Come with me as I look after two special VIPs during their parents' big day.

I had the absolute pleasure of looking after two of the sweetest little VIPs, 2&3 year old brother and sister, while their parents said "I do" at the Slieve Donard in Newcastle. I messaged into our WhatsApp group before I left to let everyone know I was on my way and arrived just before the ceremony.  I arrived at the Slieve Donard to the sound of crashing waves against the shore, the most stunning castle esk hotel and the smell of the sea filled the air…I just knew I was in for an extra special day! I met up with the little ones in one of the stunning bridal rooms with its stunning views of the sea and abundance of natural light, just breathtaking! We had a lovely play while they excitedly showed me their outfits and told me how it was such a special day. Then it was time to head off for their big role…walking down the aisle hand in hand. It was the sweetest moment you ever did see, there wasn't a dry eye in the house!

I waited until the bride and her daddy headed up the aisle before I snuck in at the back of the ceremony room and was on hand just incase I was needed.  This gave everyone peace of mind knowing they had a back up plan in case any of the little ones anyone became unsettled. There really is something so special about being part of someone’s big day, all the happiness and love is completely infectious!

After the ceremony

After the ceremony, we headed to the drinks reception room. To say this room is something else is an understatement! A whole wall of windows looking out at the Mournes, as they sweep down to the sea… it’s what wedding dreams are made of! We headed over to the side of these windows to have a little play as the little ones were so excited to see what was in ‘Nanny Cat’s bag’. We set up a play area, built our train track, played with magnet tiles, lorries and trucks, and coloured in. We even had some time to pop bubbles, do some puzzles, and have lots of fun with cousins too. We had lots of fun playing and even squeezing in some photo time as well as catching up with family. Everyone was able to relax and fully enjoy the afternoon knowing the little ones were safe and happy under the watchful eye of Nanny Cat.

During the drinks reception, I noticed the little ones starting to get a bit tired and knew they might struggle to make it through dinner if they didn’t have a wee power nap so after double checking with mummy we headed up for a nap. This worked perfectly as mummy and daddy were able to enjoy the end of the drinks reception and speeches knowing their little ones were having a much needed recharge before returning back down just in time for their dinner arriving.

This much-needed nap meant that instead of overtired little people at dinner the family had recharged happy little VIPs who were ready for dinner and partying with their parents and no one missed out on the speeches because Nanny Cat was on hand to supervise a nap time.

While the little ones were spending some time with family I moved all the toys and set up a new play area in the stunning reception room. We then played happily in between dinner courses allowing everyone to enjoy their meal.  I stepped back while the family enjoyed some dancing together under the ambient lights and fantastic music that made their evening reception electric! Boy did this family know how to have a a good time! Feet were tapping, smiles were beaming, it was just magical! Then when the little one’s eyes started to get heavy and they needed a little break I was back on hand to take them for some quiet time. The saying ‘time flies when you’re having fun’ was so true with this family and before we knew it, it was time for bed and goodbyes before I headed back home.  It really was such a wonderful day and night with the sweetest little VIPs and the loveliest family.

In my bride's own words

“…We as Brides spend so much of our wedding budget on the food and music but if we are unable to enjoy them because we need to feed the wee ones or they are tired and need to go to bed, it’s really not the wedding we all dream of.

If there is one day you should be allowed to truly enjoy yourself it should be your wedding day. Give yourself the time to experience all these lovely moments you have spent so long planning for, as it will be over in a flash and all just seen like a beautiful dream.

From the words of our 3 year old, ‘Mummy I loved our wedding, can we do it again tomorrow’.”

*Images captured by Alexandra Barfoot and shared with bride and groom's permission.