WHERE: St. Bueno's, Berriew, Powys
WHEN: June 2005
HOW THEY MET
During the second world war Janice’s grandfather and Luke’s mother met when he was travelling through Britain. Their families remained pen pals and visited each other for years afterwards and in 1989 Janice and Luke finally met. Their feelings for each other grew other the course of many visits until, in 2001, Janice took the plunge and moved from Canada to Wales...
SHE WORE
Janice knew exactly how she wanted her perfect dress to be, and it was created by Amanda at Gwen’s Wedding Specialists in Chirk, Wrexham. Her beautiful ivory silk, strapless gown was so simple but unique in its pleated, unfussy detailing.
THE ACCESSORIES
Janice hadn’t intended to wear a tiara but found her striking, square-patterned one at Gwen’s Wedding Specialists. It worked well with the simplicity of her gown. Her emerald-cut cubic zirconia necklace matched her engagement ring and was from Ernest Jones. Her shoes were by Pink at Paradox.
HE WORE
Luke hired his black Edwardian suit from the same shop where Janice found her dress. It was by Peter Posh, he added a ivory gold and patterned waste coat.
THE BRIDESMAIDS
Janice’s sister Susan and friend Danielle wore sage green, tea-dress length dresses from Next’s Occasions range. Their jewellery and handbags were by Next, shoes were from Clarks and wraps from Accessorize. The flowergirls, Camryn and Chloe, wore white linen dresses with green sashes, from a French catalogue, Verbaudet.
Whatever you set as your budget you might as well times it by two from the start, there’s no point in kidding yourself! Get your groom involved in the planning, with the food and entertainment for example but don’t forget to check in with him once in while!”
THE FLOWERS
Were by Jan Phillips, a local floral designer. Janice chose calm, fresh colours to achieve the effect as if the flowers had been picked from the garden. The bridesmaids’ flowers were mostly peach, and the bride carried a bouquet of mainly cream flowers with peach accents. In memory of Luke’s father, the couple had two small wreaths of white flowers made up for the front pews in the church, which they laid on his grave the next day.
THE CEREMONY
Was very special, as it was held in the same church that Luke’s parents and sister had been married, where his father’s funeral had been held, and where he was christened. The vicar, John, kept the couple calm and made them laugh, it was wonderfully familiar service, with the whole village sharing their day.
THE MUSIC
At the reception, their harpist welcomed the guests. They played swing and easy listening music in the marquee while their guests enjoyed cocktails; Gallant Groom for the men and Blushing Bride for the women. Later on they had a DJ, who played all of the bridal party’s favourite tracks.
THE CAKE
Was created around the design of Janice’s dress, by Angela and Ingrid at Papillon Cakes in Whitchurch. The corners of the victoria sponge cake had been iced with pleated layers of ivory marzipan, and it was presented in three delicious tiers.
THE FAVOURS
Ladies were given favours of Welsh lovespoons, with a little thank you note from the couple, their names and the date of their wedding.
THE ENTERTAINMENT
Was booked through Solid Gold Entertainment, Shropshire. At the reception a saxophonist played while guests enjoyed Pimm’s on
the lawn and their DJ Terry Gill was excellent, managing to get all age groups dancing.
THE THEME
There wasn’t a theme, but Janice named their tables after flowers and indicated this on the table plan. She also made the place cards, which included a photo of that table’s flower.
SPECIAL MOMENTS
For Janice it was the helicopter ride from the church to the reception at Albrighton Hall in Shrewsbury – it was a surprise for the couple, arranged by Luke’s sister! When they arrived at the Hall the toastmaster met them with champagne. It was so romantic and a perfect surprise for them both.
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