Sarah and Neil’s Real Life Wedding

 

Sarah and Neil

02/06/2005 – The Caribbean Princess, The Caribbean

     

How and when did you meet?

We worked together for 18 months before my husband-to-be emailed me to ask me out… that was after I split up with my ex in August 2002.

How old are you both?

I am 27 and Neil is 34.

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

We bought our first home together and absolutely loved living together so he thought it was the perfect place to propose a month after moving in.

Did you have hen and stag celebrations?

Yes, I had a hen night in a lively Greek Restaurant in Liverpool with Greek dancing and plate smashing and he went to the Grand National at Aintree.

Did your groom help you with the wedding planning?

He didn’t.

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

Yes, being able to go on the website and hear other people’s problems and excitement really helped me.

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

My dress was made by Essense of Australia and had an A-line skirt in satin with a crystalled bodice.

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

My niece was a bridesmaid at our wedding reception (we married abroad) and wore an ivory dress from Next.

Did you have a civil or religious ceremony?

Civil.

Where did you hold your ceremony?

On board the Caribbean Princess in the Caribbean.

Where did you hold your reception?

A local sailing club.

Did you have any special wedding transport?

Yes, we arranged a coach to collect the guests and drop them off.

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

120 at the reception.

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

EI had a peach bouquet of roses made by the florist was on board the cruise ship.

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

We had outside caterers who did a wonderful buffet for our reception.

What did you choose for your wedding cake?

Made by Pipedreams, it was lilac and white with a cruise ship and a palm tree on top.

Did you have any entertainment during the day or evening?

Live band at the reception.

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

Our first night was spent on the cruise ship and for our honeymoon we went to Orlando, Florida.

What was your most memorable moment of the day?

Seeing my husband.

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

Yes! We were due to get married in Antigua on 21 April 2005 but unfortunately my mother-in-law died suddenly the day before we were due to travel. It was devastating and obviously the wedding had to be cancelled. We had to go back to work for a month after everyone had done a collection for us and wished us well. My mum rang round trying to reorganise the wedding for as soon as possible. We had our hearts set on the Caribbean but nowhere would agree to marry us with less than 3 months notice. Eventually my Mum found a cancellation on a cruise ship which we weren’t keen on but with no other option we set off for our cruise one month later – and it was the best wedding ever. We also had to rearrange the wedding reception we had planned for our return and with it being May/June everywhere was fully booked. Through lots of hard work my mum eventually found a venue which was perfect and on 17th July we had our reception – at last – with all our friends and family. Unfortunately six weeks later my mum died suddenly from a heart attack – she was 54! I can’t help but think it was caused by all the stress I gave her with organising and reorganising our wedding.

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

Be grateful for everything you have.