Tell us about the proposal, how did it happen, where did it happen etc.
We were in Cornwall for a week’s holiday celebrating the anniversary of when we met 25th June. It was a gorgeously sunny day and we decided to walk from our campsite to a beach called Holywell Bay for a picnic and to try and wear our 18 month Cocker Spaniel, Chip, out. We set up camp in a nice secluded cove and I took Chip to the sea for a swim. I managed to get caught out by a wave and got completely soaked. I was a bit fed up when I got back to Ant having got wet and so lay in the sun to dry off. Ant came a lay next to me and asked if I would do something for him. My reply was “Depends what it is?”. He said “Would you do me the honour of being my wife” and produced this small box containing a beautiful shinny ring. To which the tears started to flow and I don’t think I answered for at least 3 minutes. He’d even managed to pack 2 glasses, small bottle of champagne and some love heart chocolates. My mum was dying with anticipation to hear from us as she knew Ant was going to ask but I didn’t get phone signal for at least 2 hours after we left the beach so couldn’t even tell anyone. Meant I was left in my bubble of excitement, shock and happiness that little bit longer. It was just perfect, but definitely made my anniversary gesture of a photo of us look pretty dismal.
What was your original vision for your wedding day? Vintage, colourful, glitzy etc. Did that vision change?
We always kept in mind we wanted a relaxed feeling to our wedding. The vintage, beachy touches just fell into place especially given the amazing location. The views from the marquee speak for themselves so we didn’t feel we needed too much more to really set the wedding apart. We always wanted everyone to come away from our wedding saying what an amazing day it was. The compliments we had following the wedding about the venue, especially the food, and what a great day people had had we knew we had got it right.
How did you find the planning process? Were you relaxed, or did it cause a lot of stress?
We loved the run up and the planning process, so much we just want to do it all over again. We are both quite crafty so did a lot of the small touches ourselves, invites, name places, thank you cards, etc. The most stressful part was probably the table plan but once that was sorted we had so much fun. We moved house 2 months before the wedding and that was definitely more stressful than the whole wedding itself.
The food tasting day was amazing, we ate so much. We love eating so making sure the food at the wedding was filling and tasty was top of our priorities. The white chocolate Panna Cotta was out of this world.
How did you decide to choose Oxwich Bay Hotel as your wedding venue? What were the reasons? Did you have anywhere else in mind before deciding that Oxwich was the place for you?
I had seen a photo of Oxwich Bay hotel when a friend was looking at venues years ago (long before Ant was ever on the scene) and was amazed by how stunning it was. I always kept that vision in mind of having a wedding by the beach. 6 months into Ant’s relationship and mine, his mum (very excited and ahead of herself) asked where would we get married if we did and we showed her Oxwich just by chance as an example; she thought it was beautiful.
We had looked at a venue close to home and although I could have easily had my horse at this venue (which I have always wanted) it just didn’t have the wow factor and the relaxed feeling we get from the moment we drive down the hill and the bay opens up in front of you.
We are not local to Oxwich as we are from the Midlands but we ended up going on a day trip with friends to Oxwich Bay just 3 months into our relationship. It was the first time Ant had met my friends so thought 6 hours in the car together will be a good decider for my friends whether he was a keeper or not. He passed the test and from then I think it was fate that Oxwich would always play a huge part of our lives.
Tell us about your dress and accessories and why you chose them
I wore an Enzoani dress from the Beautiful range. I wanted a dress that was simple but stunning. One I could wear all day, dance all night, eat as much as I wanted and not be uncomfortable but still feel amazing. This dress was everything I could have dreamed of and more. I added a jeweled belt around the waist and let the dress do the rest. I wore my nan’s gold wedding ring but you couldn’t see this under my bodice. My friend from New Zealand brought me a gorgeous bracelet, which I wore, and my friend from college brought me an anklet with a star on in memory of our friend who had passed away but we knew she would be there with us celebrating all the way.
What did the Grooms and Groomsmen wear?
The Groom and groomsmen went shopping alone but all wore Blue suits and brown leather shoes and they looked very smart. They had matching waistcoats and the groom had a pink tie where all the groomsmen wore pale silver/grey ties.
What music / readings did you choose for the ceremony and reception and first dance?
We both love Coldplay and had Chris Hastings play quite a few songs by Coldplay for us during the day. I walked down the isle to Christina Perry’s “A Thousands Years,” whilst we signed the register we had Coldplay’s “Til Kingdom Come” play and we walked out to Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend.” Our first dance was Coldplay’s “Amazing Day.” Our last Dance song was Elton John’s “Something About the Way You Look Tonight.” Chris did an amazing job on the day and really set the mood. I just wish we had been able to spend more time appreciating the songs but we were busy with guests and photos.
We had a live band who really got the party going. I would definitely recommend live music if you want the party to start the minute the dance floor opens.
Who were your bridesmaids and why? Tell us about their dresses.
I had four of my amazing friends as Bridesmaids, Jen, Sam, Amy and Charlie. They have been with me and stood by my side through so many ups and downs in my life it was only right that they were with me when I walked down the aisle on one of the most important days of my life. I couldn’t have done it without them they are all so special to me and I’m very grateful I can call them my best friends.
They wore dresses from ASOS. They were pastel shades of pink and lilac and I bought them online and prayed they would suit them all as I loved the colors, elegance and simplicity of them. The girls are all very different in their builds but the dresses looked amazing on them and they were all very happy so we didn’t even get to go bridesmaid dress shopping.
Who decorated the venue and what was your theme? Did you do a lot yourself?
We did a lot ourselves and Oxwich really helped setting up on the day. We made our own seating plan, timetable pallet board, head table flower box, table decorations etc. We opted for pink/purple colors and wanted a rustic, vintage feel whilst emphasising the beach location. The fairy lights and bunting really helped in the marque setting the vintage vibe off.
We used Ruth Milton Jones, a recommendation from Oxwich, as our florist and we didn’t even meet until the wedding day. However she not only produced me and the bridesmaids with the most beautiful bouquets but she decorated the tables with the most stunning collection of flowers we could have asked for. They also smelt amazing.
What was your cake like and why did you choose this design?
It was three tiers, one chocolate, one lemon and one raspberry. We had flower rings round each tier and on top and made edible flowers wooden slices saying Mr & Mrs. A friend of a friend made it and my biggest regret its not getting to try each layer.
Who was your photographer and how did you decide they were the right photographer for you?
Justin Diss, from All Your Moments was our photogrpher. We met him at the NEC wedding Show in October and we really liked the natural shots he was able to capture. We didn’t want too many forced photos of our guest and he managed to capture some amazing shots even with 2 broken ribs (which we didn’t know about until after the wedding). He also came and did a photoshoot after the wedding with my horse as I couldn’t get him to Wales on the day. It was the first time he had worked with a horse and I hope we didn’t put him off too much.
We also had a videographer- Marvin Mavis from Through the Lens who we also met at the Wedding Show. From the moment we met him and his team we knew we had the right videographer, the memories he was able to capture on a video are invaluable and we are so grateful we had a videographer on the day. Justin and Marvin worked so well together and we all had so many laughs throughout the day.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We treated ourselves to a skiing holiday in France for a Pre-Moon but after the wedding we stayed in Wales, just outside of Tenby. My Mum and Dad paid for our mini honeymoon as a wedding gift to us and we had no idea where we were going. We were just given a sat nav with the postcode set up and we followed the instructions till we got to our apartment for a few days. It was a prefect place to sit back and reflect on what had been an amazing day.
What were the most memorable moments of your special day?
We tried to make a weekend of the wedding especially given that a lot of people had travelled. That helped creating many memories, from us all arriving the day before and enjoying drinks in the hotel garden to having a party on the beach with a fire in the evening before the wedding. Ant getting burnt the day before the wedding. Taking the photos on the beach especially where Ant got soaking wet feet. Trying to recreating the Dirty Dancing scene and almost nose diving to the floor. The speeches where people were either crying from laughter or emotion. Being able to have the dogs with us on the day.
Do you have any advice for other couples who have either booked or who are looking at Oxwich as a potential wedding venue?
Make sure you don’t get too tied down worrying about the small things, Oxwich have a fantastic team on hand to help. Ask as many questions as you need. Most importantly on the day make sure you both take a few moments to sit back and absorb the atmosphere. Look around and see all your guests smiling and make sure you both take some time to look at the view and remember how special the day and venue is.
