Your West Midlands Wedding- June/July 2020 (Issue 68)

48 tie which was a contrast to the groomsmen and brother-of-the-bride who had emerald green bow ties. The three bridesmaids wore empire line emerald-green, strapless, full-length dresses with a sweetheart neckline. “Ross has two sisters and a sister-in-law who we are very close to and wanted them in the wedding party. We decided to make them usherettes and put them in black versions of the bridesmaid dresses, to match Ross’ suits. They got ready with me in the morning but stood at the top of the aisle with Ross for support.” TIME TO CELEBRATE The ceremony music was sentimental but in keeping with the venue, Helen came down the aisle to an acoustic version of SUM 41’s With Me , the music for the signing was a version of Helplessly Hoping sung by Helen’s late dad in the 1970s, and the couple exited to You Me At Six Cold Night. “During the reception we had a mix of music to try to please everyone,” recalls Helen. “During the day it was all mellow and easy-going music, then after the reception more alternative, but still a mix, with a DJ between sets. “Our friend Mario Ellis (guitarist for High Contrast) played acoustic guitar for the ceremony and mastered the track from the only copy of the song recorded by my late dad, and then we had a Live Band The Indie Killers for the evening – everyone was dancing anytime they were performing. They were excellent, they got the crowd involved and the songs they picked were a hit with everyone there.” MEMORABLE MOMENTS On the day Ross was surprised at how relaxed he felt, “also very excited and happy the big day was finally here,” he adds. In contrast, Helen fell apart the morning of the wedding. “I had organised everything like a military invasion but had forgot to think about getting myself ready,” says Helen. “I sat and cried on the bed, unable to think what needed to be done first. When we left the hotel to get ready at the venue, Ross had organised a limo for the girls in the wedding party. I would never have ordered a limo, thinking it was a waste of money but actually it was a great move by Ross. After a glass of bubbly, a sing along in the car and a big box of sweets (another great thought from Ross) I was relaxed and excited.” Of course, the ceremony was perfect for the both of them, “It was totally relaxed,” recalls the couple. “It helped that Ross was a bit eager with the ‘I dos’ and I got the giggles. I loved how guests moved round the venue, fizz in hand and got to enjoy the beautiful grounds of The Mill Barns.” The first dance, although they weren’t expecting too, was enjoyable for the pair after putting together a little dance routine the night before the wedding!”