Your Real Wedding
Lora and Neil have worked together for 7 years, although in separate departments. They got together after a work night out, when Neil kissed Lora in front of all their colleagues. Afterwards, Neil said he had waited for 4 years to make a move.
The Proposal
Lora and Neil got engaged after a night at Stoke Park, a week before they moved into their new house. After Lora complained to Neil that he didn’t like her dress he replied “If I didn't think you looked beautiful, why would I be asking you to marry me?” They then announced their engagement along with their new address a week later!
Hen & Stag Parties
Both the hen and stag parties were arranged by Lora and Neil’s attendants. Lora went to an open air Queen tribute concert at Cliveden, a beautiful National Trust property in Berkshire. Neil went to Go Ape in Norfolk, so his best man & ushers thought he should dress up accordingly. “Most people would have put him in a monkey costume, however they felt hotpants and big boobs where the order of the day and dressed him up as Lara Croft!”
The Bride’s Outfit
Having been wedding dress shopping with her future mother-in-law in Birmingham, Lora bought a dress at the first shop they visited. It was stunning, in the sale and everyone loved it, plus she didn't believe in having that epiphany of ‘the dress’. However, Lora then felt bad that she hadn't been shopping with her mum so they went to the Wedding Warehouse in Slough where she found ‘the dress’. The shop in Birmingham wouldn't give her a refund so she was torn. The next 3 months were spent going to every dress shop and wedding fair in the south to make sure she was doing the right thing. In the end Lora sold the original dress and bought ‘the dress’. “I loved it even though it was nothing like what I'd always pictured for myself”. Lora had her shoes dyed baby blue to match the colour scheme and then customised them by hand with 1000 Swarovski crystals.
The Groom’s Outfit
Neil bought his suit from Autograph in Birmingham where he gets all his work suits, so he knew they would have what he wanted. It was a navy blue William Hunt suit with baby blue lining.
The Bridal Party
The best man, two ushers and both fathers’ suits were hired from Debenhams. The ushers had cobalt ties, and baby blue satin hankies from Dessy. The dads had baby blue ties from Dessy. The 3 bridesmaids (Lora’s 3 best friends) all wore cobalt dresses from Dessy with baby blue pashminas. The mums even wore baby blue outfits so they matched.
Rings
Lora’s wedding ring is just a simple silver band which was a family heir loom and Neil has a plain white gold band which they bought from the same shop as the engagement ring.
Wedding Theme
“We had what felt like 100 different themes that all worked and tied together really well. It was very personal.” The main colour scheme was royal blue, baby blue and navy. The wedding cars and cake topper were VW buses (Neil’s passion) and the favours were rubber ducks (yes rubber ducks!!).
Flowers
Lora and Neil didn’t use many flowers, only ivory roses for the bouquets and three roses in each table decoration. The mums, dads & Neil's granny where given ivory and royal blue roses as buttonholes and the best man, ushers and groom all had a single ivory rose buttonhole. Candles were used to decorate at the ceremony, and balloons for the reception. As the venue was so beautiful it didn't need much decoration.
Transport
Lora’s dad drove her to the wedding venue on the first day in Neil's 1969 Bay Window VW Camper. Neil's brother collected the bridesmaids in his 1965 Split Screen VW Camper.
The Ceremony & Reception
The wedding was held over two days. Heatherden Hall, Pinewood Studios, Berkshire was the venue for the civil ceremony and reception, they wrote their own vows for the ceremony and 45 guests attended. 110 guests enjoyed a bbq and "fun day" on the second day.
The Speeches
The speeches were read after the ceremony on the 1st day, before the wedding breakfast. “Everyone did a great job, even my dad who isn't used to public speaking”. Neil’s best man Andrew had even been practising in front of a camera and his speech was witty and heartfelt.
The Cake
Lora and Neil had a 9 tier wedding cake of chocolate sponge, victoria sponge & wheat free carrot cake, from Foxy Cakes in Datchet.
Details
Lora made the name cards for the wedding breakfast. Adult guests were given two star shaped sparklers and a pack of matches with the definition of marriage printed on them from Cox and Cox. The children were given blue glow sticks. They shipped 200 costumed rubber ducks over from America as favours for the people that came to the reception.
The Photographer
Artis Studios in Sunninghill were the photographers. “A friend was using them and showed us their website. We loved their pictures and are still very pleased that we used them. The end result was even better than we had hoped for, and there were a lot of amazing photos. Choosing the pictures for the album was really hard.”
The Honeymoon
As a wedding present from their friends, Lora and Neil stayed in a beautiful apartment just outside Puerto Banus. “It was perfect for chilling out after a very hectic 2 day wedding.”
Top Tip
“Make time for each other in the run up to the wedding. There's a lot to do so try not to lose sight of why you’re doing it.”
Bride’s Top Tip
“Don't ever be told you can't have something. If you're prepared to do the leg work and be creative you can have the day you've always dreamed of.”
Money Saving Ideas
“Be organised. Nothing swallows money more than not having a plan to work to. Also make use of the people around you. For example, if you know a good seamstress, ask them to help with any adjustments, I'm sure they'd be thrilled to be asked to be a part of the day!”
Photography: Artis Studios
