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A little later than a few other reviews around, but I've finally stopped rushing round and can sit down and review it!
Oldway Mansion was built in the late 19th century for Isaac Merrit Singer, he of Singer Sewing Machine fame. In its latter days, it has become the offices of Torbay Council - and hence its functions rooms have become wedding venues.
Alexis and I were married in the ballroom, the largest of the rooms available. Running north-south, and with tall windows overlooking the mansion's ground, there is a stage at the southern end, where the two of us were stood during the ceremony. Alexis was resplendent in a wonderfully sparkly white gown, and I am assured that we were both grinning like loons throughout - save for the moment she caught her Uncle, Cousin, and Gran arriving a little on the late side.
Oldway is also blessed with some lovely gardens, ideal for photographs, and although it was a little windy, the sun came out for us and we were able to pose outdoors. Many, many, photographs were taken, including some in a sunken garden I didn't know existed! Not sure Alexis appreciated the steps so much.
A Bentley whisked us to the Grand Hotel, where our breakfast and evening party were being held. After milling round and chatting to guests, we had the meal and speeches, during which I soaked my mother-in-law with red wine. That I'm still alive, let alone married, bears testament to her understanding!
Then there was a disco, and I got quite drunk, and I berated the DJ for talking too much, and he misunderstood the meaning of 'last dance', and the hotel decided not to let us have the remainder of the cake that my mother had baked (they'd saved the top tier for us, though), and there were sandwiches and other goodies, and lots of cheesey dancing, and it was great.
Thank you to all of you who attended, and to those of you who sent messages of goodwill.
Sunday, I was knackered, had breakfast, saw Alexis's family back off up to London (they had a 'plane to catch), and eventually felt awake enough to drive home in awful weather and traffic.
Oldway Mansion was built in the late 19th century for Isaac Merrit Singer, he of Singer Sewing Machine fame. In its latter days, it has become the offices of Torbay Council - and hence its functions rooms have become wedding venues.
Alexis and I were married in the ballroom, the largest of the rooms available. Running north-south, and with tall windows overlooking the mansion's ground, there is a stage at the southern end, where the two of us were stood during the ceremony. Alexis was resplendent in a wonderfully sparkly white gown, and I am assured that we were both grinning like loons throughout - save for the moment she caught her Uncle, Cousin, and Gran arriving a little on the late side.
Oldway is also blessed with some lovely gardens, ideal for photographs, and although it was a little windy, the sun came out for us and we were able to pose outdoors. Many, many, photographs were taken, including some in a sunken garden I didn't know existed! Not sure Alexis appreciated the steps so much.
A Bentley whisked us to the Grand Hotel, where our breakfast and evening party were being held. After milling round and chatting to guests, we had the meal and speeches, during which I soaked my mother-in-law with red wine. That I'm still alive, let alone married, bears testament to her understanding!
Then there was a disco, and I got quite drunk, and I berated the DJ for talking too much, and he misunderstood the meaning of 'last dance', and the hotel decided not to let us have the remainder of the cake that my mother had baked (they'd saved the top tier for us, though), and there were sandwiches and other goodies, and lots of cheesey dancing, and it was great.
Thank you to all of you who attended, and to those of you who sent messages of goodwill.
Sunday, I was knackered, had breakfast, saw Alexis's family back off up to London (they had a 'plane to catch), and eventually felt awake enough to drive home in awful weather and traffic.
