Emma and Jonathan
21/10/2006 – Oakham Castle
The Whipper Inn Hotel
How and when did you meet?
We met in a pub that I used to work in at the weekends.
How old are you both?
I am 25 and Jonathan is 22.
Where, when and how did he (or you!) propose?
New Years Eve 2004, he took me out for a meal and pushed the ring across the table and asked me.
Did you have hen and stag celebrations? If so, what did you do?
Yes, I went to Nottingham. It was all organised by my bridesmaid and I had no idea what we were going to be doing. We had a pamper session in the day time and then went out for a meal and dancing at night. Jonathan went to Derby on a boozy night out with all his friends.
How did your groom help with the wedding planning?
He designed the cake with my mum. He chose his suits. He helped to design the invites.
Did you use confetti to plan your wedding? If so, how did the website help you?
I used the forums all the time to get advice from other brides to be and newly weds.
Did you buy any confetti products for your wedding? If so, did you visit a store, buy online or by mail order?
Yes, I visited the Birmingham store with my mum and bought table confetti and favour boxes and champagne bubbles.
Tell us about your outfit, and where you bought it
I had a Rosetta Nicolini dress called Rachelle and bought it from Berketex. I loved this dress and it was just what I wanted
Did you have bridesmaids? If so, who did you choose and what did they wear?
Yes, Yvette, my best friend, and Hazel. They both wore deep red strapless dresses with sparkles and were gathered at the front to match mine, they looked gorgeous. Also had my two nephews as pageboys.
Who did your groom choose for his best man and ushers, and what did they wear?
Jonathan had a problem with his original best man so had to choose another one last minute! He chose one of his close friends, Chris, and his brother and my brother were Ushers.
Did you have a civil or religious ceremony?
Civil.
Where did you hold your ceremony?
Oakham Castle.
Where did you hold your reception?
The Whipper Inn Hotel.
Did you have any special wedding transport?
I had a Rolls Royce in burgundy to match the colour scheme.
How many guests did you invite to your wedding, and did you have a separate evening guest list?
55 to the day time and about an extra 60 to the night do.
Did your reception have a particular theme in terms of colour or style?
Red and ivory were the colour scheme and we also had a horseshoe theme as Oakham Castle’s walls are covered in horseshoes.
How did you incorporate this in to your table settings?
The favours all had horseshoes incorporated in them and we had red and ivory flower arrangements on the tables.
Did you give your guests favours?
Yes, men had boxes in the shape of a tuxedos from confetti and ladies had traditional favours.
Describe your flowers (bouquets and table decorations). Who was your florist?
We had a local florist to do all the flowers—Sally Holmes. My bouquet was a tear drop bouquet with red and cream roses. Bridesmaids had the same flowers in a posy table decorations incorporated the same flowers in the arrangement.
What did you choose to have on your menu? Did you have an outside caterer or did your venue handle the catering?
We had various canapes on arrival. Then we had a three course meal. At night time we had cheese and biscuits and bacon sandwiches.
What did you choose for your wedding cake, and who made it?
My mum made my wedding cake and it was absolutely fantastic. Jonathan and her designed it and it was so unique.
Did you have any entertainment during the day or evening?
We had a string quartet in the castle for the ceremony. Then a disco at night time. We also had a caricaturist who went down really well.
Did you have a gift list? If so, who did you have your list with?
Yes, Debenhams.
Where did you spend your first night and honeymoon? Who did you book your honeymoon with?
First night was spent in the bridal suite at the hotel where we had the reception and we spent two weeks in Dominican Republic.
What was your most memorable moment of the day?
Seeing Jonathan’s face when he finally turned round to look at me when I walked down the isle.
Did you experience any ‘nightmare’ moments in the run up to your wedding or on the day?
Not really. It ran quite smoothly.
Is there anything you would do differently, or any advice you would give to other brides?
No, I had a fantastic day and would not change anything for the world. It just went so quickly but there was nothing I could do about that.
