WEDDINGS Ben and Leia’s big day

THE PERFECT PROPOSAL

After an eight year long relationship, Ben wanted his proposal to be perfect. Little did he know, Leia had also been planning her proposal, including an 11-slide Powerpoint presentation on her dream engagement ring! Their big day was just as magical as Ben’s beautiful proposal story... Photographer: Roo Stain, www.roostain.com.

Thirteen years later after first meeting at school, Ben and Leia’s relationship has grown from strength to strength. From typical teenage shenanigans to attending the same university and later surviving a long distance relationship, it’s safe to say that the newly Mr and Mrs Littlejohn are meant to be. Leia who works in travel as a Marketing Campaign Manager and Ben who is the Director of a fashion manufacturing company, have been together since September 2009, marrying just after their 10 year anniversary, and now live happily together in Market Harborough.

“Ben proposed in November 2017 in San Marc’s Square, Venice with a string quartet playing in the background,” says Leia. “We had been together for eight years at the time and we had always talked of getting married so it wasn’t entirely unexpected but he had thrown me off the scent a few weeks before by explaining the trip was for my birthday.”

“Ben loves to tell people that when he asked me what sort of ring I would like for when he did eventually propose, I created an 11-slide powerpoint presentation showing every detail. The jewellers who made my ring, Pragnell in Leicester, also found it rather amusing when he handed over the presentation to them. This of course makes me sound like a Bridezilla but I knew exactly what I wanted and I had been waiting eight years, so I had enough time to research!” “We started planning almost as soon as we landed back from Venice. I had always dreamt of marrying at Kilworth House for its stunning Orangery, beautiful grounds and fantastic rooms. Ben also loved the

WEDDING

SUPPLIERS BEN & LEIA LITTLEJOHN

Wedding Venue

Kilworth House, 01858 880058, www.kilworthhouse.co.uk. Florist Chilli Peppers Florists, 01858 468665, www.chillipeppersflorist.co.uk. Cake Melody Cakes, 07941 882406, www.melodycakes.co.uk. Videographer Daniel Yates Films, 07817 584346, www.danielyatesfilms.com. Venue Decoration Princess Occasions, www.princessoccasions.co.uk. Flower Wall Midlands Flower Wall, 0121 7834835, www.midlandsflowerwallco.co.uk.

venue and is a favourite within the family for parties. It is also where Ben asked my father for his permission to propose.”

“We knew we wanted the venue to be exclusively for us so that our guests could feel totally relaxed on the day. Food was also the second most important thing for us and the dining at Kilworth is fantastic! There was something for everyone on the menu, my favourite being the croissant bread and butter pudding for dessert!”

“Finding my dress felt like a dream come true. Having lost three stone ahead of the wedding with the help of my brilliant trainer and friend, Sophie, I wanted to make sure I found the perfect dress to show off my hard work but also one that fitted the venue and my style.”

“I must have tried on about 15 dresses before saying ‘Yes’ to my Rosa gown by Suzanne Neville. The moment I put it on, I burst into tears and I knew I never wanted to take it off.”

“My dress was embellished with silk organza roses which felt special to me as it’s the flower of Yorkshire, where my father’s family are from; my grandmother also had similar flowers on her wedding gown. I also had a bespoke veil handmade which had a scattering of delicate Swarovski crystals which glistened over my dress.”

For Leia her most memorable part of the day was walking down the aisle with her dad beside her - a moment she will treasure forever.

“Taking those last steps with my dad before seeing Ben was a feeling I can’t explain.”

“We honeymooned at Christmas in Dubai and the Maldives which I have to say is the most beautiful paradise I have ever seen...”

Ben’s most memorable part of the day was the speeches as his best men, Jack and Ben, did a fantastic job of embarrassing him. “The speeches were great but I also loved seeing all of Leia’s hard work and dedication,” says Ben. “It made me so proud. The flowers blew everyone away and our vision of the day definitely came true.” “We had a mini-break at Ragdale Hall the day after the wedding and we honeymooned at Christmas where we flew to Dubai and the Maldives.” “I can honestly say the Maldives is by far the most beautiful paradise I have ever seen and I am sure I will never experience anywhere else like it.” “On a final note, to any other couples out there getting married, please remember that it is a celebration of your love, and although you want to put on a day for everyone to enjoy - put yourselves first!” Wise words from a very happy couple. Huge congratulations Leia and Ben! Photographer: Roo Stain, www.roostain.com.

Seven Ways to Show Up IN STYLE

First impressions matter. That’s why when you’re planning your wedding, it’s really important to consider how you’re going to show up! Here we have six ideas to really impress your guests and remember how your day started with a bang...

You only get to make your grand entrance once, so make it count. From horse drawn carriages and helicopter rides to super speedy sports cars there are so many options for your wedding transport. It’s time to make the best entrance of your life…

Horse-Drawn Carriage: If you are planning a fairytale themed wedding, then a horse drawn carriage has to be your choice of transportation. Following in the footsteps of Disney princesses and Royalty, what could be more romantic? This is also a great idea for equine lovers.

Ultra Cool Campervan: For the seriously cool and vintage bride, arrive in a VW Campervan. Decorate to your colour scheme, style and imagine the photo opportunities. Not only can they be used for the entrance, but you can start married life driving off into the sunset in your very own campervan!

Tractor: It may be unconventional, but for Lincolnshire and Rutland Brides and Grooms, a tractor seems the fitting entrance. Choose a vintage or modern John Deere and you will have all your guests talking. You can even hire a trailer for the wedding party.

Classic Car: You can’t beat the charm of a vintage car. The quintessentially British car is the ultimate wedding transport for the traditional bride adding a touch of nostalgia to your wedding day.

London Bus: What’s more striking than a London Red Bus? Its iconic look makes the famous double-decker red bus the perfect wedding transportation, especially if you have a large wedding party.

Dream Car: If your husband to be is into his cars, surprise him on the wedding morning with the car of his dreams! You can book a Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Maserati; the list is endless.

With self-drive or chauffeur driven options, give your fiancée the drive of his life.

From the skies: Well there really isn’t any entrance more dramatic and show-stopping for your wedding day than flying in via helicopter.

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, add in a helicopter ride as a surprise to the guests and maybe even your fiancé! It’s a great way to see your reception from the sky too.

Find Out More: Discover all sorts of wedding transport hire on the website www.ukbride.co.uk! It’s filled with inspiration and you can win a £25,000 wedding competition by becoming a member.