Lovebirds Nicola and Paul wanted an informal celebration and based their special day around a ‘fun party’, decorating their venue with multi-coloured bunting and polka dot tablecloths!
The proposal
Nicola and Paul immediately clicked when they met online. “I wasn’t sure about his photos but as soon as I saw him I wanted to punch the air – he was so gorgeous and definitely my type; big blue eyes, tall and funkily dressed,” smiles Nicola. The pair hit it off and within three months had moved in together. During a surprise trip to Paris for Nicola’s birthday, Paul decided to pop the question!
The bride’s outfit
Nicola found her dress in David’s Bridal in Stratford. The Melissa Sweet ivory gown featured a lace bodice with a high tulle neckline. “I originally wanted a 50s-style dress but decided to go for a more sophisticated look – I wanted to knock Paul’s sock’s off!” says Nicola. She accessorised with pearl earrings and hair pins as well as her dream Jimmy Choo shoes, which she luckily bought with a 50% discount!
The groom’s outfit
Paul chose a sky blue suit from Topman with a white shirt, pink tie and tan shoes. “He looked absolutely gorgeous and the blue really brought out the colour in his eyes,” says Nicola.
The bridesmaids
Nicola decided on five bridesmaids and two flowergirls for her big day. “I wanted the wedding to be as colourful as possible so I searched everywhere for a dress that came in a variety of colours in a 50s style,” recalls Nicola. She ended up choosing Alfred Sung dresses in pink, blue, orange and green with similar lilac dresses bought online for the flowergirls.
The ceremony
This couple chose to marry at the Marriott Highcliff in Bournemouth – despite both being from the North of England. “We really wanted to be by the sea,” says Nicola. “It was supposed to be outside with a view of the sea, but it had been raining with gale force winds all morning so had to be moved inside.” Luckily, Nicola had planned ahead for bad weather and was able to decorate the indoor venue with bunting and fairy lights. The ceremony included two meaningful readings – A Lovely Love Story by Edward Monkton and a quote by Audrey Hepburn – read by Nicola’s brother and good friend Roisin.
The reception
Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a surprise land train ride to the Cottonwood Boutique Hotel – this couple’s perfect reception venue. “As soon as we saw it we were sold,” smiles Nicola. The couple chose to have a barbecue in keeping with their informal and fun party, and decorated with colourful bunting, polka dot tablecloths and had plant pots filled with plastic cutlery. Nicola’s best friend and bridesmaid Lil also made a wishing tree with 100 handmade tags. This couple decided to break tradition by choosing not to have a wedding cake. “Neither of us have a sweet tooth and we don’t particularly like wedding cake so we decided to save the money and spend it on something else,” says Nicola.
The honeymoon
The loved up couple spent a romantic minimoon in Paris reminiscing about their big day, and are planning a longer trip to Thailand over Christmas.
Real wedding gallery
