Prelude to the Royal Wedding...

Well, it isn't Wills' and Kate's wedding, but it was Hills' and Alex's wedding, and to be honest, we think it will be hard to beat! We're fairly sure the royal wedding won't have as many handmade beautiful things or a better looking couple(!), or that guests won't have as much fun as we did! All in all, it was truly special to be back in England to celebrate with the whole WP clan the momentous occasion of Alex and Hilly getting married.

The "hen" is in the middle!

We landed in England, manage to ship all our stuff back to the States, and also attend Alex's Stag Do and Hilly's Hen Do (Translation: Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties) - all in the first 3 days! Naturally, the choices for activities represented the stag and hen well! Alex's Stag Do consisted of the boys dressing him up as a stag (with fluorescent jacket and antlers) and then making him take part in a stag hunt/paintballing. It became more dignified with a chance to do wine-tasting followed by the quintessential curry:)

Tash and Lindsay were able to attend Hilly's Hen Do which included a lovely boat ride on the River Thames. Also included was a pottery painting session with tea and drinks overlooking the Southbank, followed by a tasty Mexican dinner. Unfortunately only 1 photo was taken at the end of the day despite sharing in many activities together...! But, even then, the bride looked beautiful - and was managing to carry the pink, feather boa with class!

Practising the one-handed picture shot!

We travelled many times back and forth, back and forth, and back and forth from the Cotswalds to London getting to know the M4 and M40 (two major roads into London) extremely well - but in doing so, were able to see several friends and be available to help Alex and Hilly with the logistics for their amazing night. Catching up with family and friends was one of the major highlights of this trip, obviously pipped at the post by the wedding, but still very important and definitely memorable.

Please note: the fascinators...:)

In England, if a wedding stipulates for women to wear a hat and men to wear a morning suit, ladies can opt for either a proper hat, or these lovely accoutrements called fascinators. Perhaps just as interesting, morning suits for those who live on this side of the pond - and might be inclined to think that term would mean something like a bathrobe - should click here to find out their history. Penguins could be a useful visionary aid.

Here are two fine gentlemen in their morning suits!

The happy couple cutting their most amazing cake:)

Tash was asked to make the proper wedding cake for Alex and Hills to cut - and we think she went far beyond the call of duty with this cake! We also can attest to the fact that Jon's help with the structural integrity and decoration of the cake was key to its standing success. It was a three-tiered, red velvet, chocolate ganache cake covered with butter and sugar icing. And (!!) unlike many a wedding cake, it managed to taste delicious and stay moist! She might not be ready for it, but we think more wedding cakes could be in Tash's future. For more information contact us and we will pass your request on...:)