Your Midlands Wedding - June/July 2025 (Issue 98)

Chris and Lianne had crossed paths years ago in Ibiza, where their mutual friends had first introduced them. Chris stayed close with Lianne’s best friend, who eventually let her know that Chris had moved to London. He suggested they reach out and meet, and when they did, it was like magic – they hit it off immediately and became inseparable from that moment on. Their first ‘proper’ date was a playful adventure in a ball pit filled with colourful balls and plenty of cocktails. Lianne was instantly drawn to Chris’s fun-loving spirit and his kindness. He had a way of making her feel at ease, wrapping her in a sense of safety and security that was hard to come by. With his handsome looks and shared interests, they quickly found a deep connection. Fast forward to a memorable anniversary, when Chris planned a surprise proposal at a charming duck pond while Lianne’s daughter was feeding the ducks. He had pretended to go to work earlier that day, only to surprise Lianne with balloons and a plan for lunch. Little did she know, she would soon be caught off guard again. After lunch, Lianne insisted on viewing a property for a second vewing, and they ended up putting in an offer that was accepted the next day! After that whirlwind, Chris suggested a quick stop at the pond to feed the ducks – a sweet nod to their earlier visit – and proposed. Lianne thought he was joking until she caught sight of the stunning ring he had hidden away. Their lives were about to change forever! They hurried off to pick up Lianne’s son from school, celebrating their engagement as a blended family at Pizza Express, the restaurant the kids had picked. It was serendipitous that they had gotten together on March 14th, Chris proposed on March 14th, and they tied the knot on March 14th. It seemed like fate had a special plan for them, weaving their love story into a beautiful tapestry of shared dates and cherished moments. SETTING THE SCENE The couple’s goal was simple: they wanted everyone to have fun and celebrate in a way that was unapologetically true to themselves. They started by focusing on what mattered most to them and then planned everything around those priorities. For them, it all revolved around music and photography, elements that truly captured their essence and joy. Lianne stumbled upon the Shack Revolution on her work Instagram, and she and Chris found themselves diving deep into a venue-hunting rabbit hole. No matter how many places they explored, they kept circling back to the Shack. Coincidentally, they were heading to Worcester – Chris’s hometown – for a friend’s 40th birthday, and it just so happened that an open day at the venue was taking place at the same time. The moment they set foot inside, their love for the venue only grew stronger. They couldn’t get enough of the textures, the spaciousness, the natural light, and the overall freedom to create the day they envisioned. Plus, the staff was incredibly welcoming. With a great price on top of everything, they took it as a sign when they found out that March 14th was the only date available that month, and they quickly booked it. As they planned their special day, the decorative touches reflected their vibrant theme and personality. For favours, they opted for mini tequila rose shots adorned with their neon pink stickers, paired with love heart sunglasses featuring neon pink vinyl that read ‘C & L 14/03/2025’. Interestingly, they decided against a table plan, aiming for a relaxed and social atmosphere that encouraged guests to mingle. This decision turned out to be a hit. The centrepieces were a blend of candles, mini disco balls, and faux succulents. With family-style catering on the menu, they kept the tables less cluttered to make space for all the delicious food. When it came to flowers, the couple chose a mix of artificial and real plants, leaning more toward greenery than blooms. Lianne’s sister-in-law crafted the bouquets and buttonholes, even incorporating disco balls into the arrangements. They brought in plants from home and decorated their sweetheart table with an arch covered in foliage and disco balls, complemented by a striking black and pink banner. The cake was a showstopper – a black heart adorned with disco balls and neon pink buttercream icing, featuring the words ‘Till Death’ in neon pink. A talented family friend gifted it to them, and it was simply fabulous. Since they wanted a laid-back vibe, there were no place names or table numbers; guests could pick their own seats. As for additional venue décor, Lianne 25 REAL WEDDINGS

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=