A Wedding Year

A wedding year! By Glenn Roberts WEDDINGS

After years of careful preparation and unforeseen postponements due to the pandemic, Charlotte and Joe kicked off the wedding season at Molecey Mill. (21st - 23rd May).

They went ahead with a more intimate wedding held within government guidelines that meant they could host 30 people. A far cry from the 150+ that they had originally planned but it made for a beautifully bespoke wedding weekend! From the personalised touches made for each guest to the handmade Orizuru (origami) cranes that floated in a group of 1000 overhead in the Oak Frame ceremony area – this was a wedding that felt special.

Following the ‘Buck’s celebrations, we diversified and held Leanne Colby’s Hen Party. Leanne was due to get married at the end of August but due to restrictions, couldn’t get away for the Hen-Do that her nearest and dearest had planned, so we decided to throw it at Molecey Mill. Up on Owl Island, Leanne’s friends and fiancé Laurence came together to decorate tepees and create a wonderland with decorations made during lockdown. The party was filled with happiness – after all, this was the first time the group had been allowed to see each other for over a year!

As restrictions lifted, Molecey Mill geared up to host the wedding of Fran and James on the 25th - 27th June. This wedding was the first allowed to go ahead without restrictions. Decadently detailed flower arrangements and thoughtful personal touches from the bride and groom made for an impressive weekend. Fran and James tied the knot under the Oak Frame ceremony space which provided a beautiful atmosphere for their special day.

The year now whizzing by at pace – July welcomed the wedding of Jane and Rob. They really knew how to make a lasting impact. After days of preparation and months of meticulous planning, they lit up the night sky with the most impressive firework display many have ever seen. Being the owners of Komodo Fireworks – the creativity and passion that went into the wedding and the following display were awe inspiring. Made Personal – here at Molecey Mill. Green shakes and yoga during the day were followed by a cocktail masterclass hosted by a butler in the buff. This spectacularly fun evening was topped off with a chef cooking a tasting menu for them in The Granary. Needless to say there were a few sore heads for yoga on Sunday morning.

Kerry and Gautier I first met in 2018. A lovely local couple who had been planning their special day for what seemed like an eternity. With Gautier’s family coming from France – it was touch and go as to whether the restrictions would align and they would be allowed to travel to the UK. The weather was spectacular with most of the family swimming in the mill pond right up until it was time to get ready for their ceremony. The kindness and love that was felt by all was very touching and we felt honoured to be able to share this on this very special day.

Svetlana and Phil brought a Latvian flavour to their celebrations on the 28th July. The collective efforts of Svetlana’s and Phil’s family made for a warm-hearted party filled with traditions from Latvia. This bunch of lovely people made us feel like part of their family and, with the help of lots of liquor, celebrated to their fullest until the early hours.

The wedding of Amy and Craig in August was always going to be a spectacular party. Details, details, details… Amy and Craig had been super busy dressing the grounds and the house which made for such a lovely wedding weekend. The care and thoughtfulness, from the flowers, to Amy’s dress and everything in between, was staggering. Amy and Craig’s home town of Stevenage was a little bit of a distance from Molecey so they stayed with us for the duration of build up and breakdown which allowed us to spend some quality time with them. I loved how much they felt like family here at Molecey. Goodness, did they know how to party!

After a week to recover and rest – it was showtime for our last wedding of the year. Leanne and Laurence held a special place in our hearts. As with all our couples, we are lucky enough to call them friends. I had taken on training both bride and groom since March , ahead of their wedding in August. They had made the choice to transform their bodies and create healthier habits that would see them into a happy future. We know just how much blood, sweat and tears went into this wedding, both physically and mentally. They achieved a combined weight loss of 2st 2lbs

Charlotte & Joe

Kerry and Gautier

and Leanne dropped over 2 dress sizes! Laurence got the bug for running and achieved two full marathons and one half marathon within five weeks of one another to raise money and awareness for the charity ‘Mind’.

The joint Herculean effort paid off the couple looked spectacular! The official wedding took place ahead of their weekend at Molecey but a dear friend, Tom unofficially officiated at a blessing which was pure comedy genius. With the party in fits of laughter, his humour, integrity and love for the couple made for a truly magical start to some of the fondest memories of ‘Wedfest’. A relaxed festival vibe with firepits, fairy lights and lots of friends. Memories that we will treasure.

In a year that has been fraught with uncertainty due to the pandemic a collective positivity and willingness to adapt, has meant we have been able to host incredibly special weddings and events here at Molecey Mill. Elizabeth Herron and James Forrester were married at the Priory Church in June. Due to Covid restrictions the numbers were limited to under 30 and the reception was held in the garden of Elizabeth’s family in Deeping St James.

Svetlana and Phil

JUST ARRIVED....VERA WANG BRIDE

NOT AN ORDINARY BRIDE

Christmas at Lillis

Enjoy a Traditional Christmas Afternoon Tea from 1st December, or maybe gift someone with a Lillis Voucher, making a perfect present. Mince pies, Christmas fruit cake, Chocolate Yule Log and many more seasonal treats will be on the counter .Also available, our delicious turkey, stuffing and cranberry sandwiches.

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Opening hrs Mon/Fri 9.15 - 4.30. Sat 9.15 - 4pm

07342 781230

3 Market Gate, Market Deeping PE6 8DL For orders and enquiries please contact us through our Facebook page or email sarah.cakelove@gmail.com All at Pets Pantry wish all their customers a very safe uu Pets Pantry, Market Gate, happy Christmas and thank you for your custom and support throughout the year Pets PantryuAn extensive range of pet products on your doorstep u Market Deeping 01778 348666

Visit Sams

for a great selection of Christmas goodies including many items that have been sourced locally!

Come on in have a look around and talk to one of the team who are ready to serve whether in the shop or your Local Post Office. They will be happy to help you select items for a colour themed or locally sourced hamper. Keep in touch and check out our Facebook page ‘SAMS Premier & Post Office’ for further updates.

Rycroft Ave, Deeping St James