Your West Midlands Wedding - Apr/May 2019 (Issue 61)

REAL WEDDINGS 43  B ryony Dalton and Robert O’Sullivan met during Bryony’s gap year between studies. “I had just finished school, most of my friends had gone to university and, preparing myself for what I assumed would be a really dull year, I took on a job in a local department store,” recalls Bryony. “Unknowingly we both signed ourselves up for a work first aid course, and hit it off from the moment we met. We were friends first for a long time before Rob finally asked me on a date. The rest I guess is history!” Rob popped the question on the couples’ seven-year anniversary, “Yes, he kept me waiting!” she laughs. “I came home to a room full of candles that read “Will you marry me?” and turned around to see Rob down on one knee. It was the biggest surprise, made so personal and special being in our first home and the ring was pretty epic too!” The big date was set, Friday 14 th September 2018, and their chosen venue Hampton Manor, provided the backdrop to their day. Here, we find out all about the finer details... SETTING THE SCENE From the moment the couple set foot into Hampton Manor they knew it was the venue for them. Bursting with history, exuding luxury they felt it had a relaxed, family-run feel still. “Dealing with the team was a joy, from our initial meeting right through to the day itself. Plus the food provided by Peels Restaurant is damn good which was always a huge factor for us!” shares Bryony. The overall theme of the day was country-luxe influenced by the incredible venue which epitomised this: impressive grounds, extensive history combined with impeccable luxury interiors. “We reflected this style throughout the day,” she says. “We had an abundance of wow-factor wild floral arrangements from our incredible florist Lucy Walker. Our day had a rich autumnal colour palette of gold, blush and touches of burgundy. This was evident in everything from the ornate gold mirror we had our table plan on to the blush table runners and cake.” The table numbers were placed in gold frames, alongside gorgeous centrepieces packed to the brim with wild flowers to complement the rest of the florals – they were stuffed with pheasant feathers for added height and even more country luxe-vibes. The couple wanted to spoil the children attending on the day and gifted them wedding bears from Build-a-Bear. “The girls all had a bride bear and the boys a groom bear, dressed appropriately for the occasion and sat ready and waiting for them at their table on the day with activity books and crayons to keep them entertained during the speeches. Which I must say, looked super cute!” LOOKING THE PART For her bridal look Bryony embraced the luxe part of the theme of the day having fallen in love with Galia Lahav 903 dress. “It quite literally stopped me in my tracks when I saw it twinkling in the window of the boutique, Tilly Trotters Brides,” explains Bryony. “It had a classic, french lace finish that was created using the most incredible sparkly fabric with seemingly infinite layers of blush, ivory and coffee giving it this gorgeous overall champagne tone. It was a showstopper and I wouldn’t have had it any other way!” Bryony accessorised her big-day look with fresh flowers to match her bouquet. Fixed at the crown of her head it was romantic and feminine, complemented by a simple pair of hammered gold drop earrings from Oliver Bonas with a beautiful grey/green stone. Rob and his groomsmen looked dapper in three-piece tweed suits in a rich biscuit shade, teamed with colour coordinating ties, pocket squares and tan leather brogues – a nod to the country vibe. “On the day, the buttonholes were provided by our florist. These had a single David Austin rose with greenery and finished with pheasant feathers,” says the bride. “My three bridesmaids wore multi-way dresses from TwoBirds in a gorgeous metallic blush named Rosewood. They all looked incredible, and felt it too which was so important to me. They all tied their dresses differently, in varying grecian-style knots to flatter them while complementing each other perfectly,” Bryony adds. To complete the look, they all wore handmade gold, floral hair accessories from Fifth & Spring and had petite, delicate bouquets that were hand-tied with velvet ribbon from Little Acorn Silks in a shade almost identical to their dresses. TIME TO CELEBRATE “From day one we wanted, like most couples, for our wedding day to be a huge celebration of our marriage but also of family and friends. We wanted to host the biggest party packed full of heart, music, incredible food and fun. The day didn’t disappoint and I would use those exact words to describe it,” says Bryony. “Our ceremony was made complete and given so much heart with music. I have always been a lover of gospel and