How did you and your partner meet?
Ryan and I met at work around 10 years ago. I remember seeing him across the office during someone’s leaving speech, and thinking he looked nice! It was a few weeks later when we had a work night out, ending up in Snobs in Birmingham where we had our first kiss, and the rest is history…
Tell us about the proposal?
We went to The Fish in the Cotswolds on 23 December 2021, for a belated 30th birthday treat for me. Unfortunately, that morning I had woken up feeling a bit queasy – I asked Ryan if we should cancel and go another time – he told me that it wasn’t possible and we had to go! I had no idea Ryan had promised to my Dad he would propose by the end of the year! When we arrived, I wasn’t feeling the best after the journey and Ryan suggested we have a drink: ‘I’m sure that will make you feel better’! After we ordered cocktails at the bar, I started to feel a bit better and Ryan suggested we go back to our ‘hilly hut’. When we got back and I was getting ready to get into the hot tub, Ryan then got down on one knee. I can’t remember all the lovely words he said, but the saying ‘in sickness and in health’ comes to mind… It was still a really nice proposal, and anyway, it makes a good story.
Give us an overview of your wedding vision and how it came to life?
We always thought an abroad wedding would be beautiful, especially after our friends wedding in Sorrento, Italy a few years ago, but then after deciding it would probably be too hot, and a lot to plan, we decided on a wedding closer to home and also it meant our guests didn’t have to travel too far.
We found the most gorgeous wedding venue (Gorcott Hall), and we felt like we were just at someone’s house, rather than a wedding venue. With the wedding in December, we knew
we wanted it to feel intimate and wintery. I usually wear red lipstick, and so I knew I had to incorporate some red into my outfit for a small pop of colour, so red lipstick, red nails and red shoes, as well as some gorgeous flowers, helped bring this to life.
Tell us about your experience dress shopping at BBW?
I feel like I’ve known Madi all my life! One of my best friends had bought her wedding dress from Madi, and had recommended her – I started following her page on Instagram and in December 2020 I won a competition Madi had posted with some gorgeous mugs, candle etc. In Feb 2021 I bought a bridesmaid dress from Madi which I had fallen in love with. As soon as I got engaged, I messaged Madi to say I needed to be booked in, and from then my love of Madi’s dresses grew and grew.
I hadn’t booked anywhere else and had a good feeling about BBW. During my appointment, Madi was so warm and friendly – we managed to get it down to two dresses, and she let me take the time to try them both on again and walk around, and I didn’t feel rushed in my choice in any way.
I knew I wanted something a bit different with a Christmas wedding – it ended up being a choice between pearls or sparkles, and I went with the sparkles in the end. I felt so comfy in the dress and can’t thank Madi enough for helping me choose the most perfect dress for me. The dress pattern was all these tiny flowers with glitter, and I found this especially fitting as my late Grandad used to call me ‘flower’.
Madi also recommended a place to get my shoes from (Harriet Wilde) which I personalised the sole and I fell in love with one of the headbands (Miss Clemmie) in BBW that I ended up ordering for the day, which made my outfit feel complete.
What was your favourites moment of your wedding day?
The entrance to the wedding breakfast when we were announced as ‘Mr and Mrs Hughes’ – we came in to ‘Can’t Hold Us by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalto’ and everyone was up on their feet, and we felt the most amazing energy in the room. It was just so nice to have everyone there, and the realisation that everyone was there for us – it was the first time I had properly cried that day – it was a really emotional, beautiful moment.
What advice would you give to brides planning a wedding?
Enjoy every moment of the planning – make each thing into a date night if you can – my favourite times of wedding planning would be on a Saturday or Sunday night in the kitchen with a glass (or three) of wine, planning the seating plan, or choosing the photographers etc.
Also, Instagram/social media can be a big help, but also a big hinderance. As soon as you get engaged, Instagram will start popping up with wedding reels and posts, and sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming and makes you question things. Make sure you listen to yourself and remember what is important to you, and not just what will look ‘good’ on the day.
P.S, Get a magician for the day (cannot recommend Stephen Seabourne The Mystery Guest® enough)
