Everything truly was rosy on Claire and James’s pink and lace themed Spring wedding in the sunny countryside…
How they met
Claire and James first met on a university skiing trip. “James and I had never met before, but our best friends had just started dating and we hit it off instantly,” says Claire. “I was attracted to him from the moment we met, despite his very sunburnt face, and knew straight away that he was ‘the one’.”
The proposal
Claire had an inkling that James’ proposal was coming when they visited Cambridge to celebrate their fifth anniversary. “We had talked about getting married, so I had a feeling that James might propose on a special occasion,” she explains. “We were punting down the River Cam when he got down on one knee. Fortunately, he didn’t capsize the punt!”
The bride’s outfit
Torn between two dresses, Claire was delighted when she discovered a gown featuring her favourite bits of both styles. “It was just perfect, and I loved it as soon as I saw it,” she says. The strapless style in tulle and lace featured a sweetheart neckline and diamanté detail, with buttons down the back. Claire accessorised with a lace bolero, Swarovski crystal tiara and shoes from Jill Stuart, and splashed out on Rigby & Peller underwear. She wore her hair pinned up, with the top section backcombed.
The groom’s outfit
Claire and James teamed up to choose a traditional wool morning suit with pinstripe trousers, with a silver striped double-breasted waistcoat and a cream cravat. “He looked so handsome, and I was so proud that I was going to become his wife,” smiles Claire.
The bridesmaids
Claire’s four bridesmaids wore elegant one-shoulder chiffon dresses in dusky pink, from Dessy. “I bought them pearl and rose quartz bracelets from Azendi, with matching pearl earrings and hair pins,” Claire adds. “They all looked beautiful.”
The ceremony
Claire and James were married in a church ceremony. “I felt totally calmed when I saw James at the end of the aisle,” says Claire. “We had a reading from 1 Corinthians, and my mum read out a poem she had written about James and me. It touched everyone’s hearts, and the words meant so much to me.”
The flowers
The pretty pink and cream bouquets were created by Jo Price. “They were stunning, and everything we had ever dreamed of,” Claire says.
The reception
The couple celebrated at Hassop Hall, an elegant hotel set in picturesque gardens. Driving to the venue in a vintage car, with the roof down, champagne in hand and my husband next to me, I couldn’t stop smiling,” Claire remembers. Saxophonist and pianist James Reevell played during the reception drinks, and later, the band Happy Hour kept everyone dancing all evening. “We learned a simple dance routine to Can’t Take my Eyes off You by Andy Williams for our first dance,” says Claire. The wedding breakfast included traditional roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, followed by a trio of desserts.
The details
Claire and James chose a pink and vintage lace theme for their big day. “We decorated each table with lace runners, pale pink rose petals and scatter crystals,” Claire explains. “We also bought a personalised post box, gift box and thank you plaque online.” Creative bride Claire designed and made all the wedding stationery herself, though it was harder work than she thought it would be! “I loved doing it, but underestimated how much work would be involved,” she laughs. “Thankfully, my mum, James’ mum and a few friends helped out with the finishing touches.”
The cake
Made by Candy Cakes, the magnificent, mouth-watering pink and white creation featured no less than three flavours: fruit, lemon and chocolate with Baileys cream.
The honeymoon
The adventurous newlywed couple decided to honeymoon in cool Costa Rica, where they went on jungle safari trips, quad biked and went zip-lining, followed by a few days of much-needed relaxation on the beach where they reflected on their big day.
Real wedding gallery
