This year, my hubby (Nathaniel) and I are doing something very special… we’re renewing our wedding vows.

*With Chloe, my daughter / Maid of Honour*

It’s something I’ll share more about in another blog, but as a quick explanation; when we first got married back in 2003, our wedding was fairly small. That was partly due to budget, but also because of me - I was very shy, had low self-esteem, and struggled with social anxiety. I didn’t feel comfortable being the centre of attention, I didn’t want to dance, I didn’t want a big fuss… I just wanted to be married. And, that was more than enough at the time.

But now, in 2026, things feel very different. We have the budget, the enthusiasm, and - most importantly - the confidence to create something that feels completely us. Something joyful and a little bit magical …and at the same time, a chance to re-commit to each other surrounded by those closest to us. So, we’re planning ‘Wedding²’ - more to come on that on a future blog.

In 2003, I didn’t have that many friends and - did I mention the social anxiety?! - therefore: no hen party.

So, arranging one this time around felt like a chance to do something I previously missed out on 💕

Hen Party afternoon tea

We started my hen (arguably 23 years late) at a beautiful vintage tearoom in Ampthill - Cakestand & Crumb. They were amazing at helping us organise the event, the staff were brilliant on the day, and the food was delicious - fresh sandwiches, fluffy scones, gorgeous cakes, pots of tea and a few glasses of Prosecco; everything you’d hope for from a classic afternoon tea.

If you’re looking for hen party ideas in the UK, or an afternoon tea hen party, I honestly couldn’t recommend this kind of setting more. It was relaxed, pretty, and felt really intimate - perfect if you want something a little more low-key and meaningful.

But more than anything, it was the atmosphere. Calm, cosy, and filled with conversation and laughter.

The people

We invited my closest family and friends. There’s something really special about having a group of people around you who know you, who’ve seen different chapters of your life, and who are there to celebrate this one too. It did, however, feel a little odd at first - different women coming together from different parts of my life - all because of me… It felt slightly surreal, and I was a bit spaced out for the first half an hour. For the vow renewal, I’ve made a mental note to ground myself and really be present in the moment.

However, a glass of prosecco and a few sandwiches in, and I was fine - of course 😁

Thoughtful touches

*My adorable crocheted hen, made by my lovely friend Charlotte x*

At one point, my daughter and Maid of Honour Chloe did a little speech and organised some quizzes and games, and she did such an amazing job. I felt so proud (and yes… a little emotional).

Another of my favourite moments was being given a tiny crocheted hen made by one of my friends, Charlotte. Such a thoughtful, personal gift - and something I’ll keep forever as a reminder of the day.

And Chloe and my bridesmaids (my step-sis, and 3 nieces) had also clubbed together to buy me a gorgeous moss agate necklace — very me, very beautiful, and very thoughtful 💚

It will go perfectly with my Wedding² outfit (watch this space).

A Sunny afternoon in a pub garden

After afternoon tea, most of us headed to a nearby pub garden for a few drinks, where Nathaniel and some of the other husbands joined us.

The weather was kind (always a win in the UK!) and it was the perfect way to continue the celebration - relaxed, informal, and fun.

Then vs Now

If you’d told the 2003 version of me that one day I’d have a hen party like this, I don’t think she would have believed you.

Back then, I felt anxious in social settings, unsure of myself, and very much in the background.

Now, I feel comfortable, supported, and surrounded by people who genuinely bring joy into my life.

This hen party wasn’t just a lovely day (although it truly was). It felt like a reflection of how much can change over time - how confidence can grow, friendships can develop, and life can open up in ways you never expected.

I feel incredibly grateful:
For those who helped organise the day
For the people who showed up
For the memories we made
And for this chance to celebrate in a way that feels so me

And this is just the beginning… 💕

Check back soon to hear more about our vow renewal / Wedding² planning - and later in the year to see how it all came together!