Marc and I met 7 years ago through mutual friends of ours. We were
on a night out for a friend’s birthday and got chatting. We were friends first
for about 6 months and really got on well with each other. We later went out
for drinks and ended up confessing we both really liked the other. The rest is
history!
We had both talked about marriage over the years and both
knew the other wanted it at some point. When we did get engaged it was
definitely a surprise. I had taken Marc away to Prague for his 30th
birthday as a gift – so I definitely didn’t expect a proposal! On his 30th
birthday he planned for us to go to the castle which overlooks the city. As we
were walking through the castle gardens he got down on one knee. I was so
overwhelmed I forgot to say yes and even asked if I could put the ring on. It
was perfect being in our own little bubble – not telling anyone except close
family until we got home. That night we went for a beautiful meal on a boat and
then to a jazz bar for cocktails.
When we were planning our reception we wanted somewhere with character, but it was also
important for us to find somewhere with a relaxed atmosphere. From the moment
we viewed Beeston Manor, we fell in love with it. The fireplaces, exposed brick
and beams made sure it was rich in character and gave it a cosy feel. We also
loved that it was pretty much a blank canvas to be able to put our own stamp on
it. The staff at Beeston couldn’t do enough for us and we really benefited from
booking a family run venue. The extra little touches helped to make our day
perfect and they really went the extra mile for us.
Gathering ideas for the wedding, I was a bit addicted to Pinterest and I’d seen the colour
scheme of pale grey and pale peach which I instantly fell in love with. Other
than that we just picked things we liked and kind of hoped it all came together
– which luckily it did on the day! In the end the theme was a mixture of
vintage and rustic. We had log slices as the centrepieces with jugs of fresh
flowers on. I handmade a lot of things for the décor including lots of jars
covered in lace and ribbon, blackboard frames, a vintage apple crate table plan
and a drop top heart guestbook (with the help of my wonderful dad!).
I did a lot of research when finding suppliers to get the
best product at the best price. One thing I was not prepared to compromise on
was the photography. It meant a lot to me that we had amazing images once the
day was over – after all that’s what you’re left with! Finally we found Steph
and Steve from Ashton Photography. We were blown away with their portfolio so
couldn’t wait to get them booked. They definitely didn’t disappoint. We had
horrendous weather on the day, but they really thought outside the box to get
some amazing images for us, in pretty bad conditions. It also helped that they
were so approachable and friendly, so we both felt at ease on the day.
I went to the Great Northern Wedding show and it really
helped with my planning. I enjoyed perusing the stalls to get ideas for my
wedding and it was a really great day out with my bridesmaids.
My dress was Aurelia by Benjamin Roberts. I’d searched so
many stores and tried on so many dresses. It wasn’t until I went to Emma
Hartley’s that I found my perfect dress. The staff there were so accommodating
and let me take my time. I actually wasn’t ‘amazed’ by my dress the first time
I put it on, but then they said to try it on again and I fell in love with it!
We danced to Al Green – Lets Stay Together for our first
dance. It isn’t ‘our song’ as such, but just one that we like. For me
personally, it’s a song that makes me smile so much whenever I hear it and one
that I have always wanted as part of our wedding. Marc picked the song I walked
down the aisle to which was Elbow – One Day Like This.
All our family and friends have said they had an amazing
day. I think they enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the day. We had the ceremony
and reception all in one place and I was really conscious to sit people with
others who they know or would get on with throughout the meal. It was great to
look back through the professional pictures at all our guests’ smiles, knowing
they had a good day too.
My advice to brides? Don’t sweat the small stuff. Seriously! I am a big worrier
and got myself so stressed in the build-up. I was worried about the weather,
people not enjoying themselves, my décor choices not coming together… etc. But
in reality the day was perfect as we got married and we’re now man and wife (as clichéd as that is). We even had a cat jump on our wedding cake the day
before, but it didn’t ruin our day!
Photographers – Steph and Steve at Ashton Photography
Chair covers – Creative Cover Hire
Venue dressing – Beeston Manor and rented props from China
Blossom Hire
Bridal Boutique – Emma Hartley Bridal
