REAL WEDDING Match Makers 16064 views
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 17th-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
Posted in category: Real Weddings
