Your Surrey Wedding- April/May 2021 (Issue 88)

P aileen and Michael met through a mutual friend. “We got to know each other, and I was really attracted to his ability to make everyone laugh and his caring nature,” says Paileen. “I had a feeling that he was interested in a relationship but wouldn’t make the first move, so I took the plunge and asked him out to dinner where we officially became a couple.” Michael proposed during his 50 th birthday party. “He hired a venue and got caterers in to do the food,” shares the bride. “His mum even surprised us by travelling from Barbados without telling anyone she was coming! As if that wasn’t a big enough surprise, while Michael was doing his speech, he called me down to the front and started telling everyone that he been trying to get hold of his mum for the last few days to tell her something important. He then put his hand in his pocket, pulled out a ring and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.” SETTING THE SCENE “We really liked The Grange in Wallington,” explains Paileen. “The inside and grounds looked great in photos, it was local to us, and there was ample free parking. We were planning to have our reception there, but due to COVID-19, we had to cancel. We’ve since re-booked the evening party for July 2021, so we can have a big celebration with our friends and family.” DRESSED TO IMPRESS Paileen chose a Morilee gown called Liberty from Aurora Bride. “As soon as I tried it on, I got the feeling it was the one ,” says the bride. “I wanted to look like a princess, so I accessorised with diamanté earrings, a necklace, a bracelet and detailed shoes.” Michael opted for a charcoal grey blazer from Moss Bros with a cravat and purple pocket square. “My bridesmaids wore a Coast dress called Lori May ,” shares Paileen. “We opted for a grape colour to tie in with our overall theme.” REAL WEDDINGS 45