Kelly and Ian’s Real Life Wedding

 

Kelly and Ian

20/05/2006 – Bougainvillea Beach Resort, Barbados

   

How and when did you meet?

Across a smoky dance floor in a local night club. We had met previously in the night club but one Saturday night it was pure chemistry and after a whirlwind romance, our daughter, Dani, was born in December 1996.

How old are you both?

I’m 29 and Ian is 38.

Where, when and how did he (or you!) propose?

Finally after years (and years) of me dropping hints, Ian proposed to me at home on Christmas Eve 2002, and we rushed out during the mad Christmas shopping rush and bought the ring.

Did you have hen and stag celebrations? If so, what did you do?

Ian went to Prague with ten mates for four days and I had a dressed up "Moulin Rouge" theme. We went to a professional photographer’s for a photo session then on to a venue for dinner and dancing.

How did your groom help with the wedding planning?

He had his input. We chose things together, but I did most of the planning and running around. I would choose three things then he would pick one from my short list.

Did you use confetti to plan your wedding? If so, how did the website help you?

Everyday I used the chat rooms for advice and offered my advice where needed. I would have been lost without the recommendations given to me.

Did you buy any confetti products for your wedding? If so, did you visit a store, buy online or by mail order?

I bought Confetti products online.

Tell us about your outfit, and where you bought it

I wore a Baby Blue "Ronald Joyce" full tulle dress that I got direct. 
I choose baby blue as Ian supports Manchester City and I wanted to surprise him.

Did you have bridesmaids? If so, who did you choose and what did they wear?

We had our daughter who is nine years old and my sister who is 22. They both wore gold bridesmaid dresses from BHS.

Who did your groom choose for his best man and ushers, and what did they wear?

We had two best men, one at Barbados and one in the UK. One gave me away on the day. We had one usher as well. They all wore black trousers, white shirts, gold waistcoats and pale blue cravats. It was too hot for jackets.

Did you have a civil or religious ceremony?

We wanted a civil service but there was no JP available so we had a religious service, but did not have prayers, etc. The service was conducted by a lady minister and she was great.

Where did you hold your ceremony?

On a cliff over looking the sea at Bougainvillea Beach Resort, Barbados.

Where did you hold your reception?

We had two, one in Barbados at Charlie’s Bar – this was great for our 15 guests. The other was in Milton Keynes at Great Linford Memorial Hall for 150 guests.

Did you have any special wedding transport?

On the day, no, but for the UK reception we had a silver Mercedes.

How many guests did you invite to your wedding, and did you have a separate evening guest list?

Fifteen for the actual day in Barbados and we had 150 at the UK reception.

Did your reception have a particular theme in terms of colour or style?

Baby blue, gold and white were the colours and we had balloons and streamers in these colours.

How did you incorporate this in to your table settings?

Table cloths were white with gold runners and blue glass beads. We had a few shells and three balloons on each table. It looked really classy.

Did you give your guests favours?

We had mini chocolate bars printed with pictures on them for the guests to take.

Describe your flowers (bouquets and table decorations). Who was your florist?

White silk rose posies with blue organza ribbon. The men wore white rose buttonholes.

What did you choose to have on your menu? Did you have an outside caterer or did your venue handle the catering?

In Barbados, we had English Pub Food. I had lasagna and Ian had battered sausage, chips & mushy peas (each guest chose their own favourite off the menu). For the UK reception, we had caters do a full English picnic buffet which everyone loved.

What did you choose for your wedding cake, and who made it?

We had a three-tiered suitcase design with a mini me, Ian & our daughter on top. It was blue and white and stunning. A family friend made it for us.

Did you have any entertainment during the day or evening?

In the UK, we had a DJ playing 80`s music.

Did you have a gift list? If so, who did you have your list with?

Argos.

Where did you spend your first night and honeymoon? Who did you book your honeymoon with?

After the ceremony in Barbados, we stayed in Bougainvillea Beach Resort. It was perfect. In the UK, we stayed at an old manor, Calverton Lodge Hotel in Milton Keynes. Our room was stunning.

What was your most memorable moment of the day?

Everything was perfect but I suppose when I met Ian at the altar and he held my hand, squeezing it to reassure me and seeing our daughter’s face. She was so proud.

Did you experience any ‘nightmare’ moments in the run up to your wedding or on the day?

My nails were done on the day and were horrid, but other than that it was perfect.

Is there anything you would do differently, or any advice you would give to other brides?

No, I would not change a thing. My advice to other brides is: do it your way and don’t let others rule your head. Get lots of advice and really take time to enjoy it.