Kara and Andy’s Real Life Wedding

Kara and Andy

10/08/2005 – Llwynegwyn Hall
Beaufort Park Hotel

  photos by xxxxxxx Photography

How and when did you meet?

We met at a Halloween party when I was in sixth form. Andy had just finished his basic training for the army and had come along with a mate to let off steam. We met, danced and the rest, as they say, is history.

How old are you both?

20 and 21.

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

We’d been together for about a year when Andy decided to take me to an Italian restaurant in town. Whilst we were sitting there enjoying the candle light and lovely food, Andy commented that if he had a ring, this would be the perfect time to propose to me – well, I tell you I have never been so glad of the fact that I wore my great auntie’s engagement ring on my other hand. Within seconds I had taken it off and handed it to Andy, and with that he asked me again. Of course, I said yes. That was in the November of 2002, in December 2002 he took me up to the East Gate clock in Chester at night time with all the Christmas lights twinkling before us. This time Andy proposed properly, down on one knee, although I still didn’t get my real engagement ring until Boxing Day!

Did you have hen and stag celebrations?

Well my hen night was more of a hen day and Andy’s more of a long weekend. Andy’s took place on Shell Island, a place off the Welsh coast that Andy and his mates always went to as kids. I don’t know much of what went on there but suffice to say, neither does he! My hen day started with my sister conning me into taking a day off work, then when we went shopping, told me that actually I was going to ladies’ day at Chester races and that I might need to buy something to go in. So off I toddled to the races, not having a clue who was coming; I shouldn’t have worried though, my ‘lil’ sister had done me proud, though she was a little unconventional as I had a bloke at my hen night, but then again he was my best mate so it was allowed. All in all we had a very good afternoon followed by clubbing and a foul hangover!

Did your groom help you with the wedding planning?

By steering well clear!

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

Yes, I used the planner.

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

I wore a champagne dress from Karen Lewis with a cathedral train and a veil that I made myself.

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

I had three bridesmaids who wore matching chocolate brown dresses, also from Karen Lewis.

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

Andy chose his best mate Craig for his best man, although he very nearly didn’t make it as he wasn’t allowed to leave his RAF base till the day before the wedding.

Did you have a civil or religious ceremony?

Civil.

Where did you hold your ceremony?

Llwynegwyn Hall.

Where did you hold your reception?

Beaufort Park Hotel.

Did you have any special wedding transport?

One big white stretched limo!

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

40 to the wedding and 120 to the reception.

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

Had a colour scheme of coffee and cream.

How did you incorporate this in to your table settings?

Brown, gold and ivory balloons with ivory napkins.

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

Rather not say as I was disappointed with them – that was the only thing that made me cry on the wedding day.

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

Had a buffet.

What did you choose for your wedding cake?

I had 2 tiers of fruit and one of orange sponge; my uncle made it for me.

Did you have any entertainment during the day or evening?

We had a disco in the evening.

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

Our first night was spent at the hotel and our honeymoon was spent in Spain.

What was your most memorable moment of the day?

My father’s speech, it was so heartfelt.

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

Just the one, the best man going missing!

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

Don’t go to Spain for your honeymoon, they only have twin rooms in the hotel, not doubles!