A beautifully British real wedding from Amy and Christopher

This oh-so-sweet couple had a classically British big day, full of love, laughter and all their family and friends…

The proposal

“Chris had decided early in 2010 that it was definitely the year he was going to propose – only I had no idea, and spent the entire time telling anyone who would listen that marriage was unnecessary! By October, Chris had bought the engagement ring and was planning a meal in our favourite restaurant to pop the question. However, I then announced a surprise trip and overnight stay to that very place for his birthday. I was very shocked when he reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring box between the starter and main course – especially because I thought I’d arranged the evening of celebration for him! It was the best feeling in the world – complete happiness and surprise!” smiles Amy.

The bride’s outfit

“My dream gown was by Ellis Bridals and it was very reasonably priced at just £775,” remembers Amy. “I felt so different when I put the dress on – up until that point, it felt like I had been playing dress up! I went to a few other bridal shops after that one, but I quickly realised I was just trying to find another one like it.”

The bridesmaids

“I wanted something very classic for my two bridesmaids, but couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was. I fell in love with a cream shift dress from coast-stores.com and knew it was ‘the one’,” says Amy.

The groom’s outfit

Christopher wore a light grey three-piece suit from high street favourites Topman and tied his groomsmen’s look together with classic striped ties.

The ceremony

“My brother did the only reading, which was The Song of the Open Road, by Walt Whitman. On the day, he recited it from memory – he very nearly stole the show!” laughs Amy.

The stationery

“Chris designed and created all the wedding stationery himself,” remembers Amy. “He wanted a theme of pairs to run throughout and he loves bold typography so combined the two. His biggest success was the guest cards, which were postcards that people could write notes on and then peg to a washing line that ran all the way up the stairs,” she adds.

The flowers

“We liked the idea of the room being filled with fresh flowers in a mixture of jugs and jars,” recalls Amy. This is a great decoration idea if you’re trying to save money on your wedding flowers.

The honeymoon

“After the big day we went to the Yorkshire Dales,” explains Amy. “But our real honeymoon is to Croatia later on in the year.”

Read hundreds more stories from real brides, just like you, in our fabulous Real Weddings section.