Sunday the 22nd of September was a big day for our little family. Alexander’s christening day.
I was honoured that my Mum’s youngest sister, ‘Aunty Zak’ became my son Alexander’s godmother. A godmother in my religion is also traditionally Greek Orthodox too, and someone you feel close enough to take on the responsibility of a third parent if you like.
Zak is more like a best friend to me than an Aunt, we’re so similar in everything from our taste in food (roast lamb anyone?) to style (vibrant and lots of leopard print) and our mutual love of bling (hoping I might inherit some of her sparkles hehe!). Most of all, we share a silly sense of humour and never stop laughing when we’re together. A perfect second Mummy for baby A!
My boys and I!
Godmother Aunty Zak before the ceremony
They have the most amazing bond too!
Alexander was christened in the Greek Orthodox Church (it was , ‘his lucky day’ of course-for those who’ve watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding as many times as I have)…There were lots of tears: him, me, my Mum, Dad, (especially after the dunking bit when Alexander felt distressed, prior to that he was happy gazing at us all in the congregation, clapping through the first half of the service)…By the end I couldn’t wait to pick him up (parents are not allowed to touch their child during the actual baptism part of the ceremony and are handed the baby at the end). Peter is holding him at the start below as we took it in turns to occupy him…
Brothers
Oliver with, ‘my favourite cousin Isobel’.
The christening was held at the church Oliver was baptised at too, where Peter and I had our Greek wedding ceremony (we had a Church of England wedding in South Africa as well) …and of course where Peter was christened himself so we could marry there which meant the world to me…Sunday was a similar day to those other special occasions, surrounded by lots of family members we love and whom love Alexander in return.
It was a truly emotional day and the culmination of much planning Mum and I had undertaken with the priest, florist, cupcake maker, christening cake designer and of course the hotel we held the reception at, Rudding Park in Harrogate after many meeting finalising the menu and seating arrangements. Mum and I love hosting events that’s for sure and are already wondering what the next event will be!
Rudding Park was also where Peter and I had our Greek wedding reception (you can read my Big Fat Greek Wedding post here) but this time we were returning for a more intimate affair of just 30 guests (our wedding was nearly 200, Oliver’s christening was held at one of my parents restaurants in a Victorian mansion with a mere 190 guests)!
The sun was shining as if it were a summer day and this hotel (voted no 1 in the UK by Trip Advisor, 4th in the world) opened the doors of the library where we held dinner, to the sprawling grounds so the children could play in the sunshine. Perfect.
My beautiful cousin Georgia and I posing before cutting the cake!
Uncle Solos, my brother and Oliver’s godfather
I wanted to share some of the most treasured moments from the day with you and also take this opportunity to thank my wonderful Mum again (Peter and I also gave a speech and wow he actually managed to get a word in too, never easy with me!) as well as Rudding Park and the team who made it all possible.
A huge special thanks must also go to Annemarie Wilkinson from Flowers for Occassions who created the most breathtakingly beautiful baby blue floral arrangements for the church and reception too. Everything was perfect.
What a wonderful day!
Buy my bestselling book in paperback or audio
Mumboss: The Honest Mum's Guide to Surviving and Thriving at Work and at Home
Available on Amazon or Audible
What a lovely day and pictures x
Becky Cowley recently posted…365 Project, Week #6
@Becky thanks so much x
This is a lovely post, what a beautiful day you had. Gorgeous photos, and what wonderful sunshine you had for the day xx
Sara (@mumturnedmom) recently posted…Bake: Valentine cupcakes
@Sara thank you for your lovely comment, it was a beautiful and sunny day! x
Wow what a beautiful Christening – Alexander must have had the best day. It sounds like it was absolutely wonderful. Love the venue and gorgeous photographs. Thanks for sharing with #whatsthestory
@CharlyDove thanks so much, lovely linking up to #whatsthestory again, thanks for having me.
Wow, what a stunningly beautiful day you all had and everyone looks so radiant and beautiful. I love Oliver in his suit too, he just looks so adorable and handsome. So memorable and what a fabulous big fat Greek family you all are. x
@Sharmin aw thanks darling x
Looks like such a fabulous day! And what beautiful photos – of a pretty stunning looking family – especially those little boys! x
@Luci-Mother.Wife.Me thank so much x
Honest Mum recently posted…Silent Sunday-9th February 2014
Just beautiful! What lovely memories you have of such a special day. Lydia x
@Only Best for Baby thank you, it was a special day x
Such an an amazing day. Your boys look beautiful as do you. You and your sister sound so close too, you definitely chose well x
@Notmyyearoff thanks lovely, Zak is my Auntie but she will love you thought she was my sister x
WOW what an amazing day it sounds – how beautiful and congrats to you all, especially little A, can’t believe what a grown up chap he’s looking already. We went to a Greek Orthodox christening once and it was incredible, but I do remember feeling so sorry for the mum who was desperate to pick up and cuddle her crying little girl who was being christened but wasn’t allowed to until the very end. Very emotional! The venue for your after party looks fab too! What a lovely special day and what a gorgeous family 🙂 xx
@Richmond Mummy thanks sweetie, yes it is a very emotional ceremony, loved picking him back up at the end xx
It looks and sounds like the perfect day for you all xxx
@Lauren thanks lovely, it was xx
Aww it looks beautiful. What a special day xx
@SusanMann thank you darling xx
It looks and sounds amazing! You have one gorgeous family, yourself included xx
@3yearsandhome aw thank you beautiful xx
You all look stunning – what a gorgeous family you have 🙂
@Katie thank you sweetie, will let them know xx
What beautiful pictures and memories from a wonderful day!
Sounds like you all had a ball, a day to remember, which is exactly how it should be.
What a truly scrumptious family you are 🙂
X
@Katie//Pouting in Heels thanks sweetpea, lovely to have these photos and blog post to show Alexander when he’s older too x
What a beautiful setting for such a special day. I remember Z’s christening clearly and when I was godmother to my greek nephews, all equally emotional days. The dunking bit is always the bit they like the least but such lovely meaning behind all the traditions too.
Gorgeous post!
Sx
p.s. how GLAM are your family!!
@Grenglish thanks sweetie, so wonderful you’ve christened your Greek nephews too. Thanks you kind words on family, will let them know, they will be touched!x
You must have had an amazing day, love all the pictures, you are such a beauitiful family xxx
@Mirka Mooore thanks gorgeous xx
Looks like you all had a great day! 🙂
@Franki thanks, we did!