wendy's renaissance faire wedding

We were lucky enough to be invited as a family to my co-worker wendy's wedding - at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. None of us has ever been and boy were we in for a treat!

As we approached the entrance, I had no idea what we were in store for. 

Bea and Cordelia has no problem fitting the part. Subtle crows and princess gowns.

We walked through the grounds and village until we came to Cotswold Commons. Wendy made a castle for their wedding cards and banners for every table. 

And of course we were pink unicorns!

Instead of flowers there were little terrariums with knights.

While waiting for the festivities to begin, Coco wanted to take some selfies. I love love love her face when she sees herself. 

Finally the Lord and Lady arrive and exchange vows.

Here is Lord Mark. They designed their own costumes. Layers and Layers. Extreme attention to detail.

And the blushing bride, Lady Wendlyn. Her costume was insane. Black velvet, silver damask, satin, a peacock fan!

Mark carried a sword that went into the cake.

The ladies were drawn to the harpist. 

Cordelia was done. And we had hours to go. 

The Queen made her rounds. Everyone was in character. It was nearly impossible to tell who worked there and who was visiting. I felt foolish not asking where the privy was. Or saying hiya in repsonse to a "good day m'lady".

A cannon went off went the queen passed. The wedding ceremony and reception were short so that everyone could go out into the fair. 

We went over to the kid's kingdom so that they could ride on this butter fly ride. 

In the kid's kingdom they had story time on one of the five stages. Bea took it upon herself to sit in the throne while the crowd gathered. Apparently no one is allowed to wear purple in the Queen's kingdom, except the Queen and her choosing. And this kind pheasant woman came over to make sure Princess Beatrix had what she needed. 

Another young princess felt it was also her right to sit in the throne. Beatrix asked her some questions. 

She checked out the craftsmanship of Bea's crown. 

The bonded. 

Speaking on bonding. There were roaming bands of Death Dancers. They made no noise and moved gracefully and swiftly throughout the grounds. Cordelia bonded with one of them. She bonded with a Death Dancer.

She let the DD hold her hands silently, for what seemed like a hour. A crowd gathered at the contrast of the two and couldn't believe she wasn't scared. 

Bea didn't give a hooey cuz she was getting her face paint on. 

When Cordelia let the DD loosen her grip, she also got a painting. Just a teeny one on her arm.

D.O.N.E.