Wendy and Paul
22/08/2006 – Anvil Hall, Gretna Green, Scotland
How and when did you meet?
We were childhood sweethearts when we was 13 years old. But we moved away and lost touch but as fate would have it, we found each other 4 years ago and bought a house together. Now we are so in love.
How old are you both?
32.
Where, when and how did he (or you!) propose?
He simply asked if I’d be his wife one day because he had waited so long to find me again. It must be fate. He was my first love.
Did you have hen and stag celebrations? If so, what did you do?
Seven of us ladies got a minibus to Jailhouse Rock in Hornchurch. Fabulous night. Would definitely recommend it for hen nights.
How did your groom help with the wedding planning?
He put my mind at rest that I was doing the right thing at 11 o’clock on the morning of our wedding day. He sent a red rose and pink champagne and a poem which made me cry. How romantic! That was all the planning on his behalf it needed.
Did you use confetti to plan your wedding? If so, how did the website help you?
Yes. I looked through their brilliant catalogues for help.
Tell us about your outfit, and where you bought it
I found my dress on the Internet and got it made especially for me at Peaches in Harlow. I like to be different and I’d never seen a bride in sapphire blue and ivory so that’s what I chose. I’ve had so many people say how unusual it is. It made me feel like a princess.
Did you have bridesmaids? If so, who did you choose and what did they wear?
Yes, three beautiful bridesmaids in ivory and blue.
Who did your groom choose for his best man and ushers, and what did they wear?
The best man, Anthony, is very close to Paul and the work together. He was brilliant right there through the tears and happiness. He did us proud. Never seen a best man get so involved! couldn’t thank him enough. Luckily my groom and his best man wore light blue so it didn’t clash. How great was that?
Did you have a civil or religious ceremony?
Civil.
Where did you hold your ceremony?
Anvil Hall, Gretna Green. One of the most romantic places I’ve ever been. It was beautiful. Words can’t describe how amazing it was. The registrar made me feel at ease and how unusual it was. The pics on the website don’t do it justice at all. Its candlelit and just so unusual.
Where did you hold your reception?
Gables Hotel, Gretna.
Did you have any special wedding transport?
Horse and carriage. My gorgeous horse was named duke and he tried to eat my bouquet.
How many guests did you invite to your wedding, and did you have a separate evening guest list?
12 of us all went in a minibus. Bit like a jolly boys’ outing. It was great. Singing and eating our massive picnic we all took. We all were family and friends and it was a really good idea. The same people stayed for the evening with us in the hotel.
Did your reception have a particular theme in terms of colour or style?
We had a meal then did speeches and danced. It was brilliant. No theme just pure love in the room.
How did you incorporate this in to your table settings?
I gave the table settings before we arrived at the hotel and they were perfectly laid when we got there.
Did you give your guests favours?
No. I bought them all souvenirs from Gretna and gave them out instead.
Describe your flowers (bouquets and table decorations). Who was your florist?
Gretna Flowers made my bouquet fresh that morning. It had the Scottish blue thistle in it to match my dress.
What did you choose to have on your menu? Did you have an outside caterer or did your venue handle the catering?
Gables Hotel did all the catering and it was perfect. Chicken nuggets for the kids and roast beef for the rest.
What did you choose for your wedding cake, and who made it?
Gretna did my cake. They rang to ask what colour and it was a perfect match for us.
Did you have any entertainment during the day or evening?
Music played just for us by the bar staff.
Did you have a gift list? If so, who did you have your list with?
No, we asked for money in cards so we could by photo frames and wedding certificate holder and so on.
Where did you spend your first night and honeymoon? Who did you book your honeymoon with?
Gables Hotel. It had everything we needed.
What was your most memorable moment of the day?
Walking down the aisle to my husband in Anvil Hall. I was behind the piper playing me in and I was in this long, flowing dress which matched the carpet of the church and doing it alone because I didn’t want anyone to give me away. Legs like jelly, biggest lump in my throat and a smile from ear to ear. Then as I got to the one I love so dearly he turned and saied “You look beautiful” with tears in his eyes. I couldn’t speak. It was like a dream.
Did you experience any ‘nightmare’ moments in the run up to your wedding or on the day?
My mum played up the night before. I don’t know why. We had a row but on the morning of the wedding she had a different head on and luckily it all went fine. We always clash. But she was there when it mattered. I didn’t know who I wanted to give me away so I broke tradition and said I’d like mum to come in the horse and carriage with me instead of dad. But I wanted my dad to witness it so that they both had an important part to play.
Is there anything you would do differently, or any advice you would give to other brides?
I wouldn’t change a single day. I really didn’t know how this wedding was going to be as I’ve never been to Scotland before and I picked everything through the Internet but it all went swimmingly. I would recommend Anvil Hall and Gables in Gretna anytime. Great day, great stay. So many great memories. We grabbed family and friends, hired a minibus, and went for three days it was just long enough. I’ll never forget it. It was the best day of my life.
