Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding - Jan/Feb 2018 (Issue 43)

REAL WEDDINGS 37 S tephanie and Craig Brooks were childhood sweethearts, getting together at just 17 years old. “We got talking on a night out and I took his number, but after seeing him chatting to other girls I decided not to message him,” Steph remembers. “Three months later, I got a new phone and accidentally sent my new number to everyone on my contact list. Later that day, Craig rang me and the rest is history!” After buying their first home together, Craig booked a surprise holiday to Cala d’Or in Majorca. “My friends were convinced he would pop the question but I wasn’t so sure as we’d just moved in together,” the bride says. They went for a romantic meal down by the marina on the first night. “It was one of those perfect holiday evenings – delicious food, great atmosphere and the best company,” she tells us. “I felt so content, so I leaned in to say ‘I love you.’ He replied ‘I love you more, and that’s why I have a question for you.’ My heart was racing – I thought he was winding me up!” Craig got down on one knee and asked Steph to be his wife, while everyone in the restaurant clapped and cheered. They returned home and set the date for 1 st June, 2018. We caught up with Steph to find out how they planned their dream day… SETTING THE SCENE The pair had always wanted to tie the knot in a fairytale setting, and they were lucky to have Knowsley Hall right on their doorstep. “We instantly knew it was the place for us,” Steph recalls. “The driveway alone is so impressive, we’d get goosebumps every time we visited! The interior is breathtaking, so full of character and intricate architecture.” To fit with the incredible venue, they opted for an ornate, regal theme with gold and blush pink accents. “I created the invites, menus and table plan myself, all in our colour palette. The script-style font and traditional monogram wax seal chimed perfectly with the theme,” the newlywed says. “I get my creative flair from my dad. While I designed it, he put it all together. He was also the mastermind behind the giant doughnut wall!” With the aim of making the day one big party, alcoholic favours were a must. “We added labels to Jägermeister miniatures saying ‘We’ve tied the knot, now take a shot.’ They went down a storm, with one table even inventing a Jager-infused tea!” Steph laughs. The fabulous florals were courtesy of Clair and the team at Red Events Creative. The centrepieces looked stunning and were a mixture of tall blush pink and white floral arrangements finished with suspended tea lights and vases of floating candles. ONCE UPON A TIME... Steph and Craig had the perfect fairytale wedding at Knowsley Hall Images courtesy of Matthew Rycraft 