Your East Midlands Wedding - October/November 2019 (Issue 34)

REAL WEDDINGS 35  The couple wanted big-day fare that was not too traditional and where the guests could pick at the food. Picnic-style was the option that also tied in nicely with the feel of the venue, including lamb kofta, veggie samosas and bhajis, chicken satay and mini fish bites. Hannah says, “Our evening buffet consisted of ‘quick and dirty’. We offered Louisiana-style pulled pork rolls, bloody Mary beef brisket baps and veggie loaded chilli nachos.” LOOKING THE PART The bride-to-be fell in love with Martina Liana dress 953. She says, “On my third visit to The Wedding House, one of the girls suggested I tried the dress and I knew instantly that was my dress.” The dress was comfortable, secure and a lovely personal touch was that Hannah wore a hair accessory that her sister had used for her own wedding. The bridesmaids wore a mixture of pink and lilac dresses that Hannah picked out and were given a simple pearl bracelet and earrings as thank you gifts. While the groom, groomsmen and both fathers wore matching suits with blue tweed-stye waistcoats and pink ties. Hannah says, “He had a pink buttonhole with a little more foliage to match my bouquet.” TIME TO CELEBRATE Welcoming drinks were given to guests upon arrival. Hannah says, “Guests could head inside the club house, where there were photos of us dotted around, and help themselves to some sweets and canapés from the picnic baskets. We also made a coconut shy from pallets and Toby’s toy balls. We also did welly wanging and even had a beer pong table for later on in the day.” To entertain the guests, the 12-piece The Wam Bam band got everyone into the party mood. Hannah says, “We wanted the party to continue, so we booked a DJ and gave him a list of songs we knew our guests wanted and then just genres of music. There was also a photo booth to capture the day and a glitter station where loved ones could get face gems, body glue and face glitter. “We also had a gin bar that James had made which doubled up as the cake table later on (when the 12 bottles of gin were drank within an hour) and had various tonic, lemonade and ginger beer mixers, and different types of gin.” MEMORABLE MOMENTS. The couples had a beautiful and memorable day but a few parts really stood out. “James was really nervous. He had a really busy morning sorting out the furniture and making sure everything at the venue was ready. I had a lovely relaxing morning and didn’t feel at all nervous.” Hannah adds, “James nearly burst into tears when he saw me coming down the aisle, and my pregnant sister was full on sobbing walking down in front of me.” When it came to the speeches there was a massive surprise for the bride. “James told me he was too nervous to continue his speech, before bursting into With A Little Help From My Friends and the whole marquee joined in – I was gobsmacked, and equally touched!” The couple recalls a special moment as they said their vows. Hannah says, “It was nearly ten years of a life that we’ve made coming together into one moment and just felt like we’re complete – like our own little family unit.”