Zoe’s Story

The Proposal

Nik proposed to me on a weekend away in Leeds around Valentines Day 2006. He had written ‘Will you marry me’ in my Valentines Day card, it was a complete and utter surprise. I actually asked him if he was serious! Before I started crying and couldn’t stop for a good few hours.

The Outfits

The Bride – My dress was by Pronovias. Silk, strapless and ivory in colour. The right side was A-line, the left side went into a fish tail with a long train. I had a flower attached to the back of the dress.

The Bridesmaid – Pink two-piece, with a cream & pink bow that tied at the back of the dress.

The Groom and Groomsmen – Charcoal grey suits, cream waistcoats, white shirts and pink ties.

The Wedding and Reception Venue

We wanted somewhere different from the traditional kind of hotel/stately home type of place. We wanted neutral colours, and to be honest we only wanted our wedding to be taking place on that day. We visited Sandhole Oak Barn , and immediately loved how peaceful it was, we loved the lake, the oak beams and the decked area. It was all absolutely perfect. We had both the wedding ceremony and reception at Sandhole Oak Barn .

The Decorative Touches

Room decorations – Down the aisle were candelabras, decorated with ivory chiffon, topped with pink roses and candles. Two large flower arrangements placed where the civil ceremony took place, on the registrar’s table and the cake table.

Table centrepieces – Tall vases with ivory lilies, pink roses and greenery. Large mirrors in the centre, with pink petals and tea light candles.

Favours – For the men, miniature Jack Daniels and for the ladies, miniature pink manicure sets.

The Cake

Four tier (false bottom layer), ivory icing, small ivory hearts dotted over it with pink ribbon. Two sponge cakes and 1 fruit cake.

The Transport

I travelled in a bronze and ivory 1930’s style regent Landau. My mum and bridesmaid travelled in a matching Daimler.

Advice to other couples

The stress is definitely worth it!

The Suppliers

Wedding Reception Venue – Sandhole Oak Barn

Venue found through Country House Wedding Venues

Bride’s dress – Amy Louise Bridal, Nantwich

Bride’s accessories – Tiara as above, Shoes from Next

Groom’s suit – Simply Suits

Bridesmaid’s dresses – Amy Louise Bridal

Wedding rings – Berrys, Hull

Flowers – Siennas of Nantwich

Cars – Vintage Wedding Cars

Invitations – Cjays cards

Wedding list – we asked for money

Disco/DJ – DJ’s for weddings

Photographer – Philip Gilman

Catering – Sue Le Bonne

Hair & Make up – Catherine Bobby

Toastmaster – Richard Matthews

Video – Silk Videos