Rachel and Mark say ''I Do'' at the beautiful Somerford Hall in Brewood, Staffordshire
How did you meet?
We had actually known each other since 2006 but didn't really get talking until 2009. It's quite a funny story as we both worked in the bridal industry at that time, myself for Dream Days in Dudley and Mark for Roger Scott Menswear, both as sales consultants. I think we both knew how much liked each other but I was quite shy whereas Mark was a little more forward and finally during a local bridal fayre, he asked for my number and arranged a first date.... and the rest is history as they say.
Where did the proposal take place?
We were on holiday at the time in Spain, Mark had booked a restaurant in MIjas overlooking the beautiful Andalusian coastline where he got down on one knee and proposed in front of a packed restaurant. It was amazing, everyone cheered and the restaurant served us with complimentary champagne.
How long did it take you to plan your wedding?
We both knew that we wanted to get married as soon after the engagement as possible. so we did a budget planner and worked out how soon we could comfortably afford our dream day. With the help of our parents we decided on a time scale of 14 months. That time flew by in a flash now that I look back, but was perfect for us, not enough time to keep changing our minds but plenty of time so that we didn't feel rushed.
We had no hesitation as to where we were going to get married, being in the wedding industry we both knew of Somerford Hall and when we went to see them to have an official look around, we were sold. It was just what we wanted and could imagine just how everything would be. The staff at Somerford were amazing, nothing was too much trouble and the day was simply perfect.
Our beautiful flowers which cascaded down the staircase and into the ceremony hall, the bouquets and buttonholes were all from the fabulous Flowers of Hagley. Julie listened to everything that we asked for and got the colours spot on for our colour scheme which tied everything together.
Being in the wedding industry anyway we knew so many of the suppliers and when it came to the pictures we knew exactly where to go. Eve and Jason from Shepherds Photography were out of this world. Our wedding package provided us with a pre wedding/Engagement shoot which provided us with a picture that we had framed so that guest could sign it on the day and which we now have hanging in our hallway, they then spent the whole day with us from pre wedding preparations into the evening reception where they set up a photo booth with props which our guests thought was brilliant.
And of course my stunning bridal gown. courtesy of Dream Days in Dudley. I did wonder if I would find that one special dress when it came to my turn but having tried on a few designs I knew I had found ''the one''
I did wonder if I would find that one special dress when it came to my turn but having tried on a few designs I knew I had found ''the one''
The team at Dream Days were second to none and helped me make amendments to my dress which made it unique to me. They also provided my beautiful bridesmaid dresses which were from their prom collection and had a little more sparkle than the usual bridesmaid dresses so that my maids could feel as special as they are, completed with my two little flower girl dresses all colour coordinated to my chosen aubergine colour scheme.
Our guests were entertained before during and after the ceremony by Nick Wiley, Pianist, he played background music for our guests all day and during the wedding ceremony even colluding with us to play a rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody during the wedding breakfast where he provided fake moustaches and song sheets for our guests, which was hilarious when everyone joined in and sang along together.
Do you have any Advice for future brides and Grooms?
Enjoy every moment as it really does go by so fast. Take pictures of everything to keep those memories of the day and remember to take 5-10 minutes with your partner to just take in the beautiful day you have created for yourselves, your friends and family and just appreciate all those people that are there just for you to help celebrate your big day.
We would like to thank each and every person that were part of our wedding day. Everyone made it so special for us and it made us realise what amazing people we have in our lives. If we could do it all again, we would and not change a single thing.💖
