Bethan - A classic and contemporary wedding in the Ribble Valley!

23rd June 2023

My proposal story

It was beautiful. Wed been together for over five years at the time and in our first home for two. I returned home from work ready for half term and saw a note on the front door (I thought hed left me!). I got out of my car and saw a large bouquet of flowers on the door step and then then read the note which said along the lines of leave all my things in the car and come inside for a romantic night. When I walked in, there were balloons and confetti in our hallway, I walked into our living room and there were candles all lit, balloons floating, bunting saying Bethan will you marry me? and Jay was on one knee. It was so magical and perfect! Hed even done a balloon arch himself (hed booked the day off work without me knowing!). Now weve been together over eight years and are married!

Wedding style

We got married on the 8th April 2023 at Gibbon Bridge in Chipping, Ribble Valley. When we were looking at venues, this was the second one we visited and we fell in love upon arrival. It is traditional yet contemporary, classic and lets lots of natural light in also the gardens are beautiful! We went for a neutral theme, Jay and the groomsmen wore tweed beige suits and the bridesmaids wore blush dresses. Our flowers had lots of greenery with some peach and white flowers in. We kept our wedding day quite traditional, had beautiful guests, a band playing during the welcome drinks, confetti made from dried rose petals thanks to my mum, and fantastic speeches. We finished with sparklers, a romantic first dance, a rap and dance off with my dad and then everyone danced the night away with the band playing.

Shopping experience

I went to a couple of dress shops before Emma Louise Bridal and really struggled to find a dress that I felt beautiful in. However, I spoke to one of the stylists over the phone at Emma Louise Bridal before my appointment and described the styles I liked and didnt like and when I arrived she had already selected some beautiful dresses.

How did you choose 'The One'?

The stylist at my appointment had already selected some styles based on what I described over the phone. She really understood my vision and put us completely at ease. I tried a couple of dresses on and she then selected some similar to try on. As soon as I put my dress on, I really did just know a very special and exciting moment! It is nothing like I imagined that I would go for, it was sparkly, had intricate design and embellishments and was a princess style but I just fell in love and felt amazing!

Tell us about your experience at Emma Louise Bridal

I arrived with my mum, sister and grandma and we were taken to the beautiful reception. My stylist took us to the dressing room upstairs and we received glasses of Prosecco. Dresses had already been selected following a phonecall where I discussed my vision and likes/dislikes. The whole experience was wonderful, from the welcoming smiles to being completely at ease throughout the process.

What are your favourite memories from your wedding day?

Oh, every single second!! From seeing Jason at the end of the aisle, which was such an emotional moment, to our confetti shot with all our guests and the feeling of pure happiness. We laughed all day, the sunshine was shining on us and everyone had so much fun. The speeches were hilarious and equally heartwarming, all three were incredible though Jay (a Blackburn fan) did get me, a Wigan fan, a Wigan top with Carter 23 on it as a welcome to the family a lovely touch that my dad and I loved! My dad and I planned to surprise everyone with our dance, we started with Brown Eyed Girl and then after a few seconds we went into a rap dance to Ludacris Get Back, the dancefloor went off!!!

If you have a honeymoon planned - where are you going?

We are going to the Maldivessss!!! We cannot wait, we have to wait until summer because of holidays off work but the wait will be so worth it a dream come true!

Do you have any advise for other couples planning their wedding?

Breathe! Focus on planning one thing at a time, starting with the photographer and videographer. Dont rush and do have a list to work through so you know where youre up to. Enjoy every moment because it comes and goes before you know it and youll never get it back!

Venue
Gibbon Bridge Hotel & Restaurant, Chipping, Ribble Valley

Photographer
Jules Fortune and Videographers were Eighth Avenue

Entertainment
Haze

Florist
The Lily Pot

Hair stylist
Style Sisters

Make up
Style Sisters

Suits
TruClothing