REAL WEDDING Vintage Classic

Clare & David
26 January 2008
They Met Clare met David whilst doing his make up and costume for a production of ‘Guys and Dolls’. They immediately hit it off and soon started dating. Nine and half years later, David proposed to Clare on her birthday, during an outing to Richmond Park. Despite Clare having been expecting a proposal soon, it was a complete surprise when David popped the question!

Wedding Venue The couple wed at St Barnabus Church in Dorking, and celebrated afterwards at Hartsfield Manor in Betchworth. They chose the reception venue because it was only a short drive from the church and the beautiful building had lots of places to take photos in, even if it was raining! They loved the colourings and vintage feel of the house, fitting perfectly in with their wedding.

The Theme David and Clare chose a theme of elegant vintage, with a colour scheme of ivory, cream, chocolate brown, mint green and pink. It all started with the lace detail on Clare’s dress, with the reception decorated with ivy, strings of pearls and candles, adding a romantic feel. As table centres, three stems of Amaryllis, tied with lace, were placed in glass bases with roses and trailing ivy. The couple chose favours of cream-coloured crackers, which were personalised and filled with Quality Street chocolates, acting as name places.

What They Wore The bride wore a stunning, fitted A-line gown with a fishtail, in French Chantilly antique-style lace and ivory Duchess satin. The dress was especially designed and made by Clare’s dressmaking mother. The bride teamed it with a satin bolero jacket to keep out the cold, as well as a veil and pearl beaded tiara. Clare also wore long earrings with pearls, crystals and diamante as well as her grandmother's bracelet and ring, and LK Bennett gold shoes.

The groom wore a black tailcoat and trousers with a white 1850 wing collar shirt, all hired from Dapper in Dorking. David also wore a waistcoat of ivory raw silk with an ivory cravat tie and handkerchief, and a buttonhole of Dolce Vita roses with ivy.

Clare had two bridesmaids who wore full-length, strapless gowns in cappuccino brown silk, with beading and pearl detail on the bodice. Clare’s mother made bolero jackets, matching Clare’s, accessorized with feather headdresses and cream satin shoes. The groomsmen wore the same as David except with brown ties and handkerchiefs.

The Cake Clare’s family made the three-tiered cake of the couple’s favourite dessert, baked American cheesecake. It was decorated with white chocolate curls and three small posies of flowers with ivy trailing between the tiers.

The Flowers Clare wanted her flowers to carry on the vintage theme and had a seasonal bouquet of white oriental lilies, Dolce Vita roses, pink Lisianthus and ivy with pearl pins. The bridesmaids carried smaller versions of Clare’s bouquet, with the church and reception decorated with the same flowers.

First Dance The happy couple danced to ‘Brown Eyed Girl’, performed by a live band who were friends, and the music continued with covers of rock bands and the couple’s favourite music.

Moment To Remember Clare loved cutting the cake with her brother’s ceremonial sword. She also enjoyed going to the reception on a vintage, green line bus with the rest of the guests, giving the couple an opportunity to talk to everyone. The day finished with an amazing sunset, which added an extra special touch.

Honeymoon David had arranged a safari in Kenya but it had to be cancelled days before the wedding, due to the political instability. Rushing around to book another holiday – all without Clare knowing - David arranged a honeymoon on Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. They stayed in a 5 star hotel on the beach for a relaxing two weeks.

Any Advice Clare says, ‘Look at what you think you would like first, work out how much it would all cost, and then prioritise on what you think is really important. Making things yourself and getting friends and family to help makes your day really personal and helps keeps the costs down.’ David adds, ‘Have lots of hankies ready - and I'd really recommend bacon butties at 10.30 pm!’

Clare & David’s Contact Book:
Venue: Hartsfield Manor, Betchworth in Surrey
Photographer: Anna Rosell www.annarosell.com
Groomswear: Dapper, Dorking
Flowers: Thistles, Dorking

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REAL WEDDING Daisy, Daisy...

Sharon & David
16 August 2008
They Met Sharon and David first met in a nightclub, through mutual friends and were amazed that they hadn’t met before with so many friends in common! Right from the start, it was true love and David proved to be the ultimate romantic. One weekend he whisked Sharon away on a surprise trip to Pisa and proposed over a candlelit dinner near the Leaning Tower itself.

Wedding Venue David and Sharon had no hesitation over choosing a venue. Sharon had always dreamed of marrying in Garfield House in Stepps, Glasgow and they both loved the venue's intimate atmosphere. It also had a great reputation - the couple had only ever heard good things about it. And as an added bonus, the resident toastmaster was at their disposal for the big day, making sure that everything ran smoothly.

The Theme At first the couple were undecided on a theme, but as the plans progressed, Sharon's favourite flower, daisies, started becoming a regular feature. Soft purple and ivory set the colour scheme with the table stationery being decorated with purple gerbera daisies on ivory card. The tables at the reception were also decorated with scattered crystals and pretty candle holders as well as favours for the adults and party packs for the children. To round of the theme, there were plenty of traditional Scottish touches, including kilts, as well as a piper and ceilidh band for the evening.

What They Wore Sharon wore a strapless dress with ruching on the beaded bodice, from Signature Brides in Glasgow. She modified the dress a little, adding a longer train and a corset back, giving it a unique couture look. The bride accessorized with a crystal tiara from Amanda Wyatt, adding a touch of sparkle, and hand-made pearl and crystal jewellery from Jewelllery by Jo as well as shoes from Bhs.

The groom wore his own kilt, of Balfour tartan, and hired the rest of the traditional Scottish wear from Kiltpin in Falkirk. He teamed it with a blue ruche tie with the other men in the wedding party wearing Heart of Scotland tartan with purple ruche ties. They all wore thistles as buttonholes, keeping in with the Scottish theme.

The bride had two bridesmaids, her cousins, who wore Victorian lilac two-piece dresses by Dessy along with co-ordinating crystal and pearl jewellery, designed by Jewellery by Jo. Sharon also had two flower girls who wore ivory beaded dresses with ballet pumps from John Lewis and tiaras from Debenhams.

The Cake The couple had a two-tiered cake, decorated with ivory icing and stunning icing flowers draped down the side. The cake was made by Goodfellow and Steven in Broughty Ferry and was a present from Sharon’s aunt. The couple didn’t see it until the day and were absolutely thrilled!

The Flowers The bride carried a traditional bouquet of white gerbera daisies with bear grass and crystals with the bridesmaids carrying hand-tied white gerberas with bear grass and purple organza. The flowers used to decorate the ceremony followed suit as did the table centres at the reception with the addition of greenery and thistles, keeping a Scottish touch.

First Dance The newly married couple danced to ‘The Air That I Breathe’ by the Hollies followed by a father and daughter dance to ‘My Girl’ by The Temptations. The music continued into the evening with traditional Scottish music as well as a disco later on.

A Moment To Remember Sharon found the most memorable part of the day was the intimate ceremony and seeing all of the people they loved there as well as walking down the aisle and seeing David. Sharon also loved the speeches from David, her father and the best men!

Honeymoon After the couple spent their first night in the Honeymoon Suite at the hotel, they went on an adventurous honeymoon, spending four nights in LA and then toured America. They managed to visit the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Yosemite, San Francisco as well as Universal Studios, taking in a show in Las Vegas as well as visiting Alcatraz and the Hoover Dam. Not only that but one of the bridesmaids and workmate had already emailed all of the hotels they were staying in, getting room upgrades in some and special treats in others!

Any Advice Sharon advises to, ‘Shop around for the best value for money. Always remember that it’s your day and don’t feel under pressure to do things you don’t want to.’ Sharon also comments, ‘Use the WeddingPath forums and pick up lots of tips, especially from those just married as these are the people in the know!’ Whilst David says, ‘Allow yourself plenty of time in the morning before the wedding and don’t worry about your speech – it’s easier than you think!’

Sharon & David’s Contact Book:
Venue: Garfield House Hotel, Stepps in Glasgow www.bw-garfieldhouse.co.uk
Photographer: Fiona Brims Photography www.fionabrimsphotography.co.uk
Dress: Signature Brides, Glasgow 0141 221 7791
Groomswear: Kiltpin www.kiltpin.com
Cake: Goodfellow & Steven 01382 477 214
Flowers: Bonny Bouquets 01324 841 860

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Comments - Latest by: lisahanddavidw:
My Colour scheme is chocolate brown, champagne and ivory. Over the last few weeks I have been thinking of changing, as my favourite colour is

REAL WEDDING An Irish Affair

Stephanie & Martin
27 August 2007

They Met Stephanie and Martin met while working for the same company with Stephanie based in Ireland and Martin in London. When Martin went to work in Ireland, their relationship blossomed. Back in the UK, Martin proposed in their new London home. After having made her breakfast in bed he popped the question and presented her with a stunning ring.

Wedding Venue The couple were married in County Kildare in Ireland, where Stephanie had once lived. The ceremony was held at St Brigid's church, Straffan, with a reception afterwards at the nearby Barberstown Castle.

The Theme The couple chose an Irish theme for their wedding including a harpist who played traditional Irish wedding songs and Irish dancing in the evening.

The Ceremony With over 60 guests coming all the way from London, everyone was really involved in the day and many guests made readings during the ceremony. The finishing touch was the harpist who made the most of the acoustics in the church.

What They Wore Stephanie wore a gown called 'Claire' by Maggie Sottero bought from from Ring O'Roses with Gina sandals. Martin wore a traditional morning suit from Moss Bros while Stephanie's maids set the colour theme with stunning halterneck dresses from Debenhams.

Transport Stephanie had always wanted to have a horse and carriage at her wedding. With the church and reception venue being so close, it was the perfect choice.

The Florist at Barberstown Castle decorated the three-tiered wedding cake from Marks & Spencer's with blooms to match the bride's bouquet.

First Dance Stephanie and Martin's first dance was to Ronan Keating's The Way You Make Me Feel.

A Moment To Remember Stephanie says, “As we had a lot of couples at our wedding I asked that the second song be “She” (Elvis Costello) so they could all have a dance. I remember looking around and seeing our closest friends, dancing, smiling and looking so happy.”

Stephanie & Martin's Contact Book
VENUE Barberstown Castle
PHOTOGRAPHER Hugh Durham
DRESS Maggie Sottero
GROOM Moss Bros
CAKE Marks & Spencers

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