We got engaged in the middle of lockdown in April 2020, at the end of a walk by a stream as the sun was setting. It wasn’t a surprise, but the moment could not have been more perfect for him to get down on one knee. Instead he lost all his words and produced the ring box with the line “do you want this now then”, close enough I suppose!
Initially I planned an elaborate ceremony in Manchester City centre, but between covid, a deployment and a reassessment of priorities we opted for a church service at Christ’s Church Harwood and a more local reception at the Last Drop Hotel. We decided to keep our colours and theme complimentary to military dress uniform and it worked out perfectly.
I was nervous ahead of dress shopping, as a size 16 I expected there to be nothing to try on in my size and to have to rely on imagination. That couldn’t have been further from the case, from the first call, to my appointment with Catherine I just felt reassured and confident. There were plenty of options to try on in all styles and having a stylist with the expertise made it all so easy and enjoyable.
My dress was the third dress I tried on, not having an exact vision I was trying different styles. There was nothing I could fault with the dress in my head but I found a reason to take it off. As my appointment continued, I realised I’d tried on everything I was describing and went back to try the dress on again, it wasn’t as plain as I thought I’d pick but it was just the right amount of detail.
Faultless, even though there were still Covid restrictions at my first appointment, every visit was fabulous. From a warm greeting to expert knowledge and exceptional service, the team made getting my wedding dress a dream journey. I wish I could wear it again!
Walking out of the church and greeting all of our guests! Seeing everyone who took the time to share our day with us and feel so loved – passing under the lychgate and getting covered in confetti felt exactly how I wanted it to – we were the most important couple in the world in that moment, and the pictures are priceless!
We did a cruise of the Mediterranean three days after our wedding and it just extended that special feeling for another two weeks. I was on cloud nine!
If you’re hiring a professional service, research who they are and visit them if possible – when you’ve found the right people for you, leave them to it. They know what they’re doing and will do it well!
Christ's Church Harwood / Last Drop Village Hotel
Ed Stemp - @weddingdayphotos
DJ Dave Whicker
Rebecca Karen Wedding Design
Rachel Holland @hairbyrachellouise
Helen Cafferky @helencafferky
John Francis Bolton
Rebecca Karen Wedding Design Venue Dressing / Photoshop stationery by me!
