When was your wedding?
28th July 2007
How and when did you meet?
We met at university. Nick was a 2nd year and showed me and my Mum to my room on my first day!
How old are you both?
I’m 25, Nick’s 27
Where, when and how did he (or you!) propose?
Nick told me we were going on a weekend away, but wouldn’t tell me where. The night before he told me it was to Venice. We stayed in a gorgeous hotel overlooking the Bridge of Sighs and he proposed on a candlelit gondola. It was very romantic!
Did you have hen and stag celebrations? If so, what did you do?
Yes, I went to Center Parcs for a relaxing weekend and Nick had a weekend down in Bournemouth, doing the usual stag things!!
How did your groom help with the wedding planning?
He was great. He was interested and helpful, but basically let me get on with it!
Did you use confetti to plan your wedding? If so, how did the website help you?
Yes. The forums were so useful for support and ideas.
Tell us about your outfit, and where you bought it
I wore Maggie Sottero’s Celeste in Diamond White, with her Paris jacket and a cathedral length veil. It was an absolute dream dress and I felt so special. It was bought from Bridal Gowns at Jodi, in Tunbridge Wells.
Did you have bridesmaids? If so, who did you choose and what did they wear?
We had my best friend from school, an old family friend and Nick’s sister. She uses a wheelchair so we chose dresses that would suit her and the other girls. They were Dessy fitted long dresses, with floor length sashes in Posie (hot pink).
Who did your groom choose for his best man and ushers, and what did they wear?
The boys wore traditional morning dress with cravats, hankies and buttonholes to match the bridesmaids.
Did you have a civil or religious ceremony?
We had a religious ceremony.
Where did you hold your ceremony?
St Mary’s Church, Hadlow
Where did you hold your reception?
In a marquee in my parents’ garden, by the river. We were so lucky with the weather and were able to enjoy drinks on the lawn.
Did you have any special wedding transport?
We had an amazing pair of white horses and carriage. The guests used a vintage bus and we decorated our cars to transport the wider wedding party.
How many guests did you invite to your wedding, and did you have a separate evening guest list?
About 130 for the day and 20 more in the evening.
Did your reception have a particular theme in terms of colour or style?
It was a traditional country wedding, with lots of white and a hint of pink.
How did you incorporate this in to your table settings?
We had beautiful high flower arrangements, hand written place names and white linen.
Did you give your guests favours?
Yes, small organza bags filled with mint imperials.
Describe your flowers (bouquets and table decorations). Who was your florist?
Our florist was Wendy Andrade, who did a superb job. I had an amazing shaped bouquet of roses, freesias and other flowers, with metal work woven through it. The bridesmaids carried hand tied arrangements of roses and grasses. There was also a beautiful arch of ivy woven over the church gate.
What did you choose to have on your menu? Did you have an outside caterer or did your venue handle the catering?
Cuisine Studio did a superb job with the catering. We had a wide range of delicious canape starters, followed by tender beef, mixed salads and new potatoes. Dessert was a trio of mini puddings-lemon mousse, strawberry shortcake and chocolate pudding. We had many compliments about it-but I couldn’t eat a thing!
What did you choose for your wedding cake, and who made it?
We had a round three tier cake of sponge, chocolate and fruit, from Confection Perfection. It was displayed on a swan stand, decorated with flowers.
Did you have any entertainment during the day or evening?
Friends sang John Rutter’s For the Beauty of the Earth and the Flower Duet during the ceremony, which were incredible. A singer/pianist played during the drinks reception and we had a fantastic band, Happy Daze, in the evening to get everyone dancing
Did you have a gift list? If so, who did you have your list with?
It was with John Lewis.
Where did you spend your first night and honeymoon? Who did you book your honeymoon with?
Our first night was at The Hotel du Vin, Tunbridge Wells. The honeymoon was spent on the Oriana, going back to Venice and Greek islands, with P&O.
What was your most memorable moment of the day?
The whole ceremony was amazing. I think having my class (I’m a teacher) throwing confetti was pretty memorable. Also our first dance, Michael Buble’s Everything, was something I’ll never forget.
Did you experience any “nightmare” moments in the run up to your wedding or on the day?
The marquee flooded in the run up to the day, but the family were brilliant in sorting it out!
Is there anything you would do differently, or any advice you would give to other brides?
Take your time planning the day. It really extends your enjoyment of it as, as everyone says, it flies by on the day. Also, try not to book your honeymoon for the day after the wedding-we loved those few days afterwards.
