A stunning real wedding with a cream and brown theme in Shenstone, Staffordshire. Kay and Martin got married in June 2008
The proposal
Martin planned to propose during a hot air balloon ride but it was cancelled due to bad weather, so he proposed over dinner instead.
The bride’s real wedding outfit
Kay’s cream Mon Cheri gown with lace and Swarovski crystals was from Amoré Brides, and was the first one she tried on! “I wanted a dress with thin straps because this pulls you up and gives you a feminine bust and waistline,” explains Kay.
“Take some paracetamol before kick-off – all that hairspray on the day can wear a girl down!”
The accessories
Kay wore Gina shoes, a necklace borrowed from Martin’s sister and a diamond bracelet from Martin as a gift as she was getting ready.
The grooms outfit
Martin wore a chocolate brown suit and cream shirt for the real wedding, made by the local tailor. In contrast, the best man and ushers wore cream suits to complement Kay.
The bridesmaids
Kay’s two closest friends looked amazing in hot pink! Kay also bought them both crystal necklaces as a gift to wear on the day.
“I Wanted every aspect of the wedding day to have our personal touch and I think we achieved that…”
Hair and make-up
Kay had hair extensions two weeks before her real wedding day and total pampering 48 hours in advance. She also had her teeth whitened and straightened and monthly facials for a year! ” I felt like a million dollars!” she says.
The transport
Kay arrived in a new Bentley Arnage, while Martin Borrowed his friends Bentley Continental.
The flowers
Kay stuck to the ‘less is more’ rule with a bouquet of orchids by Butter Cup and Daisies, plus roses and lilies at the reception.
The ceremony
Getting married outside of their parish, Kay and Martin needed to attend the church for six months prior to the wedding, during which they got to know the vicar very well and felt really comfortable at the service. Kay’s Auntie read a poem called ‘Love is…’ as a special and personal touch to the formalities.
The reception
The couple exclusively hired Swinfen Hall Hotel, hosting a delicious three- course meal with live piano and cello music. Kay also hired chairs for the weekend: “I didn’t want the look to be ruined, so I hired 80 chairs for £280 and it totally transformed the room.” Tables were decorated with crystals, mirrors with tall vases, candles and handmade place holders that doubled up as menus. In the evening, guests were entertained by a 1950s rat-pack- style solo artist, fireworks and a band into the early hours.
The Cake
Ben the Cake Man made an amazing cake for the real wedding with cream icing, orchids and pink ribbon.
“I was 17 minutes late I had forgotten my bouquet and it was raining outside!”
The favours
Kay and Martin wanted fun and sunshine so they visited Miami, Palm Beach and Naples.
