REAL WEDDINGS

from Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - Issue 98 May/June 2023

Riverside romance

Scott first met Kirsty after moving into the house opposite her.

The pair exchanged numbers after introducing themselves, and their love story began just like that. “It’s hard to pinpoint what attracted us to one another as we had a connection from the moment we met,” says Kirsty.

Scott popped the question back in 2018. He planned a personal proposal as Kirsty didn’t like being the centre of attention and wasn’t good with crowds. So he filled their bedroom with flowers and presented Kirsty with a beautiful ring before asking her to become his wife.”

Setting The Scene

The pair exchanged vows on September 14th 2022, and they created the perfect day surrounded by loved ones. “To finally marry my best friend after waiting so many years through Covid and to call him my husband was amazing,” says Kirsty.

When finding the perfect setting for their big day, the pair fell in love with everything at Parley Manor. The property’s relaxing atmosphere and stunning surroundings stole their hearts, not to mention the fantastic staff who helped them plan their perfect wedding.

The ceremony took place in the pavilion located in the gardens, an intimate space with romantic white drapes, blooming beautiful florals and rose petals. As Kirsty made her grand entrance, emotions were flying around the room.

After the vows, the photographer captured stunning confetti shots! The couple spent months drying rose petals to make up bags of confetti and bought around five rose bushes to make this possible.

The reception occurred in a luxurious marquee, a blank canvas space that allowed the couple to highlight their colour scheme through the blush chair covers and flowers. They wanted the florals to match throughout the day and opted for artificial flowers to decorate their home afterwards. A hanging bamboo log decorated with flowers hung behind the top table for a photographic backdrop.

The pair had acrylic signs around the venue, including the table plan to help guests find their seats. Each centrepiece consisted of a silver hoop decorated with flowers resting on a wooden log and a hanging table number. The lovebirds gave each guest a little jar filled with seeds for favours, and lovebirds could plant them as a memory of the day. Little blush pink acrylic hearts on top of the champagne flutes made up the place names.

The pair opted for a barbecue for the catering, which consisted of different meats and sides. In the evening, they decided to have cold meats and cheeses for guests to graze on throughout the night. Loved ones also enjoyed the three-tiered cake with Victoria sponge, raspberry and banoffee flavours. Louise Katherine Cake Shop decorated the bake with buttercream and artificial flowers, which matched the rest of the wedding.

Looking The Part

The bride wore a dress called Haven by the designer Madi Lane Bridal. Kirsty added detachable off-the-shoulder sleeves to bring her dream gown to life. She says, “I always dreamt of a flowy princess-style, and the details were breathtaking –especially the train!” She accessorised her look with a silver gem necklace, matching dangly earrings and a bracelet from her great-grandmother as her something old. Kirsty adds, “I felt so beautiful; it was amazing to see everything come together with the dress, make-up, hair and jewellery.”

The groom wore a pale grey suit with a silver tie and pink buttonhole. The pair’s son wore a matching outfit as he wanted to look like his dad, while the groomsmen wore darker grey suits with blush ties and white buttonhole flowers to allow Scott to stand out.

The bridesmaids all looked beautiful in pale grey dresses; they each picked a style they were most comfortable in. For the evening, the pair got blush pashminas in case they got chilly, which they all used.

Memorable Moments

There were giant garden games outside during the evening reception to entertain the little ones, even though the adults seemed to enjoy them just as much as the children. The pair also hired a DJ with games and popular songs to start the party.

The bride and Scott agreed to have a first look with each other before the ceremony. However, Kirsty secretly arranged for the best man to surprise Scott by showing up wearing a wedding dress pretending to be the bride – Scott found it hilarious! The couple were both anxious before the ceremony, but all the nervousness melted away once they stood side-by-side at the altar. The bride comments, “The most memorable moment for me was when I was standing ready to go down the aisle when Scott turned around and bursting into tears. Instantly I started crying too – it was the most beautiful moment!”

One thing that made their day special was when the bride’s grandad gave her away. He has two daughters, but one eloped and he doesn’t remember giving Kirsty’s mum away as he suffered a stroke minutes after. It was amazing to give him another chance, and the bride wouldn’t have changed her decision for the world! He was absolutely beaming with pride and practised for months leading up to the big day so he wouldn’t have to use his walking stick.

The lovebird’s photographer and videographer made their day extra special by helping them relax in front of the camera. It was almost like they were guests on the day.

KIRSTY AND SCOTT’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK Venue, www.parleymanorweddings.co.uk | Photographer, www.hsphotography.co.uk | Bride’s dress, www.chameleonbride.co.uk | Hair, www.victorianightingalehair.co.uk | Make-up, www.charleehulbert | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Wed 2B| Cake, https://louisekatherinecakesshop.co.uk | Stationery, www.facebook.com/DazzlingDesignsByKirstyC | Entertainment, D & P Entertainment 07845 073 211 | Catering, www.merlinscatering.co.uk | Venue styling, www.simplyelegantoccasions.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ hair, www.facebook.com/zentherapyuk