REAL WEDDING Highland Fling

Ruth & Paul
22 September 2007

They Met It was New Year’s Eve in a pub in Donegal: Paul had been invited along by a mutual friend and they got on straight away. Some time later, after a three-week trip from Denver on a couple of Harley Davidson bikes, Paul popped the question. They were standing on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and Ruth just could not believe the amazing surprise Paul had planned for the end of the journey.

Wedding Venue On their return from America, the couple started researching venues in Ireland and Scotland. Ruth's parents were really helpful in sourcing venues in Ireland while the couple looked around Scotland where they were living. They wanted a venue that would be a weekend away for their guest and really liked the area around Blair Atholl. They had admired Blair Castle from afar but only when they visited did they realise that it was the perfect venue - the staff couldn’t have been more helpful!

The Theme Inspired by the rich autumnal colours, deep burgundy was a key colour while local foliage and berries were used in abundance. As a nice touch, Ruth's parents collected around 200 pebbles from the beach in Donegal near where the couple met. They used the stones instead of place names on the tables with the guest’s name handwritten on each one. It brought a a tiny piece of Ireland to the reception and made perfect keepsakes for the guests. Otherwise, the grand setting of the castle provided a theme in itself with huge candelabra in the State Dining Room with shields and weaponry hung on the walls and open fireplaces roaring.

What They Wore Ruth fell in love with a Suzanne Neville dress the first time she tried it on at Castle Couture in Co Antrim (Northern Ireland). She got her dad along for a second opinion the following week, but loved the mix of fabrics – silk and lace – and the quirky but feminine cut - classic without being too traditional. She also wore a long veil with tiny pearl beading and pearl and crystal jewellery.

Paul had a kilt made in his family tartan by Kinloch Andersen and wore a dark grey tweed jacket with a thistle inter-twinned with the same berries from the bouquets.

The three bridesmaids wore strapless dress in burgundy raw silk. 'The dresses really complimented the different hair colours and skin tones', said Ruth.

The Cake was a classic three-tier design, created by Celebration Station in Perth, with white icing decorated with fresh Calla lilies.

The Flowers Ruth carried a trailing bouquet with ivory Calla lilies and green foliage. While the bridesmaids had posy bouquets with a mix of burgundy and ivory flowers, with berries and foliage interspersed.

First Dance The couple's first dance was to Elton John's Tiny Dancer.

A Moment to Remember 'Walking into the church and seeing all our friends and family' said Ruth. 'Then, after the ceremony, Paul and I went down to the edge of Lough Tay to take some more pictures. It was lovely because it was the first time we’d been alone together and was a gorgeous day with the sun glistening on the water. It just felt lovely to be there together.'

Any Advice? Ruth says, 'stick to your guns and make sure you are planning the wedding that you and your partner really want. Be gracious and polite when friends and family offer advice – they are only trying to help - but don’t feel guilty about completely ignoring it!'

Ruth & Paul's Contact Book
Venue: Blair Castle 01796 481 207
Caterer: Prestige Scotland 0800 328 1373
Photographer: Nigel Lumsden 01887 840 744
Bride’s Dress: Castle Couture 028 2565 0990
Groomswear: Kinloch Anderson 0131 555 1390
Cake: Celebration Stations 01738 625 886
Flowers: Carol Williamson 01738 625 886

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REAL WEDDING Red, Red Wedding

Emma & Matthew
25 November 2007

They Met Emma and Matthew first met when Emma came to work as a trainee manager at a hotel where Matthew was the bar supervisor. They soon became close friends and it was not long before they hit it off as a happy couple! Matthew proposed five years from the date they first got together at home after a romantic meal out.

Wedding Venue After having organized many weddings at their hotels, they had a good idea of what they wanted. They finally chose Oak Farm Hotel in Cannock for the big day as they got on well with the people there and loved the fact that the hotel had log fires!

The Theme The couple chose to use the theme of a winter wedding with ivory and deep red as their key colours. The tables were decorated with tea lights and red Lindt chocolate boxes as favours while fairy lights sparkled on the top table. Each table was named after a landmark in New York - their honeymoon destination - with black and white photos mounted on red card.

What They Wore The bride wore an Amanda Wyatt dress with a train, which she bought from Formal Elegance in Cheslyn Hay. She also purchased her shoes there as well, as her tiara, earrings and necklace, all matching her theme of simple and elegant.

The groom, fathers, usher and best man wore Prince Edward jackets with morning trousers and silk cream waistcoats, all hired from Graham Hews Menswear. He also had a deep red rose as a buttonhole to match the bridesmaids’ dresses and their dark red theme.

Emma had three bridesmaids wearing Forever Yours dresses, gathered in at the centre with a matching stole - all in a deep red.

The Cake A three-tiered fruit cake from Marks & Spencer was topped with a bride and groom topper from a local cake supplier.

The Flowers Emma carried a bouquet of dark red roses with diamante pins in them as well as grass threaded through whilst the bridesmaids carried cream roses tied with ribbon. The venue provided cream and red flowers including carnations, after taking a swatch from the bridesmaids' dresses.

First Dance The happy couple danced to Sail Away by David Gray.

A Moment To Remember Emma loved it when the chief bridesmaid brought the bride and groom packed lunches whilst they were getting ready as well as the ceremony and the dancing afterwards!

Honeymoon The newly-weds fulfilled their dream of visiting snowy New York for their honeymoon. They decided to visit in December and stayed for five days, on one day it even snowed!

Any Advice Emma advises to, ‘Remember whose day it is and don’t let others stress you out.’ She also comments that, ‘We wanted a small intimate wedding and I had a few disagreements with others about it, but I’m glad I stuck to my guns.’

Emma & Matthew’s Contact Book:
Venue: Oak Farm Hotel
Photographer: Roger Craddock Photography
Dress: Formal Elegance
Groom: Graham Hews Menswear 01543 418 514
Cake: Marks & Spencer’s
Flowers: Cheryl’s Flower House 01922 410 725

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REAL WEDDING Snowy Dream

Sarah & Martyn
1 February 2008

They Met Introduced through friends, the couple got together at a nightclub. It was an eventful first date. Things got off to a funny start when a brass plate fell off the wall onto Sarah’s head! The joking continued when they got guests to guess how they really met on their wedding website, after Martyn proposed to Sarah on the London Eye.

Wedding Venue The couple had always wanted to get married abroad and chose snowy Lapland for their 'I dos' with a reindeer sleigh to take the bride to the ice chapel! They then had their reception closer to home at St Pierre Park Hotel in Guernsey.

The Theme The lovebirds chose to keep with the winter theme and used snowflake crystals and gold with lots of decorative reindeer. Sarah also made crystal snowflakes for the guests to wear whilst she wore a Swarovski snowflake pendant.

What They Wore The bride wore a two-piece corset top with an A-line skirt and a faux fur coat with a huge hood, specially made by Pretty Woman in Guernsey. She accessorized her outfit with a hairpiece by a local jewellery designer, long ivory boots, a faux fur hand muff and some cosy long johns! The groom wore a traditional wedding suit with a gold waistcoat and cravat from Stately Homes in Guernsey with a crystal buttonhole made by Sarah. Their bridesmaid wore a long gold dress with a faux fur coat, long gloves and boots, she also carried a Swarovski crystal and gold bead bouquet. And the two flower girls wore long dresses, with a gold bodice and ivory skirt, as well as faux fur coats.

The Cake Sarah’s aunt made a three-tier cake for the Guernsey reception as well as a special chocolate cake for the groom. It eventually had to be taken over to Guernsey as hand luggage on two flights from Ireland!

The Flowers All of the bouquets and buttonholes were made from Swarovski crystals and gold beads to keep with their winter wonderland theme whilst the venue in Lapland was decorated with red roses.

First Dance Sarah and Martyn improvised their first dance to Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol.

A Moment To Remember Although the couple loved it all, Martyn especially enjoyed the private snow mobile safari that he went on, with the best man, on the morning of the wedding. They thought that Lapland was magical and found it amusing when a tourist skier stopped to take a photo of the bride’s party on the way to the chapel!

Honeymoon The newly-weds indulged in their love of travelling and stayed in Hong Kong in the Shangri-la Hotel for five nights, followed by the Oberoi Hotel in Bali for seven nights and the Banyan Tree in Bangkok for two nights. Appealing to their adventurous personalities, they also had plenty of time for relaxation and indulgence!

Any Advice Sarah says, ‘Really think about what is important to you as a couple for the day. Don’t lose sight of that amidst all of the planning.’ With the groom adding, ‘Enjoy the day, take time to look around as it goes very fast.’

Sarah & Martyn’s Contact Book
Venue: Kakslauttanen, Lapland
Reception: St Pierre Park Hotel, Guernsey
Wedding Planner: Rue at Kakslauttanen
Photographer: Iain McGuinness
Dress: Pretty Woman, Guernsey 01481 249 272
Tiara: Braceletsnbrides
Groomswear: Stately Homes, Guernsey

If you would like your own big day featured on WeddingPath, email some of your wedding photographs to amanda@weddingpath.com. We would love to have you re-live the day and share the happy memories!

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REAL WEDDING English Garden

Stacey & Christopher
9 June 2007

They Met Christopher and Stacey met through work when Christopher showed Stacey around her new workplace. He also set up a joint account as a joke, to hold savings for a wedding! Two years later it came true, and they really did use the account for their wedding savings! Christopher pulled out all the stops, hiring Lincoln Castle as a private venue, arranging a string quartet to play and a local photographer to capture the moment when he proposed!

Wedding Venue The couple had always wanted to marry at the historic Doddington Hall with its beautiful gardens and atmospheric setting. Their dream came true when they booked it for their wedding venue immediately after their engagement!

The Theme The couple kept with the theme of the venue and decided to have an ‘English country garden’ theme with a marquee in the grounds, decorated with home-made floral bunting, heart-shaped wreaths, lanterns hanging in the trees outside and scented candles on the tables. They also had small terracotta pots with lavender on outside tables and Christopher’s father made them three large easels with photos of the couple together and of their childhoods. They named their tables after English herbs and had herbal favours in baskets on the tables.

What They Wore The bride wore an ivory gown by Ian Stuart with a cathedral length ivory veil, ivory satin ballet shoes and a flower hair corsage matching her dress.

The groom looked dashing in black tails with a cream shirt and mocha-coloured rouche, hired from Debenhams, complimented by a few sprigs of lavender and rosemary in his buttonhole.

Stacey’s maid of honour wore a floor length silk gown from Coast in chocolate brown with a smaller version of Stacey’s corsage in her hair and pinned onto her sash.

The Cake Stacey and Christopher chose a three-tiered cake covered in cream icing with lavender wrapped around each tier. The bottom layer was chocolate, the middle was carrot cake and the top was traditional fruitcake.

The Flowers Stacey carried a small posy of fresh rosemary and lavender tired with raffia whilst the maid of honour carried a smaller version. They had a mixture of cottage and country flowers in pastel shades for their reception, with large centre pieces. It was in the style of a wild country garden with ivy running down the tables! The flowers were mainly made of roses, peonies, hydrangeas, lupins and other flowers, some hanging in moss covered baskets from the top of the marquee.

First Dance Stacey and Christopher danced to their ten-piece band with one of their own, unique songs, When you Wish Upon a Star.

A Moment to Remember Stacey and Christopher’s best moments were when they were saying their vows and being pronounced man and wife! They also loved the speeches and when everybody danced in lines to New York, New York by the big band!

Honeymoon The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in Bruges in Belgium where they stayed in a fantastic boutique hotel right on the canal!

Any Advice When it comes to choosing the photographer, Stacey says, ‘looking through the photos of real life weddings gave us loads of ideas and do’s and dont’s for the day.’ While Christopher advises: ‘get the balance right between being a newly married couple on the day, talking to people as a couple and separately, making sure everyone is interacting with each other!’

Stacey & Christopher’s Contact Book
Venue: Doddington Hall
Caterer: Whites Fine Food
Photographer: Purvis-Gisborne Photography
Dress: Proposals
Groomswear: Debenhams
Cake: Cakes by Design
Flowers: Bunches & Stems

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REAL WEDDING Pure Ivory

Anna & Mark
7 April 2007

They Met They met while students in halls of residence at the University of Sheffield. But it wasn’t unil a romantic weekend in Paris that Mark proposed. They were standing on the Ponts des Arts bridge with a view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance when he popped the question. Afterwards, they celebrated with dinner and champagne in a restaurant on the Left Bank – how romantic!

Wedding Venue After rifling through endless wedding magazines, they finally opted for the stunning Moor Park instead of a city wedding in London. The spectacular building and grounds won their hearts. It had also been recommended by friends and was conveniently close to their home.

The Theme Anna and Mark didn’t have a particular theme but wanted their wedding to be ‘elegant but relaxed’ with a big party for everyone to enjoy. With the high ceilings in Moor Park, an ivory colour scheme complimented the magnificent architecture. They used table names of places in Paris with the top table being called ‘Ponts des Arts’ where Mark proposed.

What They Wore The bride wore an ivory silk dress by Pronovias with a fitted bodice and fishtail skirt with beading on the bust. Her veil was scattered with crystals and she wore dragonfly hair clips. The finishing touch was a string of pearls from her aunt, creating the ultimate glamorous red-carpet look!

The groom wore a traditional morning suit with grey striped trousers, hired from Young Bride and Groom, with a silver waistcoat and tie. All of the men wore the same with rose buttonholes to match Anna’s bouquet.

Anna had two bridesmaids who wore cappuccino-coloured dresses by Watters and Watters with matching shoes and jewellery whilst carrying hand-tied clusters of cream carnations!

The Cake The couple chose a delicious three-tiered fruit cake with white icing from Marks & Spencer which was decorated by the florist! In fact, they loved it so much that they kept going back to buy extra portions afterwards!

The Flowers Anna held a fabulous bouquet of David Austen ‘Patience’ roses, adding femininity and softness to her outfit. There were also large arrangements of ivory roses, oriental lilies and carnations at the venue on pedestals, adding springtime freshness as well as flowers in small mirrored vases on the tables.

First Dance The newly-married couple danced to Nobody Does it Better by Aimee Mann with songs already chosen by the guests played through the rest of the evening.

A Moment To Remember Anna especially enjoyed seeing her husband-to-be waiting for her at the venue as well as the speeches. Another favourite moment was the last dance to My First, My Last, My Everything by Barry White, which was ‘totally spontaneous and really fun’.

Honeymoon Anna and Mark spent their honeymoon relaxing in pure luxury in the perfect escape of the Medhu Fushi resort in the Maldives, where they enjoyed reliving all of their wedding day wonderful memories.

Any Advice Anna’s main advice is ‘not to worry as it will all fall into place’ but also she suggests to ‘decide early on what things are important to you and to spend money on and cut back the rest.’ Whilst Mark gives a top tip of not to write the speech too early!

Anna & Mark’s Contact Book
Venue: Moor Park Golf Club
Photographer: Reportage Wedding Company
Dress: Go Bridal
Groomswear: Young Bride and Groom
Cake: Marks & Spencer
Flowers: Rosanna’s Florists

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REAL WEDDING Sunny Love

Rebecca & Daniel
26 August 2007

They Met In a night club in Hull, Yorkshire where it didn’t seem like love at first sight but after Rebecca decided to phone him later, the rest soon became history. Daniel managed to propose twice before the real thing, because things kept going wrong! He finally proposed at their favourite Thai restaurant, after six years together, where Rebecca found her engagement ring at her table!

Wedding Venue Rebecca and Daniel didn’t look anywhere else but The Country Park Inn, Hessle. It had long been their dream to marry there as they both had happy childhood memories of the place. It was also the ideal location being near to family and having the magnificent Humber Bridge as a backdrop for photos.

The Theme The happy couple wanted a summery theme and chose pastel colours for a perfect summer’s day. The table names were linked to their honeymoon with animals they were hoping to see while in Kenya written in local dialect. They also had hanging wooden hearts with ribbon and the couple’s names, handmade by Rebecca’s mother, adding an extra special touch!

What They Wore Rebecca looked stunning in a white Maggie Sottero dress, which she bought in America with a tiara, white satin shoes and jewellery from Emily Louise.

Daniel wore a cream Prince Edward suit, hired from Greenwoods, which complimented his olive skin perfectly with a cream cravat and waistcoat.

Rebecca had a page boy, two bridesmaids and two flower girls, with the page boy wearing a black suit, also hired from Greenwoods and the girls wearing cream Tiger Lilly dresses from Debenhams.

The Cake Sadly the cake didn’t work out as planned on the day, with a mix-up over the design! But it didn’t bother the newly-weds much with Rebecca commenting, ‘It’s only a cake after all.’

The Flowers Rebecca carried a wonderful bouquet of light yellows and greens with grass threaded through it, mainly made up of Gerberas - Daniel’s favourite flower. The men had gerberas as buttonholes too.

First Dance Rebecca and Daniel danced the night away to Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol, Lonestar by Amazed and She by Elvis Costello.

A Moment To Remember Rebecca loved it as she walked up the aisle, seeing Daniel waiting for her at the end as well as being taken away with Daniel after the ceremony in a romantic horse-drawn carriage!

Honeymoon Rebecca and Daniel went to Mombassa in Kenya for an exciting honeymoon, with an Amboseli Safari and a sun-soaked beach holiday afterwards at Bambauri Beach Hotel.

Any Advice Rebecca suggests to, ‘Look around and compare prices…You don’t have to spend ridiculous amounts of money to make it a special day.’

Rebecca & Daniel’s Contact Book
Venue: The Country Park Inn 01482 640 526
Photographer: Dave Lanki
Dress: Maggie Sottero
Groomswear: Greenwoods
Flowers: GKS Flowers

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REAL WEDDING Autumn Romance

Elizabeth and Gerald
20 October 2007

They Met After working with Elizabeth’s mother for several years, Gerald finally decided to ask Elizabeth out. Three years later Gerald proposed. It was after a romantic meal at their favourite restaurant. When they got home, there was a bunch of red roses waiting for Elizabeth with a card saying, ‘Will you…’ it was then that Gerald got down on one knee. They celebrated by heading to the local funfair for some candy floss!

Wedding Venue The couple started looking at venues almost immediately and booked the historic, Littlecote House, 18 months before the wedding day. It seemed like the perfect location for an October wedding with its huge open fires and exclusive use of the whole house.

The Theme Elizabeth and Gerald chose to use ivory and dark red to fit in with the autumnal atmosphere and named their tables after Blackadder characters. Each table had pictures and quotes, with the top table called ‘Queenie’! In keeping with the Medieval surroundings, they had a decadent hog roast for the reception!

What They Wore Elizabeth wore an A-line Maggie Sottero dress scattered with glass beads, Swarovski crystals and sequins by Tuana Vidal. The dress also had a huge train, covered in sparkling Swarovski crystals, and a Betty Jackson veil. She accessorised her look with Jimmy Choo shoes, a vintage style necklace and earrings, from Camp Hopsons in Newbury, and a dazzling Swarovski crystal bracelet, which Gerald gave to her on the morning of the wedding.

Gerald wore a black Prince Edward style suit from Debenhams formal hire, with a cream waistcoat and ruched tie. His buttonhole complimented Elizabeth’s bouquet with a white cala lily, lily of the valley and crystals.

Elizabeth had two adult bridesmaids with dark red dresses from Debenhams Debut range and three flower girls who wore ivory dresses with beaded sashes by Jasper Conran, with fur wraps around their shoulders.

The Cake The couple had a three-tier chocolate cake with a cascade of chocolate truffles, made by Fancy That! Wedding Cakes. The couple made a grand moment of cutting the cake, using a ceremonial sword.

The Flowers Elizabeth carried a stunning bouquet of white roses and lilies of the valley with crystals, tied with a simple white ribbon. The adult bridesmaids had wrist corsages of white roses while the flower girls had pomanders of dark red roses. The tables were decorated with white and cream flowers and candles, creating the perfect atmosphere in the oak-panelled Grand Hall.

First Dance Elizabeth and Gerald danced for the first time as man and wife to ‘Better Together’ by Jack Johnson.

A Moment To Remember Elizabeth said ‘the whole day was so lovely, but we especially enjoyed seeing our relatives from overseas, who had made a special effort to be with us. It is really good to look back on our videos and photographs and see so many happy, relaxed guests!’

Honeymoon After spending the first night in a luxury suite at The Bear, Hungerford, the newlyweds headed to Meeru Island in the Maldives for two weeks of relaxation and pampering.

Any Advice Elizabeth advises couples to ‘stand back and enjoy it, as the time flies, but also voice your opinions in the planning, as it is your wedding, and to make sure you do any tasks you have been given well in advance.’

Elizabeth & Gerald’s Contact Book
Venue: Littlecote House
Photography: The Moment Images
Dress: Cinders Bridal
Groomswear: Debenhams Formal Hire
Cake: Fancy That!
Flowers: John Meyburgh at Hugo Skucek Flowers 01794 368 879

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REAL WEDDING Pretty in Pink

Clare and Jason
24 November 2007

They Met Clare and Jason were introduced through a friend. At Clare’s fancy dress 21st birthday party, Jason, dressed as Batman, got down on one knee in front of all the other guests to propose to Clare.

Wedding Venue Clare and Jason hunted for venues around the north west of England and Yorkshire as Jason is originally from Bradford. They wanted something with character, so when they saw Allerton Castle, they fell in love with it. “It’s so grand, just like a fairytale castle,” says Clare. “The staff were lovely, so we knew our day would be a success.”

The Theme “We wanted our wedding to be classic and elegant,” Clare says. “So we based most of our decisions around that idea, and chose simple, elegant and timeless flowers and decorations.” As the couple had a winter wedding, they placed candles all over the venue, which gave a magical and romantic feel to the day.

What They Wore Clare’s dress was by Dizzie Lizzie Couture at Confetti Bridal Box, Eccles, Manchester. “It had pink netting and a pink underskirt,” says Clare. “Everyone commented on how unusual and stunning it was – and I felt like a real princess all day.”

Clare wore Benjamin Adams shoes and had her hair swept back in a large, low bun with a hair accessory by Claire D’Auria. She also had a simple pearl drop necklace and small drop earrings with a bracelet to match.

Jason wore a black morning suit with ivory waistcoat and pale pink cravat from Slater Menswear in Manchester. The other men in the bridal party wore black morning suits with pale pink waistcoats and ivory cravats.

The couple had four adult bridesmaids, who all wore 50s-style A-line dress in chocolate brown with a bright pink ribbon round the waist. The young bridesmaid had a white dress with a matching pink sash.

The Cake Clare and Jason’s cake had one chocolate tier and two vanilla sponge tiers decorated with white icing with pink and brown polka dots from Cake Heaven, Oldham.

The Flowers Clare’s bouquet was a stunning ball of bright pink roses. The bridesmaids had three long-stemmed bright pink roses with trailing bear grass. The couple had tall candelabras on the tables, while on the top table they had three mirror cube vases filled with pink roses and gerberas with a tall church candle in the middle of the display.

First Dance The couple enjoyed their first dance to Someone Like You by Van Morrisson. “It was the first time all day that I had a few tears,” says Clare. “It really occurred to me at this point that after all the time we spent planning, it was turning into the most perfect day ever.”

A Moment To Remember “Walking down the aisle and seeing my fiancé standing at the end, with tears in his eyes,” Clare says. “The whole day was amazing though, from start to finish.”

Honeymoon Clare and Jason spent their honeymoon on Kuredu Island in the Maldives.

Any Advice Clare says, “Enjoy the planning - it can be so much fun. And don’t sweat the small stuff, all that matters is that you marry the man you love and you and your guests have a good time."

Clare & Jason’s Contact Book
Venue: Allerton Castle, North Yorkshire
Wedding Planner: Viv Hawkesworth – Essentially You
Photographer: Andrea Barrett Photography
Videographer: One & Only Films
Dress: Confetti Box Bridal Centre
Groomswear: Slater Menswear, Manchester
Cake: Cake Heaven
Flowers: Diane Penny Flowers

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REAL WEDDING Italian Seaside

Julia & Nick
7 September 2007
They Met Julia and Nick were introduced by Julia’s flatmate, who played football with Nick. They were friends for a few years before they finally became a couple. Nick proposed seven years later in Khao Sok National Park in Thailand on 14 November 2006 while on the back of an elephant!

Wedding Venue The couple had always talked about getting married abroad. So once they returned from Thailand, they did some research and found a wedding planner in Italy who recommended Ravello on the Amalfi Coast. By Christmas that year, they had chosen the date and booked the Villa Maria – a stunning palace overlooking the dramatic coastline. It was the ideal location as it was also fairly close to a major airport where guests could get to easily.

The Theme The couple decided to use the stunning Italian location as inspiration for their theme. The white and pale blue invitations were handmade by Julia and Nick , while the table decorations consisted of pale blue voltives from Confetti and freeze-dried blue hydrangea petals scattered on the tables. The top table was named after their honeymoon destination. The place names were scrolls with the menu written inside in both English and Italian tied with pale blue ribbon.

What They Wore Julia wore an ivory A-line skirt with a strapless ruched bodice, which had pearl and crystal details, by Augusta Jones from GoBridal in Tunbridge Wells. She also wore a string pearl necklace which was given to her by Nick’s godmother, and a matching simple pearl bracelet. In her hair, Julia wore a hair piece that had been made for her using the Swarovski crystals from her mother’s tiara from her own wedding 35 years ago.

Nick wore a made-to-measure suit, which was brown with gold very tiny pin stripes, an ivory shirt with a brown tie with ivory spots and brown Italian leather shoes. The suit was bought from The Pantiles Groom in Tunbridge Wells and the shirt and tie were from Brooks Brothers on Regent Street in London.

Julia had one flowergirl, Imogen, who was just three years old. She wore an off-white silk dress from the Children’s Salon in Tunbridge Wells.

The Cake The couple chose a traditional Italian wedding cake called Torta Mimosa, which was a sponge cake with a stuffing of chantilly cream and seasonal fruit and wild berries. It was covered with little sponge cake cubes and decorated with marzipan leaves.

The Flowers Julia had a very simple hand-tied bouquet of cala lilies. There was a stunning white and green mixed arrangement at the ceremony venue, which the couple used again for the wedding cake table.

First Dance Julia and Nick didn’t have a first dance in Italy but at their post-wedding reception back in the UK, they danced to Sway by Dean Martin.

A Moment To Remember Julia says, “The most memorable would be my mum standing up and giving the father-of-the-bride speech as my dad was too nervous – it took me completely by surprise. And our guests all followed the Italian tradition of chinking glasses to make us kiss. It was great fun although my lipstick never lasted more than five minutes!”

Honeymoon The couple spent their honeymoon in Villasimius in Sardinia. Julia says, “It was beautiful – a Caribbean white sandy beach and turquoise sea in Europe!”

Any Advice “Relax and enjoy every second as the time just flies by,” says Julia. “Also don’t compromise on the really important things – no one will notice the smaller details.”

Julia & Nick's Contact Book
Venue: Villa Maria
Wedding Planner: Exclusive Italy
Photographer: Massimo Amendola
Dress: GoBridal
Groomswear: The Pantiles Groom

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REAL WEDDING Match Makers

Amy & Richard
15 September 2007
They Met Amy and Richard were introduced through mutual friends but after a disappointing first date, Amy thought Richard wasn’t interested because he was quite shy. It took a drunken conversation to make them realise how they actually felt about each other. Richard proposed at Houghton House, a 17^th-century ruin near where they live, where he and Amy had visited early on in their relationship. Richard had chosen the ring and even asked Amy’s dad for permission. On a lovely Sunday morning, Richard suggested going up to the house for a romantic walk and the next thing she knew, he was on his knees in the dew-soaked grass with a ring in his hand!

Wedding Venue The couple celebrated their wedding at Letchworth Hall Hotel after they discovered it at a wedding fair. Amy says, “It was just perfect, exactly what we wanted and, it sounds daft, but each time we visited on the first three occasions, a different song that had a special meaning to us was always playing in the bar as we walked in. It proved to me it was meant to be!”

The Theme The couple’s theme was chocolate, so the main colour was chocolate brown, which was complemented by pale baby pink. Amy and Richard had a chocolate wedding cake, and the guests were given personalised Wonka Bars with a golden ticket in one per table. The winner on each table received a bottle of champagne.

What They Wore Amy's pale gold dress, “Jeraldine” by Maggie Sottero, was bought from Hammonds in Bedford. Her dad bought all her jewellery and the bridesmaids’ from the wedding dress shop, but the tiaras and bridesmaids' accessories were made by Ruth at the Tiara Zone.
Richard wore a black morning suit, light gold waistcoat and brown tie, all from Hammonds.
The bridesmaids wore chocolate brown tea-length dresses by Forever Yours. They had a light pink sash and matching trim.

The Cake The couple had a three-tier chocolate cake, iced with chocolate and decorated in a waterfall of Maltesers and pink gerberas, made by Amy’s best friend’s mum.

The Flowers Amy had a hand-tied bouquet with large pink gerberas and very pale yellow roses. Each flower had a diamante stud in it. The bridesmaids had hand-tied gerberas with a chocolate brown ribbon and beargrass.

First Dance Amy and Richard’s first dance was to I’d Lie for You by Meatloaf.

A Moment To Remember Amy says, “The Toastmaster was ace even before the day as he calmed my nerves perfectly and was very professional. He organized everyone and had great contact with the venue beforehand. A great service and it was a surprise to everyone as they did not know we had arranged one.”

Honeymoon Amy and Richard spent their two-week honeymoon in Kenya, with a three-day safari in the Masai Mara.

Any Advice Amy says, “Plan well ahead, assume nothing and have exactly what you want! Go on the WP forums to share ideas as I picked up so many little things that I used. And remember: it’s your day!”

Amy & Richard's Contact Book
Venue: Letchworth Hall Hotel
Wedding Planner: Emma Lovelock
Photographer: Paul Hayman
Flowers: Bedford Florist
Decoration: Rainbow Weddings
Tiaras and Jewellery:Tiara Zone

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