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

32 dahlias which represented my late-grandparents,” shares Rhian. “Conkers, collected by our youngest son George, filled the base of the glass candle holders to bring colour and a seasonal feel, as did the natural log slices which were used as the base for our centrepieces to create a sense of bringing the outside-in.” The bride’s vision for rustic, full displays with burgundy hues and foliage was perfectly channeled by Kirsty the florist. “She just understood my vision,” says Rhian. “She was genuinely excited to create our stunning pieces and we had the most beautiful bouquets, buttonholes and table creations, with a heart-shaped wreath hanging from our outside beam. Moss was used as a base for our LOVE lights emphasising the outside-in theme.” A true family affair, the table plan was a reflection of the couple’s journey together, while Craig’s dad made some of the reception pieces, and the meal choice was their childrens’ favourite meal, “Fin, George and Essie love bangers and mash so this seemed like the perfect choice for a cold autumal afternoon wedding breakfast.” Since proposing Craig has described the engagement ring as his Porsche on Rhian’s finger, so there was no decision to be made, Rhian had to surprise Craig with a Porsche for the wedding weekend! “Nervously I went to collect the Porsche, driving it home 60mph with a very excited George, questioning why everyone was overtaking me when I was driving Porsche!” laughs Rhian. “I think this was the highlight of the wedding for Craig and also Fin who got to be the passenger returning it the following day, in fact probably the highlight for most of our male guests!” MEMORABLE MOMENTS “We were so proud of our oldest son, Fin who did a reading during the ceremony, he looked so smart and stood confidently and proudly in front of our guests for his first time in public speaking,” shares Rhian. “After dessert had just finished, out came Zac our singing waiter who was incredible! The look on everyones’ faces when he made a dramatic fall in front of the top table was priceless!” There were four key suppliers who made the couple’s day very special, “Craig from New Road Photography, from the minute we met with Craig we knew we had to book him, his work was outstanding and his personal drive and passion to be the best that he can be shone through. “Kirsty from Lottie Lyla Sweetpeas & Peonies, I was recommended by one of my bridesmaids, and when we had our first meeting with Kirsty at our home, instantly I felt like I had known her for years and that it was a friend who was interested in everything to do with our wedding who had an extreme passion for flowers and creativity who delivered beyond my dreams for our flowers. “Fiona from Top Table was so welcoming, warm and friendly, we knew from that meeting that our day would run perfectly and that our guests would love her welcoming ways. Her and the whole team were just wonderful, faultless and felt like our guests. “Finally Alan Thomas, my father-in-law! Whilst not an official supplier, he deserves a special mention as all of the wooden décor he made to complement the barn, from my scrappy drawings he created these wonderful pieces!”