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We got married on Saturday 1st May 2021 at The Deanwater Hotel in Woodford, Cheshire. It is a family run venue which was originally an Elizabethan home set in 5 acres of private grounds in the countryside. Barry and the team were absolutely amazing!
We met when we were 18, the summer before University, through mutual friends at a party. We ended up both going to Manchester for University and have been together ever since. Danny proposed (after many not-so-subtle hints!) just before our 10th anniversary. Danny had planned a Sunday walk so off we went (Danny, Myself and our little boy, Reece). Danny proposed right at the end next to a little waterfall. Despite the hints, I had absolutely no idea that he was going to propose and promptly burst into tears!
We had a few hiccups with planning, COVID and non-COVID related. Shortly after booking our wedding (1st May 2020), we found out we were expecting our second baby. Therefore, we postposed our wedding a year (1st May 2021). Then because of COVID we quickly realised that this big wedding in May 2021 was unlikely to happen. So, we re-booked for December 2020 at our new more, intimate venue, the Deanwater. Due to Tier 3 restrictions the December wedding was cancelled. We ended up getting married on our original date, 1st May 2021 but at our new venue with just immediate family (15 guests were allowed including ourselves and the children). So, wedding planning was all rather last minute as plans and restrictions changed.
I had always wanted quite a big wedding with family and friends somewhere with beautiful gardens. Lots of dancing, singing and general relaxed party vibes. However, as a result of COVID, we quickly realised that we just wanted to be married in front of our nearest and dearest and the party could wait (we still danced lots in the garden though!).
I thought I wanted a fit and flare dress, something quite figure hugging. However, I fell in love with the total opposite! I actually only visited one shop. The shop is based in my hometown and I had walked past and admired the dresses for years and years. I probably tried on around 10 different dresses. I chose the gorgeous Jodie dress (style 18013) and I bought it from Muse Bridal in Newport, Shropshire
We (my Mum, Nan and I) all cried when I came out wearing it, so I knew this dress was the one! It is elegant and simple but memorable and standout at the same time. I love the off the shoulder aspect, it’s so classic and timeless. I felt so beautiful.
I was 10 weeks pregnant with my daughter when I went wedding dress shopping, so was quite conscious of my tummy (despite not really having a bump!). Melanie who runs the shop is amazing! She was so helpful, throughout the whole process. My Mum and Nan also picked a dress they thought I might like but maybe not pick myself. The dress I picked was selected by my Nan. Melanie also kept my dress so safe while we waited to confirm wedding dates. I went back a couple of times to try my dress on and Melanie was so welcoming and accommodating each time.
A lovely touch to my wedding day outfit was that I wore my mums veil from when she married my dad back in 1989 – I also has a garter made from her wedding dress!
Despite rain early in the day, it passed by the time it came to our ceremony at 2pm. Everything went perfectly! Despite restrictions and rules, the day didn’t feel like it was restricted. We had everything we could have wished for, and both felt so special and loved by our guests.
Finally marrying the man I love and have been in a relationship with for almost 12 years was so special. I cried a lot during the ceremony just because I was so happy! Also getting married with both our children present meant the absolute world.
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Restrictions meant that we had to have our reception outside, which obviously came with a few weather anxieties. But it was so wonderful. We had one long table for us and our guests and we danced the night away on the lawn. It was so intimate and fun and everything we wanted.
We are hoping to have a larger reception at some point next year with all of our extended family and friends who we wanted to be there on the day but couldn’t because of restrictions. So, I’m planning to wear my dress again. Not many people get to wear their Wedding Dress twice, so I think this is one positive of the pandemic! I cannot wait to get my dress back on. I would wear it daily if I could.
If I could give future brides any advice I would say if you cry when you try your dress on it the one, it doesn’t matter if it’s the only shop you’ve been in! Also, make sure you and your new husband/wife get 5 minutes alone during the day just to talk to each other and take in the occasion.
Our photographer was Charli Palmer Photography. She is a friend of ours and amazing at what she does!