7 minute read
MY DEAREST LOVE
THE love OF MY lifeChildhood friends, Deborah and Joe, tied the knot in a romantic ceremony at her childhood church
Images courtesy of Two For Joy Photography
Deborah and Joe have been friends since they were nine years old. “We went to high school and college together,” says Deborah. “We had lots of mutual friends and started to meet up when we were both at university and enjoyed spending time together.”
Joe proposed at their home seven months after they moved in. “He wanted to take me on a walk, but I was being grumpy and didn’t want to go,” shares the bride. “He decided to surprise me by asking me at home instead.”
Here she shares some of her favourite moments from their big day...
We chose to get married at Hurst Green and the Parish of Aighton as it was where I attended as a child, and my parents got married there. We had our reception in our village hall. We liked that it was a blank canvas and we could decorate it how we liked.
Our favours were created by Joe’s mum and sister. They were glass bottles filled with alcohol, and we gave the children jars of heart-shaped sweets.
We chose to have round tables, and it was lovely having all our friends and family together in the same room.
The Flower Girls, Whalley provided our flowers. We chose blooms that reminded us of a growing meadow that we placed in front of the church and later moved in front of our top table.
The cake was made by one of our close friends. We chose Amy because she makes the best macarons, bakes and desserts. It felt so personal and really special to us. It was a three-tiered naked design and was just amazing! Joe and I used The Big White Events Company to decorate the hall. We had a spider canopy with festoon lighting, linen on the tables and wooden chairs. It looked great and tied our theme together really well.
We used my grandad’s car, which my uncle drove for us. We’re a very close family, and it felt so special for us to be able to use it. Nomad Catering by James Brown provided the food. The canapés were delicious, and they catered for vegans too, which was great! We had a lobster cocktail for starter, roast beef for main, and as we wanted a personal touch, we asked our friends and family to make desserts in jars. Everyone stepped up to the challenge. We had cheesecakes, Victoria sponges, tiramisu, even cheese and biscuits in a jar! We were overwhelmed by how much our guests enjoyed making and decorating their desserts.
I wore a dress called Argentina by Modeca from Lulu Browns Bridal Boutique. I tried on a few dresses but kept coming back to the same one again. I accessorised with a long veil and jewellery.
The bridesmaids opted for floor-length dresses from Amelia’s Bridal Boutique in different shades of purple. Joe wore a three-piece suit from Menswear@Amelias. To help him stand out, he had a different coloured waistcoat from the groomsmen.
To keep our guests entertained, we hired Alex Birtwell Wedding Entertainment. He performed during the drinks reception, welcomed the bridal party into the village hall and got our guests involved in a guess the song game. It was amazing, and everyone was so competitive! Later in the day, the rest of Alex’s band arrived, and we had them play throughout the evening.
We were so glad that our day could finally happen. It was our fourth wedding date due to COVID-19, and we both felt so special and loved. Getting ready at my parent’s house with my bridesmaids was lovely. Although I was a little nervous in the morning, it all went away as soon as I saw Joe. The food from Nomad Catering by James Brown and The Friary Whalley was incredible! We also loved having all our friends and family in one room, including my cousin who had travelled from Vancouver to be there.
At the end of my dad’s speech, we all had a shot of vodka instead of a sip of prosecco, which I don’t think our guests were expecting! Our grandparents were there to celebrate with us, which was extra special. One of my best friends, Joanna, sang as I walked down the aisle. It was amazing and quite emotional. The speeches were all brilliant too. Joe had two best men who he has known since he was little, and they delivered a great speech.
For our honeymoon, we travelled around Scotland for a week. We planned it together, and it was just perfect! Our top tip for any couple would be to enjoy researching and finding local suppliers. Don’t panic and book the first one you find!
DEBORAH AND JOE’S CONTACTS
Ceremony venue, Hurst Green and the Parish of Aighton, www.hurst-green.co.uk | Photographer, Two For Joy Photography, www.twoforjoyphotography.co.uk | Bride’s dress and veil, Lulu Browns Bridal Boutique, www.lulu-browns.com | Dress alterations, Legend Bridal Designs, www.legendbridaldesigns.co.uk | Groom’s suit, Menswear@Amelias, www.menswear-amelias.com | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Amelia’s Bridal Boutique, www.ameliasbrides.com | Hair stylist, Sorella Hair – Samantha, www.facebook.com/samanthaallisonhairdressing | Make-up artist, Made Up By Ellé, www.facebook.com/madeupbyelle | Flowers, The Flower Girls, Whalley, www.flowergirlswhalley.co.uk | Stationery printing, Birtwells Trade Print, www.birtwells.co.uk | Venue styling, The Big White Events Company, www.thebigwhiteeventscompany.co.uk Entertainment, Alex Birtwell Wedding Entertainment, www.alexbirtwell.co.uk | Day catering, Nomad Catering by James Brown, www.nomad-catering.co.uk | Evening catering, The Friary Whalley, www.thefriarywhalley.co.uk
happyhampersblackpool@gmail.com 07577375617 | @happyhampersblackpool
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Deborah - Ribble Valley Celebrant
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