She looked delightful in her beautiful silk gown and bonnet, pictured here in her mother's arms. Unfortunately she has learnt a new trick - so every time the bonnet was placed on her head, Francesca ripped it off, with a satisfied smile.
We gave up on the bonnet idea, such a pity, it was charmingly old-fashioned and really suited her.
When the very jolly, bouncy, vicar arrived she was highly embarrassed to find that she couldn't get into the church.
For anyone who has ever watched The Vicar of Dibley think a slimmer Dawn French, that is our vicar!
Belleau church is beautiful, I have posted about it previously, here.
There are two local key holders and it seems that each thought the other was going to open up - neither of them was home. Oooops!
There were talks, discussions, silly suggestions of finding a battering ram were considered and rejected.
Groups of people gathered, exchanging greetings, hugs, kisses. The situation was explained to the newcomers.
We waited, a smiling, cheerful crowd, lots of good friends and some family, including Owl, my brother, who kindly took some more photographs.
The solution was simple...an outdoor ceremony!
The sun was shining, everyone was there, the star of the show was ready and waiting.
So, rugs were brought from cars. Andy and Dominic, who live nearby, kindly fetched picnic blankets from their home. Water, jug and bowl were secured, and the ceremony went ahead. By this time Francesca was sound asleep and only woke towards the end to wonder what on earth all the fuss was about.
The ceremony was held between the church porch and the remains of the churchyard cross. It was perfect. There was no music, but we did have birdsong.
Simple, beautiful, memorable.
This handsome couple - my son, Tim, and his lovely wife, Isis, were two of the godparents.
Afterwards we had a garden party to celebrate.
Jonny, this next photograph is for you...along with a gentle reminder.
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