September Wedding and Derbyshire Adventures
This year has been by far the biggest for celebrations. One of my oldest friends was about to be wed to her fiancé, who we met in a dirty night club at the age of 18. I can confidently say neither of us would have looked our finest at 2am after a lot of alcohol and even more sweaty dancing. But across the pit of Derbyshire men, my friend Alice found the guy she is now happily married to.
A group of us school pals decided that we should have a bit of a holiday and headed up a few days earlier to have a good catch up and wonder around and see what we had missed out on since moving away.
My first stop was Chatsworth! I have been itching to get back here for so long because it is just stunning. Admittedly I was a little disappointed my friend didn't decide to get married here, even if would have bankrupted her haha. As for the weather...… well it was was typical Derbyshire, drizzly rain. It was as if Autumn had already started.
I have spent a lot of time in and around Chatsworth with good and bad memories but I always enjoy this scenery. I would solidly say I am a city girl at heart and no amount of horse riding or country walk enforced by my mother was ever going to change my mind. Don't get me wrong, I love a few short days away in the fresh air to really appreciate my flat back in London. It is small but it's home.
I didn't realise until I left how bittersweet Derbyshire makes me feel. I grew up here after my parents divorce and I have made some truly special friends but there is something that makes me feel uneasy. It isn't something I can describe or put my finger on but it is there. Despite the counties size it always felt small to me and maybe that is what ultimately made me feel uncomfortable. Now, I have no more links to Ashbourne, only my memories. I guess I have to remember all of the positive things that happened for me there and if they hadn't happened, I wouldn't be where I am today.
I digress, we walked around the grounds of Chatsworth and of course visited the Chatsworth Café in Pilsbury. I treated myself to oatcakes and bacon and a cake to comfort my anxiety.
The seasons were changing quickly, the damp floor on the forest surrounding the House were covered in fungi and leaves. I am so excited for cold walks through Regents Park, kicking leaves or just cradling coffee at home whilst watching the rain. I really don't mind at all Summer is on its way out, especially after our very intense heat wave which I did not deal well with. Come to think of it, did anyone really?
After eating all we could in the café we took to the farm shop where there were some local produce hahah.... not sure where the pineapples grew but I'm sure Derbyshire pineapples are delicious.
Just to point out, they suggest that all the products sold in store are locally sourced.... I want to know where this pineapple tree is growing.
Our adventures quickly wrapped up and the big day arrived. The wedding was at Osmaston Park, a private estate only ten minutes away from where I used to live. I only ever visited the village to frequent the pub, I had no idea in all the years I lived there that this ever existed.
The little bit of history I do know is that where the wedding marquee was positioned was once where the stately home used to sit. So it was quite fitting for this special event.
The colours for the wedding had a beautiful Autumnal feel which matched not only the bridesmaids but the bouquets as well.
Pre wedding snacks in case we got hungry waiting for the bride haha. She was on time just so you know. A degree in events management from the bride of course meant the whole event run seamlessly.
And how could I forget my fella, here we are before we descended into drink and dancing.
The wedding was beautiful, the bride was radiant and the groom ready and waiting. I couldn't be happier for them, they really do love and care for each other and we all cried when they said the vows. I wish them all the very best with their future.
As for Derbyshire, I am glad I made the wedding but I this city girl has her feet firmly set in London for now.
A group of us school pals decided that we should have a bit of a holiday and headed up a few days earlier to have a good catch up and wonder around and see what we had missed out on since moving away.
My first stop was Chatsworth! I have been itching to get back here for so long because it is just stunning. Admittedly I was a little disappointed my friend didn't decide to get married here, even if would have bankrupted her haha. As for the weather...… well it was was typical Derbyshire, drizzly rain. It was as if Autumn had already started.
I have spent a lot of time in and around Chatsworth with good and bad memories but I always enjoy this scenery. I would solidly say I am a city girl at heart and no amount of horse riding or country walk enforced by my mother was ever going to change my mind. Don't get me wrong, I love a few short days away in the fresh air to really appreciate my flat back in London. It is small but it's home.
I didn't realise until I left how bittersweet Derbyshire makes me feel. I grew up here after my parents divorce and I have made some truly special friends but there is something that makes me feel uneasy. It isn't something I can describe or put my finger on but it is there. Despite the counties size it always felt small to me and maybe that is what ultimately made me feel uncomfortable. Now, I have no more links to Ashbourne, only my memories. I guess I have to remember all of the positive things that happened for me there and if they hadn't happened, I wouldn't be where I am today.
I digress, we walked around the grounds of Chatsworth and of course visited the Chatsworth Café in Pilsbury. I treated myself to oatcakes and bacon and a cake to comfort my anxiety.
The seasons were changing quickly, the damp floor on the forest surrounding the House were covered in fungi and leaves. I am so excited for cold walks through Regents Park, kicking leaves or just cradling coffee at home whilst watching the rain. I really don't mind at all Summer is on its way out, especially after our very intense heat wave which I did not deal well with. Come to think of it, did anyone really?
After eating all we could in the café we took to the farm shop where there were some local produce hahah.... not sure where the pineapples grew but I'm sure Derbyshire pineapples are delicious.
Just to point out, they suggest that all the products sold in store are locally sourced.... I want to know where this pineapple tree is growing.
Carrots for carrot cake.... the only time carrots should ever be eaten.
And who doesn't like broccoli!
Our adventures quickly wrapped up and the big day arrived. The wedding was at Osmaston Park, a private estate only ten minutes away from where I used to live. I only ever visited the village to frequent the pub, I had no idea in all the years I lived there that this ever existed.
The little bit of history I do know is that where the wedding marquee was positioned was once where the stately home used to sit. So it was quite fitting for this special event.
The colours for the wedding had a beautiful Autumnal feel which matched not only the bridesmaids but the bouquets as well.
Pre wedding snacks in case we got hungry waiting for the bride haha. She was on time just so you know. A degree in events management from the bride of course meant the whole event run seamlessly.
There were games outside the marquee to keep us children all entertained.
All of us (early for once) waiting on the ceremony to start.
The beautiful couple.
I think this photo really demonstrates our friendship..... beyond the realms of reality.
And how could I forget my fella, here we are before we descended into drink and dancing.
The wedding was beautiful, the bride was radiant and the groom ready and waiting. I couldn't be happier for them, they really do love and care for each other and we all cried when they said the vows. I wish them all the very best with their future.
As for Derbyshire, I am glad I made the wedding but I this city girl has her feet firmly set in London for now.
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