We were married on 5th November 2020 at the famous Gretna Hall Hotel, Gretna Green, Scotland.
We met in a local pub when we were both out with friends. Kevin proposed to me when we were on board a ferry travelling to France for a family holiday and the ring her proposed with was a ring that used to belong to my Great, Great Aunt – so that was really special to me.
In the build up to the wedding we visited a wedding fair at Venue Cymru, Llandudno for inspiration and ideas.
In my mind I thought I knew exactly what sort of wedding dress I wanted, but my actual dress was nothing like I had originally planned. I only visited 2 wedding dress shops, but I tried lots of dresses on in the process. I ended up choosing the lovey delicate Lavinia ( style 18160) dress from the Victoria Jane collection by Ronald Joyce at Cameo Brides in Llandudno, Wales. I had lost 3 stone in weight and had seen the Lavinia dress but didn’t think I could wear anything like it. It is a simple chiffon and satin gown which drapes – think Grecian in style, with a classic v neckline and shimmering satin belt with diamante beading. It is a simple, yet classic and elegant gown which won’t age in my mind as it is very traditional. Rosie and Karen at Cameo Bride were unbelievably patient, helpful and gave me confidence to try it on – I would really recommend them.
I accessorised the gown with a simple and chic gold and diamond effect head band, gold and diamond jewellery (my borrowed) and matching shoes and a bag (for after the ceremony). My flowers were purple and ivory.
The wedding was actually a secret and only my parents, our eldest daughter and my Grandmother (who provided the engagement ring) knew, so planning was difficult enough, then along came COVID! In some ways it hindered and in some ways it helped, there were times when I didn’t think it was going to happen, but we made it – just!
The whole day was absolutely perfect and exactly as we wanted it to be, the funniest bit was remembering we had masks on!
We got married on what was my now husband’s 50th Birthday and then told family and friends after the ceremony. Not even our 7-year-old daughter, who was bridesmaid, knew until we got to the venue the night before the wedding. COVID tried to beat us with lock downs, change of room, no hair and makeup in the hotel etc. but we did it and it’s a day we will never forget!
Photography: Bill Black