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!
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.
Hello Elaine:
ReplyDeleteA potential disaster turned into a joyous occasion. And how happy and unconcerned you all look.
Hello Jane and Lance, It was a joyous occasion and although Belleau church is beautiful, I think the utter simplicity of the outdoor ceremony really gave added meaning to everything. It certainly relaxed Francesca!
DeleteDearest Elaine.....isn't this often the way of life? I say, it was a beautiful way to have a christening. It seems Francesca also approved....
ReplyDeleteHello dear Meggie, The warmth of the sun, the whisper of the trees, and the birdsong all lulled her. She behaved perfectly, and I just know she will love the story of her 'al fresco' christening when she is older. I wish you could have been there.
DeleteHad the doors slammed closed and locked themselves as we walked up I would have been worried. As twas, a nice day in Lincolnshire, not too hot, not too cold, not too windy - and not raining! It was just the family being returned to our roots by not being allowed inside the church and having to do everything at the door.
ReplyDeleteHello Owl, Lincolnshire at its loveliest! I am thankful that it is a very rural church and not one on a main road...it was perfect and both Harry and Francesca behaved impeccably. Did you manage to get any photographs of her with the bonnet on her head?
DeleteBeautiful, in the end I think this way it was much more special. Groetjes, Gerda
ReplyDeleteHello Gerda, It all turned out for the best and for once the English weather was on our side! Very special memories, of a wonderful occasion.
Deletegenius day, thank you so much for the wonderful hospitality and stunning food... and being locked out of the church was something we'll never forget!... best Sunday we've had in a long long time! xx
ReplyDeleteHello Dom, I think little Belleau church sees some very special events and that was another one. Thanks to you and Andy for coming, it was such fun catching up with everyone. Davina sends her thanks for that very special cake, it will feature in a future post; it was sublime.xx
DeleteIt looks and sounds like you had a wonderful day, despite being locked out!
ReplyDeleteHello Scarlet, It was all rather wonderful, if somewhat unexpected. Thank goodness we had good weather so that it could go ahead in such a delightful way.
DeleteGlad you all had a great day, and all worked out well in the end. Just sorry we couldn't make it, but we were travelling back to London from Pembrokeshire that day.
ReplyDeleteHello Gavin, We missed you, Julia, and little Olive - but as Lincolnshire could in no way be described as being en route, we'll let you off! Hopefully we'll have the pleasure of seeing you later in the year. Love to all.x
DeleteSuch a magical day. I'm glad you couldn't get in. The memories will be stronger and the day was more special as a result. Francesca is perfection. I don't blame her for pulling off the bonnet. Why hide that beauty under a hat?!?
ReplyDeleteHello Mitch, One photograph was all I asked for...after all, the bonnet was the reason I bought that particular dress! I'll forgive her, she is a girl who knows her own mind and, although placid, she doesn't stand any nonsense - like bonnets. Luckily she does it with a look from those blue eyes, and a smile, once she is sure we have got the message!
DeleteI couldn't think of a more perfect Christening...outdoors with birdsong and swishing leaves:it really doesn't get any better than that!
ReplyDeleteJane x
Hello Jane, She is a truly fortunate little girl; it was perfect for a baby who loves the outdoors, as she already shows signs of doing. Harry had a great time too, he was entrusted to hold the lit candle...he didn't appreciate it when it was blown out after a while, though.
DeleteThis sounds mighty close to perfect to me. And, a story to be treasured and told.
ReplyDeleteHello Joanne, The beauty of simplicity. It is a day we'll never forget - and I'll make sure that Francesca knows how wonderful it was.
DeleteIt sounds absolutely perfect to me. A precious baby, a beautiful day and bird's serenading.....perfect!
ReplyDeleteHello Bonnie, It really was that simple - a wonderful experience. Well done, that vicar!
DeleteI think God has spoken and it was meant to be an outdoor event--to be witnessed not only by humans, but all his creatures...Welcome Baby Francesca:-D!
ReplyDeleteHello Susan, What a beautiful thought. As I type, the rain is falling and the wind is blowing, so it would not have been possible to do it that way today. Francesca was truly blessed.
DeleteI remember struggling to keep a baby's headgear in place. The little darlings have their own sense of style at an early age. You have lovely pictures to preserve that special day. Isn't it wonderful to have a photographer in the family?
ReplyDeleteHello Ms Sparrow, You are right, two of my three babies didn't like to wear hats or bonnets, either. The one who did, almost seemed to have been born wearing a baseball cap and didn't remove it until he was about 18 years old.. Ian is an extremely good photographer, so good that you hardly notice you are being photographed, which is helpful when someone is as uncomfortable in front of a camera as I am.
DeleteWhat a beautiful christening, outside in lovely weather. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Elna
Hello Elna, It really did all turn out to be the best thing which could have happened, the occasion was delightful, and particularly special outdoors. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the photographs.
DeleteWhat a wonderful and special solution.
ReplyDeleteHello LindyLouMac, It was beautiful, she is a very fortunate little girl as exactly 24 hours later the wind was blowing and rain was falling!
DeleteFransesca is a little beauty. That's the first outdoor christening I've heard of but how brilliant - so glad everything went well and the sun shone as well. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHello Molly, I suppose our climate precludes us from many outdoor celebrations, we were extremely fortunate that it fell on a good day. I suppose we are lucky that our vicar is able to think outside the church! Francesca is one of those chubby, old-fashioned looking babies, calm and placid - a lovely foil for her high octane whirling dervish brother. They adore one another.
DeleteLooks like no one skipped a beat and you had a lovely ceremony and celebration! :)
ReplyDeleteHello Knatolee, I think everyone went away with lovely memories of a special time; the vicar was probably relieved, and goodness knows how the keyholders felt when told. All I can say is a great big 'Thank you' to them, it all turned out brilliantly!
DeleteBeen years since I saw a child in a bonnet, Francesca is so sweet, but locked out of the church, so glad it all worked out in the end for the special day.
ReplyDeleteHello Linda, I drove past the church today and had to smile at the memory and the surprise. However, it really was a beautiful way to celebrate, outdoors in the sunshine and with birdsong all around.
DeleteWhat a fabulous idea and little Francesca does look gorgeous xx
ReplyDeleteHello Mrs Thrifty, It worked out really well in the end, everyone enjoyed it. Francesca slept through something very special, but at least we have the photographs to prove that it happened that way.xx
DeleteWhat an absolutely glorious christening! I can't think of anything better, what with a beautiful setting, lovely weather, and then your gramophone music afterwards, it will bring back wonderful memories in years to come.
ReplyDeleteHello Georgia, There may be some drawbacks to living in the country - but on occasions like this I just rejoice at the peace and tranquility. I don't think the outdoors christening would have been quite so nice in the middle of a town. It also helps when you want to play a noisy old gramophone. I hope you decide to keep yours and get it fixed!
DeleteHi Elaine,
ReplyDeleteAs you said it will certainly be a day not to be forgotten but for all the right reasons. Thank you for allowing us all to share in it in just a small way!
Hello Green Dragonette, It couldn't have been planned that way, it really was just meant to be - and it was beautiful. I'm so glad you enjoyed seeing a little of it.
Delete