Claire’s Story

The Proposal

Paul proposed on my birthday in a restaurant in Reigate – it was a total surprise, he gave me the most amazing engagement ring which he had made in South Africa. The proposal had to be changed slightly as we were supposed to go to Marrakesh for my birthday, and Paul was going to propose there, but we had to cancel it as I had horrendous toothache!

The Venue

We found Coltsford Mill on Country House Wedding Venues. We loved all the lakes around Coltsford Mill, it just seemed so tranquil and peaceful – and the new watermill barn is stunning. The other thing we loved was the ceremony room (Mill Room) as it was so lovely and cosy and had a great atmosphere which is often missing when you have a civil ceremony.

The Outfits

Bridesmaids – They wore floor length crepe chocolate dresses with a pale pink/cream bust from Coast. I had so many comments on how beautiful and elegant the dresses were.

Ushers – We decided not to hire any suits, they wore their own suits (which all happened to be brown/chocolate by coincidence) with a cream tie which we bought for them.

Bride – My dress was from Pronovias – it was ivory, very fitted, with an antique lace bust and a fishtail kick at the bottom – with a train at the back.

Accessories – I wore my hair down, with a shoulder length veil worn fairly high up, with flowers in my hair at the back. I wore a simple diamond drop necklace and diamond earrings.

The Flowers

The bouquets were antique pink roses which were stunning, tied with a pink ribbon, and the table decorations were cream orchids with a pink throat in fishbowls, with a tall vase for the top table. Table decorations were cream orchids with a pink throat in fishbowls, with a tall vase for the top table – the top table was round and in the middle of the room.

The barn was very simply decorated with fairy lights on the beams and lots of candles.

Room Decorations

The barn was very simply decorated with fairy lights on the beams and lots of candles. I combined the favours with place names. I used a slate label with string tied to it and wrote the guests names on them in chalk pen. These were lovely for people to take home with them. These were placed on the napkins along with a single orchid.

The Cake

The cake was again, very simple. A square cake with 2 tiers – white icing and chocolate coloured roses. The top tier was sponge and the bottom was chocolate.

Advice to other couples

I think the best tip I ever received when I was planning was – if you see something you want for the wedding, e.g. table decorations, get whatever it is there and then, don’t wait and think you’ll get it another time as there is so much to do, it is good to get things ticked off the list. Plus if you wait, chances are you’ll have either forgotten where you saw it or it will have been discontinued!

The Suppliers

Wedding Reception Venue – Coltsford Mill

Venue found through Country House Wedding Venues

Bride’s dress – Pronovias

Bridesmaid dresses – Coast

Bride’s accessories – Veil – Amante in Reigate, I didn’t wear a tiara and the shoes were from Pronovias.

Groom’s suit – William Westmancott

Flowers – Liz at Coltsford Mill

Disco/DJ – Mario from Red Rhythym

Photographer – Gary Roebuck