could be posted through it,” reveals Me’sha. “We also brought my personal PA so that we could use it to play our specially compiled playlist during the wedding breakfast and to amplify the voices of those making speeches. “Our cake was baked by the lovely Aty from Imperial Cake in Wolverhampton,” adds Me’sha. “We opted for a classic Victoria sponge with strawberry jam. Aty was recommended by my mum’s hairdresser, and I’m so glad we were able to book her, as she was just a joy to work with and had truly beautiful ideas for our cake. I sent her ideas of a few designs that I liked along with the flower inspiration that I’d sent to our florists. Aty also asked for a picture of my dress so that she could get inspiration, and, amazingly, she had a stencil commissioned in the States that encompassed the beading on my dress. She used the stencil on the bottom tier, and it was absolutely stunning. We opted for real flowers rather than silk or flowers made using icing, and they beautifully mirrored those in our floral displays. It looked perfect with our initials stencilled onto the top tier in gold dust, and it was delicious.” DRESSED TO IMPRESS “My dress was one of the easiest parts of the planning process,” says Me’sha. “I’d been watching Say Yes to the Dress for years, so I knew which silhouette I wanted. I’m used to wearing sparkly gowns on stage, so I needed something that would make me feel like a bride and not like I was there to entertain. I scoured the internet, and as soon as I saw my dress, I knew it was the one. I could only find two shops in the country that stocked the dress, so I made an appointment at Tiffany Jordan, which was just over an hour from home. It was the first dress I tried on, and it was a done deal. I tried on another eight just because, but I knew immediately. I bought my veil and hoop from the same shop, and I was done. “Darren had a very clear idea of what he wanted: a blue suit and brown shoes with a contrasting waistcoat,” continues the bride. “He drew his inspiration from online photos of celebrities such as Tom Cruise and David Beckham. He went to London one day and found everything he wanted at Hawes & Curtis and Jones Bootmaker. He looked very handsome and chose brilliantly!” MEMORABLE MOMENTS “I remember every single moment of the day,” explains Me’sha. “It was so nice to be up in the bridal suite getting ready and to hear our guests arriving, being greeted by staff and enjoying themselves immediately. I saw Darren arrive in the car park, and he was so smiley; it was a joy! I wasn’t nervous at all. It just felt right, as we’re meant to be. The original plan was to hold the ceremony in front of the Victorian turning house in the garden at Stockton House, but the weather was very changeable, so we held it inside. It turned out brilliantly, and we weren’t disappointed, as the florists did a wonderful job repurposing the flowers, which should’ve sat on the apex of the turning house onto the ceremonial arch inside. “My parents gave a speech, led by my mum as my dad was too shy,” adds Me’sha. “When they were at the microphone, despite my mum announcing that it was nothing of the sort, it was like a comedy double act. They were so funny, and it’s a part of the day that guests are still talking about now. Darren’s speech was so sweet and heartfelt. Andy, the best man, was a rock to us throughout the entire planning process, and his speech was so well researched, beautifully thought through, touching, and peaked perfectly. I’m not really a crier, but he got me that day. Everyone we love was there either physically or in spirit, and we raised a glass to absent family and friends during Darren’s speech.” Me’sha and Darren were over the moon with the food. “Tom, 33 REAL WEDDINGS
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