REAL WEDDING Autumn Romance 12212 views

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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