#46 Happily Ever After
Our Brides – Kate
“I had such a clear idea in my mind of what I wanted but I couldn’t find it anywhere. I was beginning to think I’d need to have it made which I didn’t want to do. Luckily Jess at Alexandra Anne found me the perfect dress to base my idea on and then we customized it by adding sleeves and it was perfect!”
THE LOW-DOWN
How would you sum up the style of your wedding?
Traditional but with rustic hints.
And what was your wedding dress?
Jesus Peiro 7023.
THE LEAD UP
How did you two first meet?
We’ve been together since we were 17 formally (on Friday 13th November 2009) – although we met on when we were 13. His best friend was my paper boy and he introduced us. He was Jake’s best man at the wedding.
What about the proposal? When, and how?
It was on a Friday 13th. The Friday 13th thing was a running joke that we were doomed – but we’ve always said it’s been lucky for us! We were just at home. I made Jake a scrapbook for his 21st birthday and I thought it had been shoved in a cupboard all forgotten about, but really Jake had been carrying it on and the last page had the ring on it and said “will you marry me”. He’d arranged for his parents to go round to my parents’ house so we could celebrate together.
THE DRESS
Did you have an idea of what you wanted when you first started looking for your wedding dress? And did you stick to it?
I always knew I wanted plain and big. I tried on all kinds of different styles but ultimately ended up with what I always thought I’d go for.
How did you find the whole experience of searching for the right dress?
I found it difficult when I had such a clear idea in my mind of what I wanted but I couldn’t find it anywhere. I was beginning to think I’d need to have it made which I didn’t want to do. Luckily Jess at Alexandra Anne found me the perfect dress to base my idea on and then we customized it by adding sleeves and it was perfect!
What was it about your dress that made it ‘the one’?
We altered it slightly. I wanted my arms covered. I never would have chosen it off the rail at all but as soon as I said “the skirt on this is perfect” we managed to make it exactly what I wanted by adding the sleeves. It completely changed the whole dress.
How did you feel once you’d made the big decision?
Relieved!
Do you have any top tips for other brides out there shopping for their bridal gown?
Just try on everything. Even if you have a good idea of what you want. I’m glad I tried on lots of different styles even though I ended up with what I thought I’d go for; it just confirmed I’d made the right decision.
THE BIG DAY
Tell us more about your outfit on the day. How did you complete your look?
I had the most incredible veil, made even more special by the fact my grandma bought it for me as a wedding present.
I didn’t want white shoes so I got navy ones as my bridesmaids were in navy. I changed into personalized converse in the evening with the date stitched on the back.
And your bridesmaids?
My bridesmaids wore navy, floor length dresses. They had green, white and navy tartan throws to keep them warm which complemented the ushers in navy tweed and the green and white flowers.
What do you remember about the morning?
It was surprisingly chilled!
Who did your hair and makeup?
Kirsty at Makeupmobiletoyou did my make up – she’s incredible.
Cailtin at Prinnylocks did my hair – she’s also incredible!
Who took your wedding photos?
Rosie Hardy. I cannot recommend her enough.
Did you follow any traditions? Or was there anything unusual about the ceremony?
We followed most traditions. The only thing we didn’t do was a cake – we had cheese wheels. We didn’t cut them in a traditional way as everyone was having a great time on the dancefloor. It got turned into a cheese board at night which went down a treat.
How did your dress feel when you were walking down the aisle?
Big! I loved it.
THE MEMORIES
What are your favourite memories of your wedding day?
Just how happy it was. I hardly left the dancefloor; it was so much fun. My best friends surprised me by singing a song from the Wedding Singer, a musical we had done together the previous year. It was a lovely surprise!
What gave you the biggest laugh?
The best man speeches were absolutely hilarious.
What got the tears flowing?
My grandma!!!
ADVICE FOR BRIDES-TO-BE
If there was one piece of advice you could give to a new bride-to-be, what would it be?
Don’t stress over the small stuff. It just doesn’t matter.
And last but not least, where is your wedding dress now?
In the loft… a lovely shade of brown with a huge footprint on it. I tried to get it dry cleaned but they told me it was past the point of no return….
THE RECAP
Dress
Jesus Peiro 7023.
Accessories
Earrings that matched my engagement ring from a jewellers
Venue
St Peter’s Church in Prestbury followed by Hyde Bank Farm in Romiley
Photography
Make up
Decor
Classy Blooms
Flowers
High Peak Flowers – INCREDIBLE
Table plan theme
Corks.. everywhere..
Caterer
Hyde Bank Farm in hour caterers
Entertainment
The Four Vallis – they were fab!
First Dance Song
Evergreen – Will Young
Loving Kate’s look?