On our first visit to Charity we found the William Henry Davies poem, Leisure, pinned to a wall and understood immediately that we had found the perfect wedding venue for us. Of course, the jaw-dropping scenery from every window and space sealed the deal!
My new husband, myself and our best four-legged friend, Bronte, have always loved the outdoors. We thought we had seen some of the best of views imaginable across the world, from New Zealand to Scotland and Macedonia, but there is something about the sheerness of the towering Offa's Dyke behind the farm and breathtaking Olchon Valley that opens up from directly below the front lawn... simply magical.
As I walked down a very informal 'aisle' surrounded by a small number of close friends and family I beamed from ear to ear. Not just at the site of my pooch lolloping down ahead of me and making everyone giggle, or my soon-to-be husband smiling encouragingly at me, but for the incredible light which played off the slopes in front of me; intense and wholly unforgettable.
Our humanist ceremony out on the lawn was led by the wonderful Jennie Hermolle, who set a great tone themed around the outdoors and adventure. The Paella cooked for guests was delicious and, after some drinks in the stretch tent, which let those gorgeous views speak for themselves, we meandered into the fabulous hall to dance the evening away and toast our fortune in finding the right spot. Guests relaxed together in the courtyard lit with fairy lights and candles, and cosied up in front of any one of three wonderful fires to warm back up as the temperatures fell.
Aside from the usual lovely comments that weddings tend to attract, the overwhelming question from everyone was “how did you find this place?”. We almost wonder whether we should have shared the secret!
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
Not time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
- William Henry Davies
Wedding celebrant, Jennie Hermolle
