Emmeline's Christening

This weekend, 8th July, 2012, was the Christening Service for one sweet granddaughter, Emmeline Isabella Patricia.
The ceremony took place at St. John the Evangelist in the historic village of Holdenhurst.

Some people refer to Holdenhurst as the Mother of Bournemouth and this charming little village, that sleeps on the banks of the Stour, was once known by the Saxons as Hollywood.
Emmeline looked like a celebrity from Hollywood when she arrived in a gorgeous
christening dress:-

All the family got glammed up too

and headed to the church for the very special occasion.

It was a lovely symbolic ceremony with the candle lit from the Easter Candle

It made me feel happy that the traditions like Baptism continue through the generations.
The vicar had plenty of good words of wisdom, we sang some lovely hymns and Emmie didn't fuss (too much) over the sprinkling (actually it was quite a dousing!).

The godparents are Douglas and Sofia and Paul and Aimee

Very proud parents:-

After months of pouring rain Emmeline was blessed with glorious sunshine and we were able to take some photographs outside:-

Family and friends too:-

What a beautiful day for a beautiful little girl.

We then went back home to Alun and Gemma's for an enormous gammon prepared by Grandad

Chicken Coronation and salads from the lovely Auntie Tina and a feast of other goodies from the Cripps side:-

 Gemma had designed a very sweet Christening Party to celebrate a sweet little girl.  Gemma chose a pink and green colour scheme and decorated the "dessert table" herself.  A work of art.

She made most of the food herself.  There was also a separate drink station with lots of bubbles.
Wonderful.  A taste of the treats:-

Sofia, Emmie's godmother, very generously provided the Christening Cake.  It was a wonder of confection decorated with hundreds of tiny lily-of-the-valley buds (one of my favourite flowers).
Much too beautiful to eat.

May God bless baby Emmeline

Alun and Gemma thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter's Christening celebrations with so many family and friends.  You did such a sweet job of styling and hostessing.

I hope you like the photos of the day and get a sense of our shared family celebration.