Emma and Richard’s Real Life Wedding

 

Emma and Richard

25/06/2005 – All Saints, Loose

How and when did you meet?

We met 4 years ago, when out with a group of friends, though we didn’t become a couple until last June.

How old are you both?

31 and 32.

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

We were at the cinema. During the trailers, whilst offering me a sweet from the pick ‘n’ mix bag, he produced a diamond solitaire. Needless to say I was so excited I could barely concentrate on the film after that!

Did you have hen and stag celebrations?

We didn’t do anything big – he went bowling and for a meal and drinks with friends. I went out for a Mexican meal with my friends and my mum.

Did your groom help you with the wedding planning?

We made some decisions together but in the main it was my mum and I that did everything.

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

I looked at the pictures and used the forums.

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

Yes, I bought burgundy and ivory favour boxes and matching organza ribbons. I also bought the bridesmaid and best man Spaceforms from Confetti.

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

I had a Champagne gold one-piece from San Patrick, bought from Yours Truly Bridal House in Kent. Unbeknown to me the train was a massive 4ft long. It had a beautiful patterned bodice, with stepped neckline and glass beading. I have never seen a dress like it in any magazine or bridal shop. I had a cathedral-length veil from the same shop and a tiara bought at a Wedding Fair.

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

One, my sister. She wore a deep red Hilary Morgan strapless dress with lace-up back and beading to the bodice. I made her feather and bead headdress myself and she made her own jewellery to match.

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

My sister’s boyfriend was best man and my uncle was an usher.

Did you have a civil or religious ceremony?

We had a religious ceremony.

Where did you hold your ceremony?

All Saints, Loose. We had a group sing before, during and after the ceremony; they were fantastic and absolutely made the day for us.

Where did you hold your reception?

A restaurant on the outskirts of town. We had the whole place to ourselves all day. The food was fantastic, as was the service, it was also very reasonable.

Did you have any special wedding transport?

A Rolls Royce.

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

40 in the day, plus another 50 in the evening.

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

Burgundy, gold and ivory, with hearts as the theme.

How did you incorporate this in to your table settings?

With gold and red table confetti, rose petals and ivory and burgundy favours. I made the place cards myself in the same colours to match.

Did you give your guests favours?

Yes, Baci chocolates in a favour box.

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

I had a teardrop of cala lilies and freesia with red beading.

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

We had carrot and coriander soup to start, chicken in tarragon sauce with seasonal vegetables and raspberry and chocolate roulade.

What did you choose for your wedding cake?

A friend from work made my cake, it was stacked 3-tiers with sugar flowers to replicate my bouquet.

Did you have any entertainment during the day or evening?

A DJ, who was fantastic and really got the party going.

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

We asked for gift vouchers.

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

At a local hotel. We went to Mexico on holiday 6 weeks before the wedding, so that was our pre-wedding honeymoon. We had a few days in London after the wedding, seeing the usual sights and then a relaxed few days at home.

What was your most memorable moment of the day?

When the door opened to the church and I stood for a few moments waiting to enter and knowing this was it, I was getting married!

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

Not really, we planned the wedding in 6 months and I think the tight timescale kept my mum and I really focused. On the day, not a thing went wrong; it was a real family and friends day – everything I’d hoped for.

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

Possibly have the ceremony videoed, but other than that, not a thing!