybe when the professional photos come in, a glimmer of how it felt to be there will be communicated?

I started screaming as soon as Matt drove us down the tree-lined gravel pathway ensconced by ancient brick walls. So loudly that it woke up sleeping baby Elise, who started crying. But her tears didn't last long. :) We put down our bags in the adorable cottage that we shared for the weekend with Ellen, Corey and baby Cam. 

S&A left the most thoughtful and generous welcome gifts in the sun room of our cottage: all of their favorite British snacks, plus a kitchen full of essentials (bottled water, sunscreen, milk, baby formula, two types of diet coke, etc). 

When we'd finished gushing about how perfect the cottage was, we met up with everyone else to explore the rest of the estate.

~ I mean can you even I cannot ~

Soon we got dressed for canapés and dinner in the main building with 50+ wedding guests followed by lawn games in the garden.

Cutie Mom 🥰

The next morning was the wedding day! I took an early morning walk with one little boy who woke up very early. A sleepy fog was still hanging over Wootton. 

The kids also started their day with a dip in our cottage's hot tub. Haha. 

After breakfast at the cottage Ellen, Lydia and I walked over to the bridal suite in the main building to wait for our turn for hair and makeup with Mom and Sarah. 

We watched as all the guests walked past our window to the seating area. I could've sworn we saw Princess Beatrice in the crowd. 

Sarah was a stunning bride. Lydia and Luke were just staring at her!

Minutes before Sarah walked down the aisle, us sisters (and flower girl Lydia) hung back in the ornate foyer awaiting instructions from the wedding planner. It was a moment. 

Ellen and I walked down the aisle first. Then Lydia, a little embarrassed to have so many eyes on her but an expert petal-thrower nonetheless. Then Sarah. We all agreed she really looked like royalty. She was flawless and totally herself.

While vows were exchanged, Matt hung back on the lawn with a very loud and rambunctious Luke, and a very wiggly Elise. 

Then the reception. Ellen and I gave a toast, and Lydia and Fletcher were, by far, the most enthusiastic dancers with impressive stamina. Frannie and Bryce stat at our table! 

The next morning, breakfast was delivered to our cottage in a hamper. It was truly next-level. Matt made the bacon, ham and eggs while the cousins played on the floor. :) 

We took one last walk around the grounds before saying a tearful goodbye to our group, and heading out for the last leg of our trip. 

Congratulations, Sarah and Andy!

Editing to add pictures from the photographer!