Maddi and Neil
28/07/2006 – Tewin Bury Farm, Hertfordshire
How and when did you meet?
Neil and I were neighbours. I had my eye on him for months and told another neighbour, who then told him. We arranged to meet up for a drink and started seeing each other. I guess you could say I was the girl next door!
How old are you both?
I am 26 (25 when married)and Neil is 29.
Where, when and how did he (or you!) propose?
Neil proposed on the 29th of June 2005, two days after my best friend’s wedding. I had a feeling he was going to propose that year, but thought it would be on holiday. I came home from work to find roses on the doorstep, candles, and him cooking my favourite meal. I still had no idea, until he bent down on one knee, after the main course, and presented me with a diamond solitaire. I couldn’t manage desert after that! It was great that it was such a surprise!
Did you have hen and stag celebrations? If so, what did you do?
We both did things on the May bank holiday. Neil went karting and out in Nottingham and I had all my friends around to the house for facials and lots of food and wine!
How did your groom help with the wedding planning?
I hate making phone calls, so Neil was really good at organising appointments. I was pretty decisive about what I wanted and Neil didn’t really mind. He obviously chose his suit and rings and even though I consulted him on everything, he always said “Whatever you think.” He did however want a square cake, so I made sure we did!
Did you use confetti to plan your wedding? If so, how did the website help you?
I was obsessed with the forum! The girls on there are fantastic and offered so much inspiration and support. I also used the shop and ordered my stationery from Confetti.
Did you buy any confetti products for your wedding? If so, did you visit a store, buy online or by mail order?
I ordered my invites, photo album, guest book, cameras and place cards online and I did also visit the shop where I got some choccies!
Tell us about your outfit, and where you bought it
.
I wore Suzanne Neville’s “Beauty of the Night.” It was the first dress I tried and I fell in love with it straight away. I ordered it from her Knightsbridge store so that she would actually be doing all the measurements herself. It made me feel really special.
Did you have bridesmaids? If so, who did you choose and what did they wear?
I had two. My best friend and my sister. They wore aqua dresses by Blue Moon at Romantica of Devon.
Who did your groom choose for his best man and ushers, and what did they wear?
Neil chose his twin brother as his best man and my brothers and his older brother were ushers. They wore frock coat suits from Suits You, with green cravats to match the bridesmaids. Neil wore gold so that people could tell him and his twin, Anthony, apart.
Did you have a civil or religious ceremony?
Civil ceremony.
Where did you hold your ceremony?
Tewin Bury Farm, Hertfordshire.
Where did you hold your reception?
Tewin Bury Farm, Hertfordshire.
Did you have any special wedding transport?
I walked as I got ready there.
How many guests did you invite to your wedding, and did you have a separate evening guest list?
We invited about 70 and had about another 10 to the evening.
Did your reception have a particular theme in terms of colour or style?
I wanted it to be simple and classical. We were married in a converted barn so I wanted to keep the country feel. Everything was shades of ivory, creams and greens with lots of ivory roses.
How did you incorporate this in to your table settings?
We had green foil wrapped chocolates and the foliage of the flowers.
Did you give your guests favours?
No, but they all had two choccies at their place setting. I did make the children little party bags though.
Describe your flowers (bouquets and table decorations). Who was your florist?
Jan Ward at Flower Craft did our flowers. I was thrilled. I have no idea about flowers. I know I had roses!
What did you choose to have on your menu? Did you have an outside caterer or did your venue handle the catering?
The venue did a BBQ for us, which was delicious and informal. We also had melon to start and chocolate roulade for dessert.
What did you choose for your wedding cake, and who made it?
Well, as per Neil’s specification, we had a square cake with sugar roses.
Did you have any entertainment during the day or evening?
We had a band in the evening called Zero One, they were brilliant and everyone loved them.
Did you have a gift list? If so, who did you have your list with?
We had a gift list with John Lewis.
Where did you spend your first night and honeymoon? Who did you book your honeymoon with?
We stayed at the venue on the wedding night and then flew to the Maldives with Hayes and Jarvis.
What was your most memorable moment of the day?
I couldn’t pick one. It really was a fabulous day from start to finish!
Did you experience any ‘nightmare’ moments in the run up to your wedding or on the day?
There was a 40 acre fire on the farm during the meal. The manager kept coming to apologise about the noise but I was oblivious. Apparently there were four fire engines pumping water out of the river!
I was upset about my veil blowing off by a fan at the altar. I didn’t feel very glamorous and it made me very flustered.
Is there anything you would do differently, or any advice you would give to other brides?
Pin your veil in really well!Everyone says take in every moment, but I kept trying and it just didn’t seem real. Do take some time just for you and your hubby.We also had a picnic at my parents’ the next day. It was great because we finished off the buffet food and got to see our close family for longer.
