Cat and Karl’s Real Life Wedding

Cat and Karl

22/07/2006
Lofthouse Church, West Yorkshire

Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield

How and when did you meet?

I met Karl at one of my friend’s 18th birthday parties at Elland Road football ground, which is the home of Leeds United. Our eyes met over the room but unfortunately Karl had to leave…so I ran after him! I have never done anything like that before, but it worked!

How old are you both?
I’m 26 and Karl is 25.

Where, when and how did he (or you!) propose?
Karl proposed on the night we moved into our first home. He produced a beautiful platinum engagement ring and had arranged for a Bentley to drive us to our favourite Italian restaurant where there was champagne waiting. Karl had asked my parents for my hand in marriage a few weeks prior to the proposal and I still can’t believe they managed to keep it quiet!

Did you have hen and stag celebrations? If so, what did you do?
We both went to Newcastle but on different dates. I went partying with a group of girls and stayed in a spa hotel. Karl had a golfing weekend…and plenty of beer!

How did your groom help with the wedding planning?
I did most of the planning as I was so involved in making all my own invitations, table plan, favours, etc. But Karl helped with the final decisions.

Did you use confetti to plan your wedding? If so, how did the website help you?
The confetti forums really helped. Being able to speak to other brides and asking for help was great.

Did you buy any confetti products for your wedding? If so, did you visit a store, buy online or by mail order?
We bought the table cameras, although I must admit I think some of our guests forgot to use the flash! I was also a regular at the Leeds store!

Tell us about your outfit, and where you bought it
I wore a Mori Lee dress which had a fitted bodice covered in embroidery, crystals and pearls. The skirt was made of tulle and was scattered with diamantes and a removable train. It was gorgeous!

Did you have bridesmaids? If so, who did you choose and what did they wear?
My sister Helen was chief bridesmaid. Karl’s sister, Emma, his cousin, Charlotte and my little niece, Rebecca, were also bridesmaids. The adults wore a Forever Yours gown in Maize which had a sweeping front across the waist and diamantes on the bodice. My niece wore a Debenhams dress made from tulle…she looked adorable!

Who did your groom choose for his best man and ushers, and what did they wear?
Karl’s dad was best man. He was the perfect choice as he is Karl’s best friend. His ushers were Richard Dobson and Danny Walsh who did a superb job on the day!

Did you have a civil or religious ceremony?
Religious.

Where did you hold your ceremony?
Lofthouse Church in West Yorkshire. We decorated the church and it looked lovely. We also had DJ Sammy’s Candlelight version of “Heaven” playing when we signed the register and Eva Cassidy’s Songbird. The register was signed in front of our guests which was really special.

Where did you hold your reception?
Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield.

Did you have any special wedding transport?
2006 Bentley. Amazing!

How many guests did you invite to your wedding, and did you have a separate evening guest list?
60 for the wedding breakfast and another 100/120 in the evening.

Did your reception have a particular theme in terms of colour or style?
Gold and ivory.

How did you incorporate this in to your table settings?
I made all the favours, menus, orders of service, invitations, etc. myself using gold and ivory colours. My bridesmaids all wore gold which matched with the groomsmen’s ties and waistcoats.

Did you give your guests favours?
The ladies had a handbag shaped favour box filled with gold heart shaped chocolates. The men had ivory top hats decorated with gold ribbon with a lottery ticket inside.

Describe your flowers (bouquets and table decorations). Who was your florist?
My bouquet was a hand tied posy of cream roses with diamantes. The bridesmaids had a smaller version.

What did you choose to have on your menu? Did you have an outside caterer or did your venue handle the catering?
Melon and Strawberry Coulee to start, followed by vegetable soup. Roast beef and Yorkshire puds for main then a crunchy basket filled with strawberries and cream. Coffee and mints to finish.

What did you choose for your wedding cake, and who made it?
Karl’s gran made our wedding cake and it was beautiful. It was three layers which were plain but decorated with fresh roses to match the bouquets in between each layer and a diamante ribbon trim.

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

Where did you spend your first night and honeymoon? Who did you book your honeymoon with?
First night we spent at the Cedar Court Hotel. Our honeymoon was in Sorrento, Italy. We stayed at the Grand Riviera Hotel, which was amazing.

What was your most memorable moment of the day?
My dad’s speech. It was really touching.

Did you experience any ‘nightmare’ moments in the run up to your wedding or on the day?
I was worried about the weather constantly! It did rain on the day but luckily we were ok for the photos. But it didn’t matter at all anyway, it was all perfect!

Is there anything you would do differently, or any advice you would give to other brides?
I wish I hadn’t panicked about the smallest things because everything went smoothly. I just wish I could do it all over again! I would definitely advise other brides to enjoy every moment of the day as it really does fly by!