Michelle and Richard had their real wedding at St Lawrence Church, Chobham, Egham, Surrey in December 2007.
WHERE: St Lawrence Church, Chobham, Egham, Surrey
WHEN: 22nd December 2007
PHOTOGRAPHER: David Jenkins
The proposal
Richard proposed to Michelle in a restaurant in Sydney, where they were living – he compiled a unique menu full of Michelle’s favourite food and had their names and the date written on the top.
The bride’s real wedding outfit
Michelle’s strapless silk gown was by Cynthia Briggs. The bodice was embroidered with intricate diamanté and crystal details and flowed out into the skirt with organza overlay.
The accessories
To complete Michelle’s look, she wore a white veil, and a white fur cape from Debenhams, to keep her warm in the chilly December air. She also borrowed Jimmy Choo shoes, crystal earrings and a bracelet from friends.
“Christmas is our favourite time of year so we chose to have our wedding three days before Christmas”.
The groom’s real wedding outfit
Richard hired his black suit from John Goodridge complete with Champagne – coloured waiscoat and cravat.
The bridesmaids
The three bridesmaids were Michelle’s sister and two nieces, who looked stunning in Champagne/silver satin dresses, designed and made by Michelle’s mum. They also wore white boleros.
The attendants
Michelle’s older sister was chief usherette – she wore a full-length black dress with silver embroidered flowers from Debenhams, plus a black bolero. Michelle’s nephew made a cute pageboy and wore the same style suit as Richard at the real wedding.
The flowers
Michelle’s mum created the gorgeous wintry bouquets with fresh white and dark purple Calla lilies, mixed with frosted twigs, berries and mistletoe.
The ceremony
Michelle and Richard got married three days before Christmas, so the church aisle was lined with holly wreaths and tall candles, plus there was a Christmas tree at the back of the church. “The choir sang Christmas carols during the signing of the register and Silent night was chosen as a hymn,” says Michelle.
“We wouldn’t change a thing… well, maybe we’d try to somehow make it last for a week!”
The reception
Great Fosters Hotel was the perfect venue for this couple’s Christmas real wedding, with open log fires and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Chairs had black covers with silver bows and each table had a wrought iron candlestick. Guests had favours from Sobo Chocolate, with one Champagne and white chocolate truffle and one Baileys and milk chocolate truffle.
The Cake
The amazing four-tier cake was made by Richard’s mum. It was designed to look like Christmas presents with the top tier as an open present with the bride and groom cake topper coming out!
The entertainment
A great band called Insession kept guests dancing.
Honeymoon
Michelle and Richard flew to Fiji for ten relaxing days.
