How did you meet/get engaged?
Dan and I went to the same primary school (next door to the church where we got married) so we’ve known each other since 1998. We then went to different high schools and then the same sixth form. We were always part of the same friendship group. We got to together in 2016 after a group trip to Dublin. We were long distance for 18 months as I lived down south after university. I moved back to Cheshire in 2018 and we bought our first house in 2019.
We got engaged on 30.5.21. We were having a family party at Dan’s grandparents (where we had all the photos on the wedding day). We were having the party because we had all missed out on Christmas together because of the pandemic. So it was our ‘fake Christmas’. The dogs all had their Christmas bow ties ready. Little did I know that Dan had plotted with his sister and grandparents to propose in the morning, so we could surprise all our family that afternoon at the party. The morning of the engagement Dan and I went to help set up for the party. His grandparents told us they needed a white bench moving to the back of the garden. I didn’t really understand why, as we were moving the bench away from the party area. We sat on the our white bench and after a gorgeous little speech, he got down on one knee! We then had a drink with his sister and grandparents to celebrate and later that day, turned up to our family party to surprise all our family. Some of our friends arrived later on to the party, as it had been Dan’s birthday earlier that week and we got to surprise them too. We spent the week meeting friends and surprising them with our news!
How did you decide on your venue?
We chose Alderley Edge St Philips and St James’ church as it was next door to the primary school we both went to. We would go to the church as kids for all the celebrations with school.
What were your favourite moments from the day?
– straight after the church – spending time with family and the bridesmaids and groomsmen for photographs (and drinks and nibbles) – drinks at the cricket club beforehand for the boys – bridal prep – having some down time just the two of us – the speeches – seeing all our family and friends enjoying the celebrations – being together with all our family and friends – the dance floor!!! – the Photo Booth and bar – everyone was just having a blast!
What did you first dance to?
I like me better – Lauv (the main first dance song) AND It’s not living if it’s not with you – the 1975 (we actually had a second first dance later on!)
What are your best wedding planning tips?
Delegate – our family and friends were the biggest and best help especially as we were organising it all ourselves on our own land – don’t sweat the small stuff. What matters most is that you get to marry your best friend, and that all your family and friends are with you to celebrate. For example.. don’t sweat about napkin arrangements. If things don’t go to plan, only you will notice. – agree what matters most and stick to it.
For us, it was having all of our family and friends with us to celebrate, and having a big party to celebrate. We wanted everyone there. – enjoy the build up, it’s an exciting time! On the day – stay with your new husband or wife as much as you can. Remember it’s your day so spend it together – take some time to just be with you and your new husband / wife. And with your family and groomsmen and bridesmaids. We were so lucky as we had 45 mins just with immediate family and bridal/groomsmen party for photos where we had drinks and nibbles. We also had time just us and later on in the evening too for some photos. – use the breaks between courses to visit the tables, then you know you’ve welcomed and spoken to all your guests and thanked them for coming. – smile !! Always! – look into your partners eyes when you’re saying those vows.. it’s the most surreal feeling so take it in. – when walking down the aisle, walk slowly and smile. Look and make eye contact with your partner. – look around and take it all in. Take time to pause.
Your suppliers?
Woodend Flowers
Garden Tipi provides the sail cloth marquee
Great Day Weddings Light Tech (lights and tech)
Didsbury String Quartet
Barrett’s catering
Bar Stewards
Dress from Maria Modes (Caroline Castigalino dress)
Posh Peter provided the suits for the boys
Amy for make up
Jen for hair
Adele for table decorations
Print it North West for printing
How did you choose me as your photographer?
You were the photographer for our close friends Charlie and Lyndsay, and we were blown away by the photos. You were one of the first things we booked (before we’d even confirmed the church) – we had to have you!!!! You were truly amazing. Thank you so so much for everything and for coaching us through the day. Xxxx
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