Alexander’s Christening Day

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!