Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 76)

The string quartet played as our guests arrived, during the ceremony and afterwards while we had drinks and canapés on the lawn. Our bridesmaids wore multiway dresses to match our blush pink colour scheme. “ Parley Manor was the first venue we looked at and as soon as we saw it, we knew it was the one. M utual friends set Claire and Brad up on a date and they hit it off straight away. “We instantly felt comfortable with each other; we shared a similar sense of humour and the same interests,” says Claire. Love blossomed and Brad popped the question on 18 th November, 2015 during a trip to New York. “He checked it was ok with my mum before we left and got down on one knee at the top of the red steps in Times Square,” remembers Claire. “It was a complete surprise and he secretly arranged a helicopter ride for me the next day too. It truly was the perfect trip.” Read on for Claire’s account of their big day... I had a vintage-style car for my wedding transport and Brad had a Ford Mustang. I felt like a million dollars in my Private Label by G ivory lace dress. “ The men looked smart in matching three-piece navy suits. Brad’s waistcoat was pale blue to stand out from the others. “ Not only were we lucky with the weather, our guests were entertained by the Red Arrows flying into Hurn airport for the Bournemouth air show. “I had my late grandad’s initials sewn into my dress as my something blue, so I could feel like a part of him was with me as I walked down the aisle.” 50