I met Steve at work. I’m a hairdresser and for 7 years I cut his hair before he finally asked me on date. This was due to our lives never being in a line with others, with other relationships. I had no idea he was interested in me, so it was a surprise after he sent me a message on Facebook.
Having a child from a previous relationship, and my Dad having passed away, Steve asked my mum and my daughter for permission to marry me. On the day of our engagement, Steve took my daughter and myself to a lovely national trust park. I was sitting on a bench at the time Steve asked me to marry him, after I said yes, a Robin came standing on the bench next to me. I believe if you see a Robin, a loved one that's passed is near you.
We knew that we wanted to get married in St Ives by the beach, so we decided that the theme would be natural. We wanted sea glass, driftwood, natural materials of the sea. I made all my own centrepieces with jars painted with sea glass paint, boards painted like driftwood, and name cards were pieces of sea glass. Colours were soft pastels of lilac and green to match the sea, flowers to match with added Succulents and Eucalyptus. It was truly a natural beach wedding.
Planning was very up and down for us, the fact St Ives is a good 7 hours’ drive from where we live and getting put into a lockdown just weeks after booking the wedding, put a lot of stress into planning. All our guest had booked a week off to come and have a holiday for the wedding and with the lockdown rules changing we were scared that we would have to cut down on guest or move the wedding.
We decided to keep to our date and kept everything crossed. We feel so lucky as we got married two weeks after the restrictions were lifted.
Steve wanted to wear shorts on the day of the wedding, so that set the feel of the wedding. So, our goal for the wedding was relaxed, fun, and personal.
The only thing I had in my head for a dress was nothing over the top. I wanted floral elegant dress with a touch of sexiness.
I tried on 15 dresses on before finding my dress. I had a small window once the shops reopened to order a dress in time for my wedding as because of COVID everything was going to take a few more months to order dresses. I picked a beautiful Ronald Joyce dress called Devota 69527. I got it from Bride 2 Be Lancashire, who teamed up with Sheila Ann Bridal Alterations who made it fit perfectly.
I picked Devota because I wanted a slim fitted dress that was soft and flowy but not a ballgown as I’m only small and didn’t want to be overpowered by my dress. I got fit and flare dress with a soft detachable overskirt for the day for a more modest traditional look and for the evening a had a tighter lace fitted shirt to show my figure.
I loved the beautiful lace detail, deep plunge at the front and the amazing train, which made me feel like a princess. It was so comfortable and easy to wear on the day of the wedding, even walking down onto the beach. I had the most amazing comments about it and truly felt like a beautiful bride.
All the staff at Bride 2 be where lovely and had lots of time for me, even when they were rushed off their feet. I would recommend shopping there, nothing was too much trouble
The day ran like a dream, even down to the weather, we couldn't have wished for more. From getting up, having breakfast with my daughter, dancing with her, waiting for everyone to come and get ready. Having my makeup done by Hannah Symons and feeling relaxed, to our sand ceremony, having our own vows and walking down the aisle seeing Steve have tears in his eyes as he saw my daughter and myself.
I also loved having afternoon tea and Cornish pasties and being able to have a trip to the beach with the children playing in the sea. To the amazing sunset, the Christmas/ Birthday/ Halloween new year music mix to celebrate lost time with everyone and amazing fireworks to end the day. All of it was just perfect and I couldn’t have asked for more.
My advice for any future bride would have to be organisation, try and not to worry about things you can't control like the weather. Trust your suppliers and enjoy your time running up to the wedding, not just the day of the wedding, no matter the circumstances.
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Special thanks to our photographer One Vision Photography