The proposal
Steve booked a Christmas shopping trip to Edinburgh during December 2010.
“It was touch and go as to whether we could travel due to the wintry conditions,” remembers Alice. “On arrival, it began to thaw, and we enjoyed a lovely two days in the city while staying in amazing luxury accommodation (Fraser Suites Apartments).
On the day before we returned home, we traipsed around the shops as Steve insisted on buying me a new pair of shoes; I had only taken a pair of scruffy military boots and he was concerned I would feel conscious if we went for a nice meal. We went to see the beautiful castle and wandered around the winter market, enjoying a hot toddy. Later in the evening, after a delicious dinner, he popped the question at the very front of the castle, overlooking the city,” she adds.
The bride’s outfit
“I had already been to a few shops with my sister and parents, but nothing I’d seen so far had felt right,” explains Alice. “One afternoon, while in Wadebridge, I decided to take a look in Vu’s Bridal on the off-chance, and came across my dress. It wasn’t a ‘lightning bolt moment’ like some brides have – but it just felt right.”
The gown was a heavenly Justin Alexander design, made from silk chiffon, with a sweetheart neckline, a large bow on the back, and a chapel-length train. Although it was originally strapless, our bride asked to have sparkly lace detail capped sleeves added. We think it’s beautiful!
The bride’s accessories
“My shoes were Irregular Choice – paisley print cream and gold with lace flowers. Steve gave me three new charms to add to my charm bracelet; a four-leaf clover, a church and three rings (wedding, engagement and eternity). My ‘something borrowed’ was another four-leaf clover charm from my friend Millie. Finally, my mum and dad bought me beautiful drop earrings,” smiles Alice.
The groom’s outfit
Alice wasn’t allowed to see Stephen’s outfit before the big day, but he did her proud, looking gorgeous in his suit from Martin and Budge Menswear in Bodmin Town.
The bridesmaids
Alice was accompanied down the aisle by sister Sam, who was her maid of honour, and her oh-so-sweet little flowergirl, goddaughter Tiryn. Sam wore a Champagne coloured column dress from twobirds Bridesmaid.
The ceremony
The couple opted for a religious service at their church. “Our friend Helen wrote us a poem, which was a beautiful personal touch. And, with it being the extended weekend of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, we had a couple of patriotic hymns; Jerusalem and We Pledge to One Another (to the tune of Thaxted by Gulstav Holst),” explains Alice.
The flowers
“My now mother-in-law organised all things floral with her friend Pam because they are both trained florists. I wanted a bouquet that looked as though it had been picked up from a hedgerow, in colours of dusky pink, sage green and cream. We had peonies, sweet peas and white million star, to name just a few,” remembers Alice.
The reception
The couple chose The Cornwall Hotel and Spa in Tregorrick, St Austell for their reception.
“Our food was the best,” says Alice. “We had a selection of canapés on arrival including duck and hoisin, pepper tartlets, rare beef and quail egg. Guests were also served sparkling wine. To tie in with the Rule Britannia theme, afternoon tea was served to guests for the wedding breakfast; warm scones with clotted cream and jam, a selection of finger sandwiches and biscuits. This was followed by a relaxed hog roast in the evening,” she adds.
The speeches
“All the speeches were great and my only regret is that we didn’t have them filmed to keep forever,” says Alice. “My dad is a great public speaker so he was able to put everyone at ease. He told a few embarrassing stories about me as a child – including when I made him wait a considerable distance from my friend’s house when he came with me to call for her one day so he wouldn’t embarrass me. I was nine!
“Justin, the best man was very witty and had everyone laughing, as he should. Steve was very nervous but did a great job and actually admitted later that he had enjoyed the experience. I remember feeling really proud of them all,” smiles Alice.
The decorations
Alice’s friend handmade metres of bunting, and various sized hearts and paper lanterns were suspended from the marquee ceiling.
The cake
“Our friend made over 100 vanilla cupcakes that were all intricately decorated. They were absolutely beautiful and featured pearls, buttons, flowers, cameos and soft whipped icing,” says Alice.
The honeymoon
“We went to Menorca for a much-needed break in the sun. It was really special and meant an awful lot to us because our loved ones had donated money so we could go away. We then went to watch the Formula 1 Silverstone Grand Prix – we said that it was a cross between Steve’s 30th birthday present and our second honeymoon,” recalls Alice.
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