They met at work – and Tim thought Christie was stunning! He then chose a perfect place to propose – a romantic bridge in London’s St James’s Park, surrounded by Japanese tourists. See this lovely, relaxed and informal wedding, in the company of closest friends and family. With a gorgeous vintage theme, and expertly photographed by Chris Biele at PixBeat Photo, you’ll love this enchanting and romantic story.
The Couple: Christie and Tim (and their twin boys!)
Wedding Date: 1st September 2011
Wedding Ceremony & Reception: Langshott Manor Hotel, Horley
Wedding Photographer: Chris Biele at PixBeat Photo
We met… At work in 2005.
First impressions of Tim… He was bossy – but we had a really good chemistry. We had the same sense of humour and similar family values and opinions.
Tim’s first impressions of you… He thought I was funny, and ‘stunning’ (apparently!)
The proposal… We met after work for a drink in central London. It was August and a warm afternoon so we went for a walk in St James’ Park. He proposed on the bridge over the lake while trying not to draw the attention of the surrounding Japanese tourists and their cameras. I later found out that he’d booked us into a posh hotel, packed a bag for me and dropped it off there and booked us in for a lovely meal that night.
Our bridesmaids/groomsmen… We wanted a very relaxed and informal feel to the wedding so we didn’t have any bridesmaids. We also wanted our boys to have a role in the wedding so they were page boys. The best man was Tim’s brother Paul, who had Tim as his best man when he married in California a few years ago.
The ceremony… It was relaxed and happy. I loved walking into the room with my dad and knowing that I was in the company of my friends and family. I wasn’t nervous at all, just excited. Our guests were seated in a semi circle around us and we had two readings by two of my close friends.
My dress… My dress was simple. I’ve always hated the thought of wearing a “meringue” and being the centre of attention. I chose my dress because I felt comfortable and confident in it. It was simple and classic with a special bit of detail at the back which I thought was really different. My shoes were Irregular Choice kitten heels, amazingly comfortable and a little bit special too.
My favourite part of the wedding… The fact that it just felt like a big celebration, it was informal and relaxed. There wasn’t one part that I didn’t love about it, and looking back at my pictures makes me remember how much fun we had.
Our wedding theme… It was quite vintage, I didn’t have any bridesmaids. Our boys, Tim and his best man Paul (his brother) all wore cream/gold. My flowers had a vintage/garden feel and table arrangements were all vintage inspired (and home made!) I set up a candy bar with bowls and jars I bought from charity shops and made my own cake. I read a lot of real wedding stories on Confetti for inspiration. I didn’t really have any idea where to start, but found it helpful to read about other people’s weddings and weed out exactly what I wanted and what I definitely didn’t want.
We chose our venue because… The Langshott Manor is simply stunning. I wanted the ceremony and reception in the same place and when I saw the hotel I fell in love. It fitted in perfectly with my vintage feel and had a really cosy atmosphere. We had exclusive use of the hotel so most of our guests stayed which I loved. Each room was different but equally stunning so it was hard to choose which one to stay in!
Our first dance… Etta James “At Last”. Then we danced to Bruno Mars “Marry You” with Jacob and Oliver.
What is your advice for other brides? Relax. Don’t plan your wedding on others’ expectations. It’s your day so think about exactly what you want it to be, if you’re happy with it then your guests will be too. I’d say figure out your priorities budget wise and fit everything else in around it. I’m glad I spent on the venue, and that I have amazing pictures. I saved on other things, by making my own cake, doing my own table decorations and invites. Also delegate jobs to friends and family who are willing to help.
