FROM THE HEART OF THE STORM

From the heart

OF THE STORM

Emily and Samuel said “I do” on 18th February, 2022, one of Britain’s most stormy days

Images courtesy of RW Photography

Emily describes meeting Samuel as love at first sight. “He’s such a caring individual who always thinks of me before himself,” she says. Samuel proposed while away on holiday in Cancun, Mexico, just six months later – as he says, “When you know, you know!”

They say lightening never strikes twice, but the pair experienced love at first sight again, this time with their venue, Merrydale Manor. “We loved the rural location, the size of it and the venue staff who were so attentive. The interior was modern, yet classic with a twist of everything we were looking for. We knew as soon as we viewed it that it was the one,” Emily explains.

Here, the bride tells us all about the big day…

We had a lot of performers as we were due to get married when the pandemic hit, so this gave us more time to think about what we really wanted to ensure a memorable party after spending so much time apart from our friends and family. To start the day we had an electric violinist. She performed as I walked down the aisle and during the wedding breakfast. My gown was by Essense of Australia. I was captivated by the detail on the train and the neckline was beautiful. I also wore a bespoke overskirt, made to match the detail on the dress and complete the look. My groom gifted me a Rolex the morning of the wedding, which I wore all day and my bridesmaids bought me a Swarovski bracelet as my something blue.

Samuel and his groomsmen wore tailored three-piece suits in navy tweed, accompanied by gold dickie bows and brown brogues.

Our wedding favours were jam jars filled with mixed chocolates, personalised name cookies and place names made from acrylic that guests could take home and keep. The bridesmaids wore A-line dresses in navy with a silk bottom and lace top, with button detail down the back to complement mine.

The Friendly Paper Company designed the table plan and I put it in a copper frame, which I decorated with fairylights, and placed floating candles and rose petals around it.

The centrepieces included stunning white hydrangeas and more floating candles, while the top table was dressed with a long trail of eucalyptus, more greenery and baby’s breath. The fresh flower arrangements and bouquets matched our white and green palette with some pampas grass included. Private florist Denise Whiteside was impeccable at all the small details. Our flowers were phenomenal, I’ve now dried them to keep forever.

Acoustic guitartist, Danny Boyle, sang during the drinks reception and kept our guests dancing. During the evening, our fabulous DJ really knew how to get our guests partying. He also had pictures of Samuel and I displayed on a screen, which was a lovely touch. Our cake had five tiers, all flavoured differently: chocolate sponge, toffee sponge, lemon Madeira, raspberry and vanilla sponge, and fruit cake. A personalised acrylic sign next to the cake showed our guests the different flavours. It was decorated with traditional white icing and lilies trailing down one side. We also had a handmade copper cake topper.

The day’s food was traditional, tasty fare. We chose soup for starter, country chicken dinner for main, with chocolate tart and raspberry sorbet for dessert. This was accompanied by wine and prosecco from a muchloved vineyard in Ryedale, Yorkshire.

We also had a talented saxophonist who played classic jazz and house music. Arielist Anastasia Whittaker, performed an outstanding display pouring champagne upside down into guests’ glasses.

We also had a neon balloon arch, chocolate fountain, photo booth, ice sculpture vodka luge, sweet cart and polaroid book.

All of our suppliers were very special and worked so hard for us. So much of our day wouldn’t have gone to plan without them all. Thank you to our wonderful photographer who captured incredible photos even in extreme conditions and to our toastmaster, George, for reassuring us when many guests couldn’t come last minute. We got married during one of the worst British storms in recent memory – great day for it! The weather was shocking, heavy wind and rain like we’d never seen. During the speeches, the electricity cut out and the lights and mic went off until the generator kicked in!

My top tip would be to take your time. You’ve worked so hard planning, so let the day be enjoyable. Get as many photographs as you can with your loved ones and don’t forget to sit down and rest those feet! Finally, take everything in and remember why you’re there: to celebrate your unconditional love.

THE W-DAY TEAM Venue, Merrydale Manor, www.merrydalemanor.com | Photography, RW Photography, www.rwweddingphotography.co.uk | Dress, Brides of Chester, https://bridesofchester.co.uk | Overskirt, She Shea Bespoke Fashion, www.sheshea.com | Hair stylist, Hollie Nethercott Hair, www.www.instagram.com/hollienethercotthair | Make-up artist, Jasmine Gamble Make Up, www.facebook.com/jasminegamblemakeupx |

Suits, Moss Bros | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Chi Chi London | Cake topper, La Fille Créative, www.lafillecreative.com | KandaAndCo, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KandaAndCo | Cake sign, HiveWeddings, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HiveWeddings | Flowers, Denise Whiteside |

Flowers, styling and additional entertainment, White Event Ltd, www.white-event.co.uk | Table plan, The Friendly Paper Company, www.thefriendlypaperco.com | Place names, NameItByZoe, www.etsy.com/shop/NameItByZoe | Lashes, Beauty House by KM, www.instagram.com/thebeautyhousebykm | Entertainment, Lauren Hinds Violin, www.laurenhindsviolin.com | Danny Boyle, www.instagram.com/dannyboylemusic | Lux Entertainments, https://luxentertainments.co.uk | Dave Sax, www.instagram.com/dave.g.sax | Aerialist, Anastasia Whitter, www.facebook.com/aeriallounge | Ice sculpture and vodka luge, The Ice Box, https://theicebox.com | Catering, Barretts Event Caterers, www.barrettseventcaterers.com | Toastmaster, Geoff Harris, www.classinacoat.co.uk 54

RW Photography capturing life’s precious moments one click at a time. We aim to work our very best to give you memories that will last forever!

WWW.RWWEDDINGPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

r.wphotography@outlook.com | 07943 227525

Rossett Hall is located in the quant Village of Rossett, just 6 miles from Chester and Wrexham. We are renowned as one of the area’s most popular wedding venues. Because of its’ age and reputation Rossett Hall creates an ambience of traditional elegance throughout.

There are two perfect function suites, offering the ideal space for a small intimate Wedding, or a larger Wedding of up to 150 guests. Boasting secluded gardens and a picturesque cast iron gazebo for those all-important photographs.

Our Popular Dream Wedding Package 2023

• Complimentary Room Hire for your Civil Ceremony (excludes registrar fees) • Master of Ceremonies • Red or Cream Carpet arrival • A glass of Buck’s Fizz, Bottled

Beer or Sparkling Cocktail following your Ceremony • Chefs selection of Canapés • Five course Wedding Breakfast (including a Taster session for the happy couple) • Two glasses of House Red, White or Rose Wine to compliment your

Wedding Breakfast • A glass of Sparkling Wine to toast • Assorted three tier Wedding Cake

• Choice of either Chair Covers and Organza Bows or Chivari Chairs • Fresh flower top table arrangement, guest table centrepieces and cake topper • Printed table plan, place cards and menus • Resident DJ and a choice of professional up-lighting for your evening reception • Your choice of Evening Finger Buffet, Roast Bap Buffet, Pizza Buffet or Hog Roast • Our unique Bridal Suite on the night of your Wedding Based on 50 day guests and 80 evening guests

FROM ONLY £4950

ROSSETT HALL, CHESTER ROAD ROSSETT, CHESHIRE LL12 0DE 01244 571000 | events@rossetthallhotel.co.uk | www.rossetthallhotel.co.uk