Marisa and Sven’s Real Life Wedding
Marisa and Sven
20/05/2006 – Barnett Hill, Wonersh, Guildford
How and when did you meet?
We were working for the same company. We were friends at first. I was involved in another relationship that didn’t work out. A few months later, I asked Sven to accompany me to have some drinks with my previous employer. We started going out from then on.
How old are you both?
I am 29 and Sven is 27.
Where, when and how did he (or you!) propose?
Sven planned a surprise weekend away to Lake Garda in Italy. He hired a 1955 MG and we drove around Lake Garda. On the Friday evening, we were walking around the town and walked along the pier. When we got to the end of the pier, he sat down and asked if this was a romantic spot. I sat next to him and told him it was. Suddenly he jumps up in front of me, goes down on one knee and tells me how much he loves me, and that he wants me to be his wife.
I was in such shock that I said “No, no,no,” only to realise what was happening and that Sven was holding a ring and on one knee. I then said ‘yes,yes,yes!’ We were all smiles and tears (of joy) for the rest of the evening!
Did you have hen and stag celebrations? If so, what did you do?
Yes, we did. I had a surprise weekend away with some girl friends to the Isle of Wight, where they had rented out a huge house. We ate, drank and had loads of fun! Sven had a surprise weekend away to Rimini, Italy, where they went to the beach and to the Formula 1 Grand Prix!
How did your groom help with the wedding planning?
Sven helped by organising the photographer and the DJ. He also was the yes/ no man! He was very involved in the planning.
Did you use confetti to plan your wedding? If so, how did the website help you?
I used some of the guides, but the forum was helpful in venting problems and helping other brides.
Did you buy any confetti products for your wedding? If so, did you visit a store, buy online or by mail order?
Some ribbons, but they turned out to be the wrong colour. I still have them and will be giving them to a friend who is getting married in February.
Tell us about your outfit, and where you bought it
My stunning dress was from Pronuptia, called Malaga. I loved the detail and the tie back.
Did you have bridesmaids? If so, who did you choose and what did they wear?
I had two, my sister and Sven’s sister. They wore Jim Hjelm dresses in Whisper (dusky pink).
Who did your groom choose for his best man and ushers, and what did they wear?
His best man was his best friend. Ushers were three of his other friends. They wore suits with tails and pin stripe pants. They had dusky pink cravats and napkins.
Did you have a civil or religious ceremony?
A beautiful civil ceremony.
Where did you hold your ceremony?
At the venue, Barnett Hill.
Where did you hold your reception?
At Barnett Hill, Wonersh, Guildford.
Did you have any special wedding transport?
Not really, we only had one trip. But I did organise a BMW 5 series 1995 model as it was big, and we love BMWs!!
How many guests did you invite to your wedding, and did you have a separate evening guest list?
We invited 110 (I have a large family) but in the end we only had 50 folks and 8 evening guests!
Did your reception have a particular theme in terms of colour or style?
We chose a spring time theme, with Ivory and Dusky pink as our colour scheme.
How did you incorporate this in to your table settings?
We had spring flowers, which were the same as my bouquet.
Did you give your guests favours?
Yes, Hennessey whisky for the men and Flower seeds for the females. The boxes and the bottles had ribbons tied around them in the colour scheme.
Describe your flowers (bouquets and table decorations). Who was your florist?
I used Ray’s Florist in Ash. My bouquet had vendela roses, white wax flowers, freesia, and lizzies.
What did you choose to have on your menu? Did you have an outside caterer or did your venue handle the catering?
The venue handled the catering. We had a duck salad starter, lamb for the main dish, and vanilla panna cotta for dessert.
What did you choose for your wedding cake, and who made it?
It was made by a friend and came all the way from Cornwall. It was two tiers, one vanilla sponge and the other chocolate.
Did you have any entertainment during the day or evening?
We had a DJ in the evening that played Jive and Swing music. He also showed us some moves. Later he played more contemporary stuff.
Did you have a gift list? If so, who did you have your list with?
Yes, with John Lewis.
Where did you spend your first night and honeymoon? Who did you book your honeymoon with?
We spent the first night at the wedding venue. We went to St. Lucia on our honeymoon and stayed at Rendezvous resort for couples.
What was your most memorable moment of the day?
When I walked down the aisle and saw Sven crying and my father’s speech was so beautiful. He ended it with a poem that just meant so much to me. The whole day was so very special though!
Did you experience any ‘nightmare’ moments in the run up to your wedding or on the day?
None at all, it all went so well!
