Your Real Wedding
Sarah and Stuart met at a pub in Broxbourne in 1997 when they were 21. They got to know each other as part of a big group of friends who all used to go out together.
The Proposal
Sarah and Stuart made the joint decision to get engaged so there was no proposal as such. Sarah went to Australia for a month in January 1998 and when she returned they decided they were the ones for each other and got engaged in the February.
Hen & Stag Parties
Sarah had 2 hen parties. The first was a weekend in London where her bridesmaids organised for a group of 10 to have lunch in Covent Garden, followed by a Burlesque dance lesson. Sarah had already planned to go out that night dressed in Burlesque fancy dress but the rest was a surprise. The second hen party was for “the more mature” ladies in Sarah’s life, where they went to a local Greek restaurant for a meal followed by a night of dancing.
Stuart had a go karting evening at a local track and then a night out in Leicester Square, London, a few weeks later.
Wedding Theme
The theme was ‘hearts’ with a chocolate brown and teal colour scheme.
The Bride’s Outfit
Sarah’s dress was an Alfred Angelo design in ivory, plain at the top with a pitched design at the bottom. It was the design she was looking for and her mum added extra touches to it to make it unique. It was bought at Ann Bridal in Old Stevenage, Hertfordshire after a 2 month search and was about the seventh dress Sarah had tried on.
The Groom’s Outfit
Stuart wore a chocolate brown morning suit with an ivory patterned waistcoat, teal cravat and hanky, hired from Dapper in Cockfosters.
The Bridal Party
Sarah had 4 bridesmaids who wore teal dresses that were bought from a high street shop, and a chief bridesmaid who wore a chocolate brown Alfred Angelo dress.
The best man, 2 ushers and Sarah’s dad wore the same as Stuart.
Transport
Sarah and her mum and dad travelled to the venue in a red 1950’s classic American Cadillac Sedan called Candie, and her bridesmaids travelled in a white 1950’s classic American open top Cadillac called Roxy.
The Ceremony & Reception
Both the ceremony and reception were held at Blake Hall Barn. They had a civil ceremony with readings, their own vows and a unity candle lighting, with 74 guests in attendance. An extra 30 guests attended the evening reception.
The Speeches
Sarah’s dad did the first speech and made them play a small game of Mr 'n' Mrs. Stuart was next and did the normal thank yous. After his speech, the best man read out a few cards from people who couldn’t make it. Sarah had sneaked in a few fake ones with funny names and that got a few laughs. Sarah did the last speech as she wanted to mention all her grandparents and also it was also her grandad’s birthday the same day.
Sarah also played a small joke on Stuart where she had given keys out to various ladies in the room beforehand, and then said that now Stuart was married he can no longer have any other girlfriends so asked for keys to be handed in. They all came up and handed the keys in. She then said she thought there was one more and Stuart’s usher came up with a sad look on his face.
The Cake
There were 4 cakes! They both had their own small personal cake, Sarah’s was on top of a larger fruit cake, and they also had 2 big heart shaped sponge cakes, ivory, brown and teal in colour.
Rings
Purchased from Equinox jewellers in Hoddlesdon, Hertfordshire, Stuart had a gold patterned ring and Sarah had a palladium ring with a diamond and the word ‘love’ engraved on the front. They also had their wedding date engraved inside the rings.
The Photographer
RT Weddings and Blessing Photography took photos. They had booked one company and then won the other in a competition.
Details
The venue was decorated with balloons, fake flowers and raffia hearts. They also had balloon bride and groom figures.
For their favours they gave heart shaped boxes that were painted brown and contained chocolate dragees wrapped in tissue paper.
Memories
Sarah best memories included the fun she had getting ready, how excited she was walking down the aisle, the fun of having a caricaturist and the fireworks her dad organised.
The Wedding Community
Sarah used The Wedding Community in the build up to her wedding and found “lots of things helpful”, particularly the wedding advice she read on the site.
Bride’s Top Tips
“Have lots of nights with your maids as they feel like they are helping you deal with all the stress of a wedding.”
“Get lots of things organised in advance.”
“Look at others weddings to get ideas.”
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Groom’s Top Tips
“Don’t leave writing your wedding speech to the last minute!”
“Get together with your best man and help each other out.”
Bride’s Beauty Tips
“I spent a bit more money on make-up than usual and bought a really good foundation that lasted all day. Have make-up trials with your maids and see what colours will look good. Don’t go for something too different to what you normally wear.”
Photography: RT Weddings, Blessing Photography
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