Michelle and Gareth’s Real Life Wedding
Michelle and Gareth
05/08/2005 – Methodist Church
Park Hall Hotel
photos by David Perkins, Eden Photography
How and when did you meet?
We met at university; we were put in the same group for an assignment and became good friends; the rest led on from there…
How old are you both?
I am 27 and Gaz is 25.
Where, when and how did he (or you!) propose?
On my 26th birthday he took me for a romantic meal, which was spoilt by the restaurant! So he brought me a little cake at home and popped my ring next to it, then said this present has a question attached to it!
Did you have hen and stag celebrations?
Yes I had three: one with mates at home, one with relatives, and the last big one with my work colleagues. Gareth went on an adventure weekend in Cardiff.
Did your groom help you with the wedding planning?
He put in 110% to help with the wedding, we worked as a team for the wedding taking tasks to hand and sorting things out. He was great when my brother was taken ill as he sorted out stuff so I could concentrate on him… bless.
Did you use confetti to plan your wedding? If so, how did the website help you?
All the time, cafe, shopping and finding suppliers. It was great even got all my friends on the site too!
Do you have a confetti web page?
Yes but Hubby is a developer and did his own.
Did you buy any confetti products for your wedding? If so, did you visit a store, buy online or by mail order?
I bought loads of confetti decorations for the reception venue. We went to the Birmingham store when it opened and nearly cleared out the stock.
Tell us about your outfit, and where you bought it.
Debenhams sale, that is all I have to say as I got the whole outfit at a reduced price.
Did you have bridesmaids? If so, who did you choose and what did they wear?
Gareth’s little cousin was our bridesmaid and everyone loved her as she is 3… She wore a dress from BHS,with a lilac top and cream skirt – she looked like a proper little princess.
Who did your groom choose for his best man and ushers, and what did they wear?
He chose his friend that he grew up with and my brother was the usher. He chose the style of the suit and we had a deeper purple for the ties and handkerchiefs to complement the lilac scheme.
Did you have a civil or religious ceremony?
Religious ceremony, as I am a Christian.
Where did you hold your ceremony?
Methodist church near our home.
Where did you hold your reception?
Park Hall Hotel near our home.
Did you have any special wedding transport?
Gareth’s parents arranged the transport as a surprise for me, I had a nice old Jaguar.
How many guests did you invite to your wedding, and did you have a separate evening guest list?
We got married on a Friday so a lot of people could not make it to the ceremony. We invited around 150 people to the evening reception.
Did your reception have a particular theme in terms of colour or style?
The reception was great. When we booked the room it had an old carpet and the room looked below standard. They said they were going to redecorate and when we went back before the wedding we had a great surprise – the room was completely transformed. The floors were marble and there was a black and cream theme, so the lilac looked great.
How did you incorporate this in to your table settings?
I love candles so we had a center votive in lilac with sand and tea lights around this main candle. It looked great and people loved it.
Did you give your guests favours?
Yes, they had factory jelly beans, love hearts and a little thank you note.
Describe your flowers (bouquets and table decorations). Who was your florist?
I love Calla lilies but had chosen another bouquet as the one I wanted was too expensive, yet the one I wanted turned up on the day. The bridesmaid had a cream gerbera made into a wand as she wanted to be a fairy.
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 and they were great. There were a few special requests and they catered for all.
What did you choose for your wedding cake?
Gareth’s aunt made the cake so we could cater for special diets.
Did you have any entertainment during the day or evening?
The ashes were on during the day and I am sorry girls but I had to keep an eye on the score! In the evening we had a DJ.
Did you have a gift list? If so, who did you have your list with?
Yes, vouchers for Thomas Cook, we are planning a delayed honeymoon in Australia next year.
Where did you spend your first night and honeymoon? Who did you book your honeymoon with?
The first night was at the hotel bridal suite and we had our honeymoon in Dublin.
What was your most memorable moment of the day?
Gareth at the alter – when I met him there he told me I looked absolutely beautiful… I was very proud.
Did you experience any ‘nightmare’ moments in the run up to your wedding or on the day?
My brother was taken into the high dependancy unit in hospital nine days before the wedding. He was diagnosed with chronic renal failure. They let him out the night before the wedding so it made the day more special (I have tears in my eyes now thinking about it!).
Is there anything you would do differently, or any advice you would give to other brides?
Enjoy the day, as it will go so quickly. It is so special to be with everyone and the person you love. If you can afford it, have a video and look at all the photos you can, just don’t forget the tissues!
