Something that you may or may not know about me, is that I am truly OBSESSED with all things regency! If you have no idea what the regency era is, it’s the name for the period of time between 1811 and 1820. AKA this world’s golden years. So think Jane Austen, England, tea parties, Pride and Prejudice, Lords and Ladies, garden parties, embroidery, etc.
I first was introduced to this world when I spent one Saturday with my mom watching the eight-hour version of Pride and Prejudice when I was fourteen– you could say that it was love at first sight. I instantly fell in love with the lovely gowns, stunning embroidery, magnificent estates, vibrant English countryside, magical balls, and of course the swoon-worthy romance. I’ve been an avid reader all of my life and it wasn’t until a year later when a friend recommended a book called Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson that I was officially and irrevocably obsessed and in love with this time period.
It may sound crazy and overly dramatic for me to say that reading Edenbrooke changed my life, but it absolutely isn’t because it absolutely did. I remember checking it out right before I left for a cross-country meet in Logan, UT where we were staying the night. I was excited to have something to read to pass the time on the two-hour-long bus ride and can still remember where I sat and the exact moment I began the book and read the first few chapters. It was pure magic. From those first few moments of reading, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I was reading my new favorite book. I had to force myself to read slower so that those precious moments of reading my favorite story for the first time would last longer! Everything about the main character, Marianne, reminded me of myself– her golden hair, greenish-blue eyes, her love for twirling, painting, horses, her fierce loyalty towards the ones she loves, and her tendency to get herself in awkward/ funny situations.
After devouring Edenbrooke, I knew I had to meet Julianne Donaldson and have her sign my book! I had my mom take me to a book signing that was over an hour and a half away from where we lived and I had butterflies in my stomach the entire drive– I was so excited to finally meet her! When we were standing in line, my body started shaking I was so excited and when it was finally our turn I was absolutely star-struck haha I froze and also started tearing up I was so overwhelmed and excited to meet her! Another thing about me is that I feel things really intensely and so I couldn’t help the tears that came when I met a person who felt like my ultimate kindred spirit. When I finally snapped out of my excitement I introduced myself and handed her my books and she looked into my eyes and we totally had a moment and she said “do I know you? You look so familiar!” I about fainted and thought– yes! I’m the person you wrote Edenbrooke about!! Hahhah she was so nice and signed my books and when I got home and saw that she had signed my book saying “To Madeline- my kindred spirit” I cried all over again :)))
Ever since then I have had a deep and intense love for all things regency!! This is a topic that I’m super passionate about and could literally talk about for days so I’m thinking I’ll do a series of posts surrounding this topic that I hope you’ll find interesting and love! I also am curious how many of you also love the regency era?? Especially regency/ historical romances?? Because I would absolutely love to create a book club where we can read together and have tea parties and paint and do all the things so either comment or message me on Instagram so that we can put a group together if you would be interested!
On a related note– Julianne Donaldson is hosting a REGENCY RETREAT this September at Wadley Farms!!!! She did one a couple of years ago and I went with my mom and it was the absolute FUNNEST experience of my life and so if you love regency as much as me– you have to get your tickets! They go on sale on June 1st (which is my birthday!!! Talk about fate!) and you can either get a ticket for the day portion or the evening dinner and ball or both! Check out regencyretreat.com for more details on pricing and the different activities they have planned– it’s going to be epic.
When I first saw this dress I instantly knew that I NEEDED it. Not only is it the perfect shade of green, but it has the funnest puff sleeves, square neckline and empire waistline that absolutely screams regency! I love it so much. I’m thinking of trying to make this dress work for the retreat if I can’t find anything else I love– I could maybe find something to throw on underneath to make it go down to my ankles?? Anyone have any ideas? Or I’ll see if I can find something else that works or maybe even sew one myself!
Xoxo
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