David bought a Build a Bear teddy and added a personal message, so that when I squeezed its hand it said: “Juliet, will you marry me?”.
We chose Mountains Country House, Hildenborough. It was the only one we looked at and the Welsh dresser in the hall sold it to us along with the marquee.
Juliet and her bridesmaid Emma
What did the mother of the bride wear?
My mum also wore a burgundy dress.
Where did you find your suits?
Moss Bros
David and his best man
Often the aspect that makes a wedding original to the couple is the detail – tell us about the details of the day.
- We made all the centrepieces ourselves.
- We had a car for the bride and another for the bride’s mum, and a Routemaster bus for both day and evening guests to travel from Croydon to Hildenborough and back, which was stocked with drink on us.
- We had a sit down meal and evening food which included a sweet table.
The day was exactly how we wanted and planned it. We had made it not only about us but involved a lot of family members in the roles and even had pictures of passed family which should have been there.
The couple’s handmade shabby chic centrepieces
How did you feel as you walked down the aisle?
Nervous, but happy.
How did you make the ceremony personal to you?
My favourite song was played by David’s nephew on the keyboard and we had a reading by my niece and goddaughter. My brother and David’s niece were witnesses when we signed the register.
Juliet and David say “I do”
What was the most challenging aspect of planning this wedding?
Getting the guests to RSVP. Also, I work in a school so David had to sort most things out, such as bookings and payments. I have never organised anything before and hoped I didn’t get anything wrong.
What was the most important investment for you?
Food, making sure everyone had something to eat as there were a lot of fussy people and dietary requirements.
What did you choose for your entertainment?
A DJ, photobooth and magician.
Magician Chris Harding entertains guests
What song did you choose for your first dance?
Christina Perry’s A Thousand Years
Tell us about your wedding cake.
It was the most amazing cake I have ever seen and was better than we thought it would look. It was by Orange Rabbit Cakes.
Juliet and David’s rustic wedding cake
If you could go back and change anything, what would it be?
To make the day longer.
Where did you go on honeymoon?
We went to New York a few days after the wedding.
Do you have any advice for couples in the planning stages?
It’s only one day, so do everything and have everything you want. Enjoy it to the full and do not regret not doing or having anything. It is one of the most important and memorable days of your life, so definitely hire a videographer as well as a photographer like we did.
Get the look:
Venue: Mountains Country House
Photography: Helen England Photography
Videography: Cut Above Productions
Flowers: 4 Seasons Flowers
Cake: Orange Rabbit Cakes
Cars: Steve’s Wedding Cars
Magician: Chris Harding Magician