Your West Midlands Wedding- April/May 2020 (Issue 67)

REAL WEDDINGS 31  R hian and Craig’s story began all the way back to childhood, Craig’s best friend at primary school was a close family friend to Rhian! “This meant many birthday parties would have been attended by us both in the early years of our childhood,” recalls Rhian. “However, it wasn’t until later in life whilst both working together at Vodafone that we really started to notice each other.” What began as gentle chit-chat and flirting on one particular night out (Friday 13 th of all dates!), romance blossomed and they never looked back! While on a Christmas trip to New York, which was due to come to an end, Craig surprised Rhian with an extra night, a room upgrade and dinner at a Michelin-starred seafood restaurant for the proposal! “The night of 16 th December 2015 began with the most perfect meal at Oceana, the best seafood I’ve ever tasted, followed by a trip to the top of the Empire State Building (Craig panicking at this point that my rock in his pocket would set off the security alarm!),” recalls Rhian. The setting was too public though and Craig wanted something more personal so they went on a mammoth tour of New York finally taking in a stroll through Central Park. “Opposite a small bridge, with just the two of us, he got down on one knee and popped the question with the most perfect Tiffany diamond ring.” Originally the couple looked at Friday 13 th dates in 2017 to reflect their first date, but all plans were put on hold when the couple welcomed their gorgeous daughter in December of that year! The big date was then set, 12 th October 2019, with Sandhole Oak Barn providing the perfect backdrop. Here, we find out more about their wedding day plans... SETTING THE SCENE Rhian and Craig knew from the minute they walked in to the ceremony room at Sandhole Oak Barn that this was the venue for them. “We only visited one venue and this was the most beautiful and perfect venue for us!” adds Rhian. “We knew that we wanted everything to be in one place and that we wanted our friends and family to be able to stay together overnight to enjoy our first breakfast as husband and wife together the following day!” The couple loved the warm and welcome feeling of the barn, which overlooks a stunning lake coupled with the oak beams and low lighting they were also impressed with the recommended caterers, “The caterers showed passion for not only the food, presentation and taste but also the service that they provide, a sense that they truly care about your day and that it isn’t just another wedding booking. They felt like they would be part of our day, these feelings came flooding back throughout every interaction, every meeting between booking and our day.” During the planning the bride- and groom-to-be decided that they wanted a personal touch, a sense of family and to bring the time of year in with an autumnal theme. “The table décorations were a mix of autumnal flowers and foliage specifically including