Happy couple, Sarah and Dan, met while on their travels and they knew straight away they would be together forever…
The proposal
Sarah and Dan first met at Fraser Island in Australia and when Sarah was offered a job in New Zealand Dan joined her: “I thought he would head back to the UK but instead we moved our entire lives out there together!” says Sarah. “I felt like I’d known him my whole life and couldn’t believe that I’d travelled all the way around the world to find a boy from Essex!” Dan had planned to propose on a hot air balloon ride but it was cancelled the night before so they opted for a bike ride instead. “I had a sneaking suspicion he was going to propose,” Sarah smiles. “He faked a shoulder injury and got down on one knee!”
The bride’s outfit
Sarah found her dream princess dress by Cymbeline in Kathryn S Trueman Bridal Boutique. Both her grandmothers shared the cost of the stunning gown as both passed away before the big day – making it even more special to Sarah. The beautiful bride accessorised with a hair comb from Debenhams, and her jewellery was a simple pearl and diamond set from a small jewellery shop in Kendal.
The groom’s outfit
Dan opted for a navy blue morning suit from Slaters. “When I reached him at the end of the aisle, my heart just melted!” Sarah smiles. “I looked at him and just couldn’t wait to call him my husband!”
The bridesmaids
Sarah was attended by some of her closest friends who all wore pink bandeau dresses from high street favourite, Debenhams.
The ceremony
The couple chose three readings for their civil ceremony at Sandhole Oak Barn – Pam Ayres’ Yes, I’ll Marry You, The Future by Emma Salmon and My Heart and I by Richard Tauber. The latter is especially special to Sarah because it was sung by her grandad at her nan’s funeral. One of the bride’s favourite moments was when her and Dan took a moment together after the photos. “We looked out to the decking outside the reception room, overlooking the beautiful lake.” she remembers. “It was so sunny and all of our friends and family were sitting out on the decking laughing – it was exactly what we’d dreamed of!”
The reception
Sarah made most of the reception décor herself, including 15 metres of bunting, 100 decorating jars and little bags of lavender. The venue had absolutely beautiful old beams, where the bride hung fairy lights and the bunting, and when the candles were lit in the evening, the venue took on a romantic, rosy glow. The overall theme was relaxed, romantic and rustic and it all came together perfectly on the day. Every detail was perfectly planned by the creative couple, down to the birch tree tablecentres from tree surgeon friend, Ben’s garden. Sarah and Dan danced together for the first time to Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran for one verse only – the music burst into PJ and Duncan’s Ready to Rumble, to which the couple performed a dance that they had secretly choreographed!
The details
The dance floor was full all night thanks to Junction 34 and an ice cream trike helped to keep their guests refreshed. Beautiful floral arrangements were created by The Flower Lounge from Didsbury and the amazing cake was a four-tier wonder from Handmade Queen of Cakes. Finally, guests received favours of grandad’s famous marmalade and fabric hearts made by the bride’s mum.
The honeymoon
“We opted for a minimoon in Barcelona, and when we got there we slept for 11 hours straight!” says Sarah. The couple are planning a fun-filled honeymoon to America at a later date.
Real wedding gallery
