Your West Midlands Wedding- June/July 2020 (Issue 68)

REAL WEDDINGS 35 O n a night out in Birmingham, Emily couldn’t miss Kerry’s crazy hairdo, leggings and heels combo which meant she stood out from the crowd! “She was dancing like no one was watching, completely in the moment which was endearing. When we got chatting, I knew she was a beautiful unique soul and we just instantly clicked,” recalls Emily. Meanwhile, carrying herself with an edge of mystery, matched with her unique style and of course stunning good looks Emily definitely caught Kerry’s eye too, “This Northern lass had me at ‘eh up’. After whisking her away to grab a ‘241’ drink (£1 for two back in our hay-day; smooth, I know) it was her warmth, quirky sense of humour and exotic eyes that had me hooked in an instant,” shares Kerry. Fast-forward six brilliant years together, was a proposal on the cards? Emily planned a trip to Wales for Kerry’s 27 th birthday and proposed on top of Mount Snowdon. “The ring however wouldn’t go on Kerry’s finger due to the altitude; her fingers had swollen! Once we were back in the hotel that evening however, it fit perfectly, phew!” laughs Emily. The big date was set, 8 th July 2019 with Shustoke Barn setting the scene. Here we find out more about their day... SETTING THE SCENE Knowing instantly it was the venue for them the minute they arrived, they were in awe of the magnificent exposed brick work, church-like high ceilings and arched doorways, “It really gives that wow-factor on arrival,” says Emily. “The venue only needed a few simple flowers and candles to lift it which suited our simplistic taste. The courtyard which we used for canapés and reception drinks is reminiscent of a rustic Italian vineyard with beautiful olive trees and seating areas.” For the little touches, Emily and Kerry opted for personalised fortune cookie favours as a nod to Emily’s Asian heritage; the table plan was gin- themed, from Emmy Designs who also hand-drew out table name displays of gin bottles, which was also in the design of the centrepieces which were gin bottles from a local gin bar in Birmingham (40 St Pauls), arranged on a log slice surrounded by tealight candles boasting flowers. “We wanted the flowers to be more green and leafy than colourful,” says Kerry. “The little berries and lavender added a small touch of natural colour.” The cake was entirely mint-green in colour with a plain top tier and a geometric-patterned bottom tier, adorned with flowers on top to match the bouquets. Inside the cake had three layers: the bottom layer was lemon, elderflower and gin (to relate to the gin theme), the middle was chocolate and peanut butter and the top was spiced carrot cake. “Each layer was separated with Italian meringue buttercream – every morsel was delicious!” they add. Additional touches included personal photographs which gave friends and family a few laughs and they chose the venue’s ‘candle package’. “This was truly magical; they dot little tealights in the brick wall crevices in the main ceremony hall and we had fire torches either side of the pathway leading up to the venue. We didn’t need much else, the venue speaks for itself!” the couple add. LOOKING THE PART Emily’s dress was from a lovely, small local boutique Caroline Bailey Bridal in Sutton Coldfield. “The designer was Mark Lesley and the dress was no.7199 in ivory lace. It was everything that I thought I didn’t want – a sweetheart neckline and corset back but the minute I put it on it just felt right. I don’t really like fuss, so I had the diamanté belt removed and replaced with a simple ivory satin belt and had an ivory two-tiered lace- trimmed veil. My something borrowed was a pair of ruby and diamond drop earrings from my mum – which I matched with a Hollywood red lip and red gel nails. My shoes were a simple ivory satin court heel from Harriet Wilde – but we both changed into Converse for party time!” Kerry too looked stunning, also opting to visit a local bridal boutique Lula Ann Bridal in Sutton Coldfield. Kerry adds, “It was from the couture range, so it was the only one available which made it feel extra special 