A DREAM Lost in

from Your East Midlands Wedding - April/May 2023 (Issue 55)

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Craig is a professional pool player and first me Sabine, who used to play for Derby County, over a game of pool. “He was just a friend at first, and I used to have absolutely zero interest in him”, says Sabine. She continues, “He made me laugh all the time and was just a bit of a bad boy, which I found attractive once I got to know him.”

Craig popped the question during a trip to Rome and completely shocked Sabine, who burst into tears and had no idea a proposal was coming. She says, “It was in the middle of the pandemic, and we were desperate to get away that year! We booked the accommodation through Airbnb, and I noticed you could book experiences too. So, I went ahead and booked a student photographer asI thought it would be perfect for getting a sightseeing tour at the same time.”

During their memorable trip, the photographer got the pair on a big rock in front of the Colosseum after exploring the beautiful city, where Craig got down on one knee. Sabine comments, “Everyone around us was clapping, and I was so shocked! Craig couldn’t have picked a better place to propose as the photographer, who was just as surprised as I was, took some amazing photos to capture the memorable moment.”

Here Sabine shares details about their special day…

Setting The Scene

When the couple returned home, they searched for a wedding venue and fell in love with the stunning Hazel Gap Barn. The bride says, “When you drive through the entrance, you can’t help but fall in love with the venue – we knew it was the one as soon as we stepped inside. The staff were excellent and so welcoming from day one. Plus, the rustic and gothic style was just what we were after.”

The couple exchanged vows on 26th June 2022 and added as many personal touches as possible. Sabine loved planning the big day and worked hard to create their dream day to celebrate with loved ones.

The venue already has so much character with candle chandeliers and grand fire places, so the couple didn’t need to add much to decorate the spaces. There were many areas to discover and plenty of photographic backdrops to take advantage of. The couple had an order of the day made to ensure the day ran smoothly, which matched their rustic theme and had fairylights to add to the romantic atmosphere.

The table plan was displayed on a wooden ladder, with cards hung by string to help guests find their seats for the wedding breakfast. The pair named each table after sites they visited in Rome, with the top table being the Colosseum. The talented florist created the centrepieces, which featured simple foliage around lanterns.

When finding the perfect favours, the bride went to Pinterest for inspiration. She says, “I put matches in a little glass bottle, which had a tag that said, ‘The Perfect Match’ and a stamp of our names plus wedding date on the other side. I then used burgundy and blush ribbon to tie around the top of the glass bottle to hold the tag in place.”

On the couple’s chairs were wooden plaques for an added touch of fun. The bride’s chair said, “I do”, while the groom’s said, “I do what she says”.

Food Glorious Food

Hazel Gap Barn has an excellent reputation for catering, so the couple completely trusted the team to create the perfect menu – they didn’t disappoint. Guests tucked into a barbecue and enjoyed chocolate brownies with vanilla cream for dessert. For the evening reception, loved ones enjoyed the treats from the doughnut wall, which said, “Donut leave me hangin”.

The semi-naked cake was a huge hit with loved ones! Red Robin Cakery worked with the nearlyweds to bring their vision to life while guiding them through the experience. Sabine comments, “The owner Sophie was amazing! As we planned the wedding in lockdown, she sent us a little box with cake samples to try – each flavour was delicious! We decided on lemon, Victoria sponge and cherry Bakewell flavouring.” The couple’s cake topper had a little sausage dog silhouette for their dog Barry who attended the day.

Guests gathered around the firepits to roast marshmallows towards the end of the night, which the kids loved.

Looking The Part

Every bride-to-be wants to look and feel absolutely stunning on their wedding day, and Sabine achieved just that! She went for something completely different to what she had imagined when dress shopping and opted for an Allure Bridals gown from Charlotte Elizabeth Bridal in Matlock. Sabine says, “The consultant held up this dress, and I fell in love with the stunning train, elegant style, low back and amazing details – it took my breath away! When I first looked in the mirror, I cried as much as possible without smudging my make-up. Sidonie Makeup Artist and Perfect Silhouette Hairdressing were amazing and nailed my look.” The bride accessorised with a beautiful boutique headpiece and some stunning jewellery from Etsy.

Craig had a gorgeous suit from Moss Bros to match his groomsmen, but his jacket had the pair’s names and wedding date stitched on the inside pocket. He stood out from the others with a blush buttonhole and a pocket watch from the bride.

The bridesmaids wore a mix of burgundy and blush dresses – the mixture of colours looked great in photos. The bridal and bridesmaid bouquets were gorgeous, carrying on the colour scheme.

Time To Celebrate

The pair hired a guitarist, Jamie Mitchell, a fantastic performer to entertain guests. He played before the wedding breakfast and after the ceremony while the couple were having their photos taken. The pair also had a fantastic magician, Jester Styles, who entertained adults and kids alike! The bride says, “Every guest said the magician was a brilliant touch and how it was such a good idea to have him perform during the drinks reception before the food.”

There were also garden games to keep the little ones entertained, which included croquet, a hoopla game and a tin can alley.

A DJ and a saxophonist started the party in the evening and performed while the couple had their first dance to Wicked Game by Chris Isaak. The performers were great and played garage hour music for an hour.

Memorable Moments

Sabine and Craig have many fond memories of their special day, starting with the ceremony. After arriving at the venue with her best friend and dad in a beautiful white Mustang, it was finally time to become husband and wife. “I was absolutely terrified walking down the aisle, and I was shaking all over once I got to Craig,” says the bride. She continues, “Craig looked terrified, too 40 and I knew how nervous he was! We wrote our own vows, so we dreaded that bit too!”

The couple’s sausage dog Barry walked down the aisle with the beautiful flowergirl, who carried dog biscuits in a basket that said, “Clear the aisle, here comes my aunty”. He had the rings around his collar, and his suit matched the groomsman.

The bride’s best friend Adam read a 20-verse poem for the couple, which was entirely personal. Sabine says, “It was hilarious and had everyone in stitches! From that point, our nerves just disappeared.” She continues, “Another hilarious moment was the best man’s speech. I was dreading this previously as he kept threatening some awful stories which I thought would come out in front of all my family! He didn’t disappoint, and the stories about Craig were brilliant!”

One highlight of the wedding experience for the bride was dress shopping, thanks to the owner Charlotte who made the process extra fun! By pure coincidence; her mother was the registrar for the wedding! Another supplier who went above and beyond was the videographer, and the videos created after the wedding captured the day perfectly.

Recently after the wedding, the couple discovered they were expecting and are welcoming their little one into the world this year!

SABINE AND CRAIG’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Venue and catering, https://crippsandco.com/hazel-gap | Photographer, www.csweddingphotographer.com | Bride’s dress and headpiece, www.charlotteelizabethbridal.com | Bride’s necklace, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/10WESTJewellery | Bride’s accessories, https://linktr.ee/whitesparklesuk | Bride’s bracelet, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Artstera | Hair, www.perfectsilhouettehairdressing.com | Make-up, www.instagram.com/sid.mc123 | Bridesmaids’ dresses, ASOS and Ever Pretty | Groom’s suit, Moss Bros. | Cake, www.redrobincakery.co.uk Flowers, https://flowersbykay.co.uk | DJ and saxophonist, www.londonsdj.uk | Guitarist, www.instagram.com/_jamiemitchell | Magician, https://jesterstyles.com | Videography, www.cgmediaweddings.co.uk | LOVE Letters, www.facebook.com/HarperheartsweddingsB Nails, www.instagram.com/kylies_beauty_derby_ www.memoryboxmedia.co.uk

Our aim is to capture, keep and re-live those days and moments which make life special.

Scan the QR code to see short highlights of a previous wedding we have filmed, edited & produced. Pictures capture moments but only video truly captures memories, mannerisms and priceless seconds which last a lifetime to come.

07929 175729 meganblatherwick@hotmail.com

Monika is a local macrame artist with a passionate for creating original decorations in bohemian and rustical styles.

I can design bespoke items just for your wedding day, from: beautiful centerpieces, backdrops and romantic lanterns, to: table runners, chair covers and napkin wraps, all just to make your venue look unique and stunning. For any requirements, please contact Monika by email: moni777str@o2.pl or by Instagram