Pure gold

Bianca and Adam incorporated their love of pampas into their big day at St James Church and Whitehaven Golf Club

Images courtesy of CPD Photography

Bianca and Adam met at university in 2009. “We lived next door to each other and were studying the same course,” says Bianca. “Adam was interested in me straight away, but I kept him waiting, so we didn’t actually start dating until 2011. We have the same personality and values, and because we were friends first, we already knew loads about each other.”

The proposal was a complete surprise for Bianca. “We had just got back from the Gran Canaria, where we had been to my mum and stepdad’s wedding,” shares the bride. “We were in my mum’s living room when Adam got down on one knee after making me wait eight years for the ring!”

Here the bride shares some of her favourite moments from their big day...

We originally wanted to get married in Las Vegas, but because of the pandemic, we had to change our plans. We decided to have our ceremony at St James’ Church Whitehaven and the reception at Whitehaven Golf Club. The club was the perfect setting for us as it seated up to 220 people and the Lake District fells looked stunning in our pictures.

Adam and I made homemade shortbread as our favours.

We found our table plan idea on Instagram. It was made from acrylic Perspex boxes with vases and floating candles and I loved the fact we had never seen it at a wedding before.

Our cake was made by my mother-in-law. We had a table full of goodies such as cake pops, geo hearts, cupcakes, personalised shortbread, and doughnuts. The bake was three-tiers and consisted of chocolate orange, sticky toffee, and carrot cake. The two single-tiered cakes were lemon with white chocolate buttercream and Victoria sponge.

I knew I wanted the centrepieces to be something that wouldn’t block people’s view, so we went for gold flower stands in different sizes. We added the pampas and greenery, and it was everything I ever imagined.

Behind the top table was a flower wall, and instead of a photo booth, we opted for a gold hoop with drapes and pampas. The guests loved it, and it made the perfect backdrop for their photos.

During the welcome drinks we had a local duo sing called The Northern Threads. The lead singer was enjoying himself so much that he asked if he could stay and party with us for the rest of the day! After the dessert had been served, we surprised our guests with singing waiters provided by Your Day & Your Way Music & Entertainment. Everyone was in shock when the lady dropped her tray and then started singing. Everyone was up on the dancefloor whilst they entertained us.

Our main band was local Danny Dunnery. They played at our engagement party, so we knew we wanted them for our big day! Our guests loved them.

For our mini-moon, we went to Stella Island in Crete for five days. I planned it, and we didn’t want to leave. Our big honeymoon will be in America next year.

BIANCA AND ADAM’S CONTACTS

Ceremony venue, St James’ Church Whitehaven, www.whitehavenparish.org.uk/about-us/st-james-church | Reception venue, Whitehaven Golf Club, www.whitehavengolfclub.com | Photographer, CPD Photography, www.cpdphotography.co.uk | Videographer, Wedding Videography by Beed Studios, www.beedstudios.co.uk | Bride’s dress, Hoops a Daisy, www.hoopsadaisy.co.uk | Groom’s suit, Next, www.next.co.uk

Bridesmaids’ dresses, ASOS, www.asos.com | Hair stylist, Stefanie’s Hair Studio, www.instagram.com/stefanieshair | Make-up artists, Georgia Forster Make-up, www.instagram.com/georgia_forster_make_up and Ella McGonigle MUA, www.instagram.com/ellemakeupartistry_

Cake and décor, Sharon’s Cakes & Event Styling, www.instagram.com/sharons_cakes_and_events | Styling, Rheda Retreat, www.rhedaretreatweddings.co.uk | Flowers, The Flower Basket Whitehaven, www.theflowerbasketwhitehaven.co.uk | Transport, A Touch of Class, www.touchofclasscumbria.co.uk | Welcome drinks duo, The Northern Threads, www.facebook.com/thenorthernthreads | Singing waiters, Your Day & Your Way Music & Entertainment, www.musicqueyourday.com | Saxophonist, A-C Sax, www.facebook.com/amycherryholmemusician Band, Danny Dunnery, www.dannydunnery.com