Rebecca and Leigh first met in 2009 through a group of mutual friends and made it official a few months later. Leigh proposed in February 2021 on a typical Friday night after work. A few days prior, he had secretly asked one of Rebecca’s good friends if she could chat with her about weddings and her preferences regarding rings to see if she wanted to be surprised or pick out her own. Rebecca says, “I never clicked as it was a general conversation we girls normally have.” She continues, “So, I was very confused when Leigh mentioned that exact conversation before asking if I wanted to get married! We then sat down together and picked an engagement ring, which came the next day when Leigh officially asked me.” SETTING THE SCENE When planning the wedding, the pair worked as a team to create a magical day they both enjoyed. Leigh was never a huge fan of marriage or a big wedding, so Rebecca wanted to ensure he had a great day. She had previously been to a wedding at The Dower House Hotel and fell in love with the property – she wanted to tie the knot there ever since. The scenery outside is beautiful, as are the buildings and spacious wedding areas. Once the pair were engaged, they had an appointment to view the Hotel and were amazed further. The bedrooms were so big and spacious, which was essential as many guests were staying for the whole weekend. The staff and wedding planner helped the nearlyweds create their perfect day throughout the planning process and on the special day. The most important thing for the pair was having all their loved ones together, something that doesn’t happen very often as Rebecca’s side of the family lives all around the UK and some even in Australia. THE MAIN EVENT The bride was nervous and anxious all morning about the upcoming ceremony and walking out in front of everyone. Thankfully, there were plenty of distractions! She says, “Being surrounded by the bridal party, getting ready and having a beautiful breakfast helped calm my nerves. I became a little emotional when it was time for the ceremony; this continued as I walked down the aisle and heard our singer. Once I got to the end of the aisle to Leigh, everything seemed to settle down.” The florist highlighted the bride’s love for roses and gypsophila throughout the blooms and bouquets. The groomsmen had gypsophila buttonholes, while the mothers and grandmothers wore white rose corsages, which the flowergirl had a smaller version of. The large flower display on the registrar’s table was moved onto the top table for the reception, and there were large flower displays on each side of The Folly. The wedding breakfast area featured a stunning backdrop behind the top table as well as green chair and table drapes. Large white lanterns with LED candles and purple rose heads made up the centrepieces. Scratch cards in personalised card wallets were given to guests as favours for some added fun. A large board was displayed outside the Hotel and matched the rest of the stationery, including the welcome sign displayed as guests arrived. The Dower House Hotel supplied the catering on the day, and the chefs used fresh ingredients to create the ultimate meal! Everyone had fabulous things to say about the dishes and buffet. For a sweet treat in the evening, guests enjoyed an alternate green and white cake, which featured a wooden cake topper and flowers that matched the bouquets. The sweet cart beside the gift table was a massive hit with loved ones. LOOKING YOUR BEST Rebecca had always wanted a big flowing dress and fell in love with Sabrine from the Blu collection by Morilee. It featured stunning beading and frosted embroidered appliqués on an elegant organza ball gown with a horsehair hem. She says, “I looked precisely how I’d imagined on my wedding day! My hair, make-up and wedding dress were perfect!” REAL WEDDINGS 35
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