Real Wedding - Holly and Nigel
WHERE: Marble Hall, City Hall, Cardiff, Wales
WHEN: 14th February 2009
PHOTOGRAPHER: Kate Barnard
The proposal
Nigel booked a night away at Langshott Manor, an Elizabethan manor in Surrey. "Nigel proposed on the Welsh Valentine's Day (St Dwynwen's Day, 25th January) and even though we had talked about marriage, it was still a shock!" remembers Holly.
The bride's outfit
Holly's striking gown was designed by Jenny Packham and purchased from Amante Bride - it had a silk, embellished bodice and tulle skirt, which graduated to a train at the back. "I also wore an antique watch I had for my 18th birthday, earrings from a vintage shop in New York and my veil was my 'something borrowed' from a friend," adds Holly.
"I knew I wanted a fabulous dress that had a place on the red carpet as well as at a wedding"
The groom's outfit
Nigel was dressed to impress in his hired dinner suit with tails from Slaters in Cardiff , which included a classic white Marcella shirt and waistcoat. "Think Strictly Come Dancing!" says Holly. Guests were asked to wear black tie so Nigel and the attendants chose to wear white bow ties to make themselves stand out!
The bridesmaids
Holly's two school friends, Trisha and Helen, were her beautiful bridesmaids. "They insisted that if I didn't ask them, they would buy matching dresses and follow me down the aisle anyway!" says Holly. Choosing chiffon gowns from Debenhams with an asymmetrical neckline in bold colours, gave the bridesmaids a unique, modern-day look she wanted.
The flowers
"We wanted more of a ball than a wedding. Our guests were in black tie to add to the glamorous feel" Holly carried an elegant, hand-tied bunch of grand Prix red roses from Nicholas Ward in Cardiff . "they had a rich, velvety texture, and the roses matched the red soles of my shoes," she says. the bridesmaids carried hand-tied bunches of white Avalanche roses as a stunning contrast.
"We wanted more of a ball than a wedding. Our guests were in black tie to add to the glamorous feel".
The reception
the tables were decorated with silver candelabras on round mirrors, plus scattered rose petals and tealights. Holly picked Millie and Me for the stationery and chose a silver, white and black Damask pattern with swarovski crystals attached. unique Cabaret Band (uniqueband.co.uk) created a lovely atmosphere with live piano music while guests enjoyed their three-course dinner.
The cake
Guests were treated to a delicious Marks and Spencer's wedding cake, with white icing and chocolate filling, all decorated with fresh red roses. "I still have some left in my freezer!" says Holly.
The Details
Holly opted for chair covers with a silver organza ribbon from Mullins Chair Covers for the reception.
The Wedding Night
"We spent a night at Holm House in Penarth," says Holly. "We had a bathtub for two in the bedroom!" The couple then flew to Thailand for a two-week honeymoon.
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