Amy and Dave opted for a country garden wedding theme, and chose to have the reception in the garden of her family home!
Amy made Dave sweat a bit for her hand in marriage. He had it all planned while on a ski trip with friends but his luggage was searched – luckily, Amy didn’t spot the ring box – and when on the slopes he simply couldn’t find the right moment alone with Amy to do the deed! He even tried to enlist the help of one of their friends, but to no avail, she just cried with happiness! Eventually, he managed to find the moment, and champagne and a lavish lunch on the slopes followed.
Amy immediately knew that she wanted to have her wedding reception in the garden of her family home with all of its amazing, happy memories. The Capri marquee they chose worked perfectly with their ‘English country garden’ theme, so it all came together like a dream.
The speeches were a highlight of the day – as well as the traditional groom and best man speeches, which were both brilliant, Amy’s mum and sisters entertained guests with stories of Amy growing up. Both bride and groom are teachers, and there were nods to their profession throughout the reception, including table names like ‘Class Clown’ and ‘Mean Girls’. The table plan was made with actual register papers from their old teaching planners and three of Amy’s former students performed in the garden during the welcome drinks.
Amy and Dave have a joke question that they ask when they have a rare argument, “Are we best friends?!” so Queen’s song You’re My Best Friend made the perfect dance to start the evening celebrations!
Amy found her Maggie Sottero wedding dress at Amaryllis boutique in Alton. The waistband features Swarovski crystal detail and when Amy put it on, she felt like a real princess. In fact, she expresses sadness that she won’t be able to wear it again and again! A simple hair slide from Vintage Sweetheart added sparkle to the bride’s hair, and she wore gorgeous shoes by Rachel Simpson. These were bought for her by her closest group of friends and four sisters – these are the girls who played a huge role in the wedding, as well as in her life!
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Handsome groom Dave hired his suit from Impeccable Menswear in Weybridge. At first adamant that he didn’t want tails, he changed his mind as soon as he tried them on. Just as a bride knows she will only wear her dress once, so a man only gets to wear such a suit once in a blue moon. A favourite memory from the day was the vicar’s sermon, he replaced the word ‘love’ in Love Is Patient with the couple’s names.
In keeping with the ‘English country garden’ theme, Amy chose six different colours for her bridesmaids. The catering was done by Denny’s Catering, who Amy had worked for as a waitress when she was a teenager. Posh bangers and mash were enjoyed by every guest, with each plate going back empty. Dessert was either chocolate brownie or a strawberry stack – again, absolutely delicious.
The couple’s bunting was made by Amy’s mum’s friends and Hummingbird Floral Designs, who created the stunning flowers belongs to the wife of a school friend. Flowers on the tables and decking were provided by Amy’s mum, Dave’s mum and family friends, it was important for the couple to have everything as personal as possible. Sadly, Amy’s father passed away three years ago, so in his memory guests were given pin badges in return for the couple’s donation to Cancer Research. A brilliant DJ made sure that the dance floor was full to rock the night away!
Suppliers
Dress: Maggie Sottero from Amaryllis
Accessories: Sweetheart Vintage. Shoes by Rachel Simpson.
Groom: Impeccable Wear
Bridesmaids: Alfred Angelo
Flowers: Hummingbird Floral Designs
Cake: By Amy’s family friend, Isobel Treloar
Ceremony: St Mary’s Church, Hampshire
Reception: The Barn, Park Farm, Hampshire
Marquee: OutsIn Ltd
Honeymoon: Tanzania, Pemba and Zanzibar
Photographer: Julie Michaelson and Ross Haley
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