The Christening of
Christabel Elizabeth
&
Christoph James
Thank you for joining us to celebrate our newborn twins Bella & CJ at Hever Castle. We are blessed to have incredible friends and family who were able to join us for this special moment in their lives.
Our family is so lucky to be loved and to have each of your in our lives.
Thank you.
DAY 1
Welcome Dinner
The Papermakers Arms🔗
The Papermakers Arms is a traditional English village pub located in the heart of Plaxtol, Kent. Christian's late grandparents, Victor James & Freda Coppins Bromley, lived in Plaxtol for 70+ years. Christian's grandmother worked at the village bakery just a stone's throw from the Papermakers Arms with Christian's godfather, Clive Wakeman. The walls of the pub are adored with local photos from the village, including multiple photos with Vic and Clive.
We could not have asked for a more perfect start to welcome to have celebrated with guests than this quaint pub - rich with family history.
DAY 2
Winery Tour & Tasting
Squerryes Winery🔗
Squerryes Winery is a lovely vineyard in Kent, which is quickly becoming a preeminent winemaking region as the area experiences a warmer climate akin to Champagne, France. We made a wine-tasting visit to Kent in 2023 to experience all the buzz and were excited to share the experience with our friends and family. Christian's godfather, Clive, gave Christian a bottle of spirits at his christening in 1991 (with strict instructions not to open it until 2009).
It was only fitting to share a toast of this local sparkling wine and to find two special bottles that we hope to enjoy with the twins in the many years to come.
DAY 3
Christening
Hever Castle🔗
We hosted the twins' naming ceremony & Christening on the grounds at Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. The ceremony was in the Tudor Suite which is part of the Astor Wing, a charming Edwardian wing commissioned by previous American owner William Waldorf Astor in 1903. Following the ceremony, we had an adorable Afternoon Tea and spent a picture-perfect afternoon on the grounds at the Hever.
Our weekend culminated at the Castle for an unforgettable evening reception that began with a private tour with a cocktail reception and dinner in the Great Hall. Hever Castle is one of Christian's most favorite places in the world. He shared memories from boyhood playing in the maze with his cousins, Sarah and Vanessa, an afternoon picnicking with his aunt and uncle, Jackie and Neil, time before his study abroad in Scotland, and many visits with Christopher over the years. We could not have asked for a better venue for such a magical evening that we will always remember.
