Claire and Rob’s Real Life Wedding

 

Claire and Rob

17/02/2007 – St. Erkenwalds Church in Barking, Essex
Thurrock Hotel in Essex

   

How and when did you meet?

We met in 2000 at work! It was love over the frozen aisles- at Iceland. I didn’t even like him at first! But it did not take me long to find out what a lovely man he is.

How old are you both?

I am 23. Rob’s 24.

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

Rob proposed to me on our first holiday abroad together! It was so romantic, we went out for a lovely meal with lots of wine then went for a long walk. We reached the end of the harbour and he proposed to me there – of course I said yes and we had a lovely clap from the local fishermen.

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

Yes we both did – we had two! I went into London first to a cocktail bar – then onto Tiger, Tiger. My second one was a Dirty Dancing tribute night and it was great. Rob went into London for his first one nearly breaking his arm, and for his second one he went to the local pub with a group of his friends.

How did your groom help with the wedding planning?

Rob was great – he helped me with every last detail. Without him, I don’t know what I would have done, but it was also the support of my whole family that was excellent.

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

Yes, very much so – from dresses to table decorations. It was great.

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

Yes loads – I bought my bridemaid gifts, feathers, table decorations and cameras from Confetti.

Tell us about your outfit, and where you bought it.

My dress was stunning – it was from Confetti and Lace in Lakeside. A big traditional dress. My mum choose it actually. It was called Seashell and I really did feel like a princess on my big day. I had never felt so beatiful in my entire life.

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

I had three bridemaids – Emma, 23, Catherine, 15, and Caitlin, 7. The two older ones had deep red dresses from Debenhams and the youngest had a white dress from BHS. They also has white fluffy capes as well. They really did look lovely for a winter wedding.

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

They had grey suits with a cream waistcoat and tie – Rob had the same except he had a red tie to stand out in the pictures.

Did you have a civil or religious ceremony?

Religious.

Where did you hold your ceremony?

St.Erkenwalds Church in Barking, Essex.

Where did you hold your reception?

Thurrock Hotel – Essex.

Did you have any special wedding transport?

Oh yes, me and Rob had a 1937 vintage Rolls Royce and my bridemaids had a limousine Daimler.

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

We had 93 guest to our sit down then another 100 to the evening reception.

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

The theme was romantic as it was so near to Valentine’s Day so there was lots of red.

How did you incorporate this in to your table settings?

We had red rose petals and love heart foil shaped ballons. We also had red feathers in all the guest glasses. We had chair covers in red and white which really set the room off.

Did you give your guests favours?

Yes our guest had favors from Thorntons.

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

My florist was Katy from Ballon Power – I had grand prix red roses with diamonds in each head. They looked so beautiful. My bridesmaids had red handties and all the button holes where red roses.

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

Our venue handled the catering – we had soup to start then lamb roast then our wedding cake which was very yummy.

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

We had a four tiered white chocolate and sponge cake decorated with red fresh fruits. It looked amazing.

Did you have any entertainment during the day or evening?

We had a DJ.

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

No – we just asked for money to put towards things for our new home.

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

We stayed at the Thurrock Hotel on our first night – we booked our honeymoon with First Choice. We had two weeks in the Maldives. It was beautiful and worth every penny we paid.

What was your most memorable moment of the day?

It was walking down the aisle – I was so emotional. I cried my eyes out. It really was everything I hoped it would be. It was the best day of my life.

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

Oh God, yes! Thye made my wedding dress fourinches too small so I had to have a whole new dress made a month before my big day- our original venue was cancelled before the wedding – someone smashed into our car the week before. I could go on and on!

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

I would not change a thing! The day was perfect. The only thing I would say is make sure you get time with your husband. Me and Rob set a time in the evening to dance so from 9pm, we were on the dance floor so we could be together and that way it makes everyone else get up. Cherish the day it goes so fast – just enjoy it – it iss the best day of your life.