A Golden Day....

Happy Easter! It's cold & grey here...rain just starting to fall a little as the day turns into early evening...yesterday was much the same, but it didn't matter a bit because the day was Golden for our family! It was my parents' 50th wedding anniversary...and we had planned a special lunch party for them.
Mum knew about it, but it was a complete surprise for Dad...and as it was taking place at their farm, we had to get them out of the house the day before so that we could prepare! So they went to London...stayed the night...and had a fabulous romantic dinner at one of their very favourite restaurants, The Providores where they were treated like royalty. While they were gone, my youngest sister, Lucy, & I got down to work...

 There were 14 guests...so we set up some long tables in the conservatory. Lucy had 'blown' 16 eggs and painted them gold...

and I customised some Lindt chocolate bunnies by replacing their red collars with gold ribbons...

and we placed them down the centre of the table

We found Mum's beautiful, simple ivory silk wedding dress and put it on display in one corner...

Lucy found some large cardboard numbers and sprayed them gold too...and William & I stuck some gold stars on the windows to make a little focal point at the back of the room...

We stuck original photographs from the day around the edge of the conservatory too...here's one of my favourites...

Mum on her way to the ceremony on the arm of my lovely grandad. Can you see her hand is blurred because she's waving happily to someone in the crowd? So sweet...

We photocopied some pictures too, to dress the entrance door...

and in the middle of the morning, as if on cue, a florists van arrived bearing gorgeous bouquets...

this one was from Esther & the children in Australia...

they sent a CD of wonderful music too, from the 1930's & 40's...fabulous romantic numbers to play at the party...

And,of course, I cooked the lunch too! More of that on my food blog tomorrow...

After a quick shower & change, we were ready! Paul went to the train station to pick up the 'Oldyweds'...Dad was totally amazed! Especially when the first guests arrived.. including his brother David, who had been his Best Man at the wedding!

Paul manned the bar and made sure glasses were charged with cold prosecco at all times...old and dear friends greeted each other...and all was happiness and joy!

Many highlights and wonderful memories...

Uncle David gave an updated Best Man's speech...half a century on...

Mum & Dad looked radiant...as if in their 20's again!

After lunch, they cut the cake together...

as they had 50 years before.

It was such a special day. I felt so proud...not too many children get to throw a Golden Wedding celebration for their parents.

We are so lucky.

Congratulations to them both...still in love...

from that day, so long ago...

to this!

Wishing you much joy too this Easter & Passover!

xoxo