Your West Midlands Wedding- December 2020/January 2021 (Issue 71)

REAL WEDDINGS 35 M artha and Daniel met at a pub in Meriden. “Since that first meeting, we’ve been inseparable,” says Martha. “We met up every day following our first date and found we had lots in common. We love rugby, with Dan supporting Wasps RFC and me supporting Exeter Chiefs, so we spent our third date at a local game.” Daniel popped the question during a trip to Rhodes for Martha’s birthday. “The day before my birthday we went quad biking and planned to drive down to Lindos, but it was so hot, and the bike was quite slow, so we didn’t make it,” shares the bride. “Dan then suggested we go back out in the evening, which I thought was strange but went along with it. We went to Kallithea Beach and found a cliff you could climb up, so we made our way to the top to watch the sunset. We were taking pictures of the view when Dan asked me to stand on the edge so he could take a photo of me. I didn’t think anything of it, and when I turned around, he was on one knee with the ring in this hand. I was so shocked and instantly cried. It was perfect.” SETTING THE SCENE “We originally wanted to get married at Kalithea Springs, which was next door to where we got engaged,” explains Martha. “We spent a couple of days there and had our big day booked for May 2020, however, the pandemic meant we had to cancel. We were heartbroken, and unfortunately, our travel provider wanted extra money to change it to next year, which we couldn’t afford. We still wanted to get married this year if we could since everything was planned and ready to go. Dan knew of Macdonald Ansty Hall, and I had driven past it a few times and loved the look it. We booked it six weeks before the wedding and are so glad we did! The venue was perfect for us, and with all the uncertainty, we just wanted to be married and have a special day. It’s definitely a story to tell the grandchildren!” The couple decided to give their guests Cancer Research pins as wedding favours. “Cancer is something that’s affected both our families,” Martha adds. “It meant a lot to us to be able to give money to them.” Due to the pandemic, the lovebirds were unable to have a traditional table plan. “Since we had limited numbers, we decided on a U-shaped table, so that all our guests could interact with each other,” says the bride. “For our cake, we chose to have a fruit cake and Victoria sponge and a tier for each.” Martha and Daniel chose fishbowl centrepieces. “We found them on Facebook Marketplace,” explains Martha. “I decorated them with artificial flowers and lights that looked great. For our flowers, we chose traditional roses and alstroemeria from The Village Flower Shop. I wanted soft colours and the pinks and whites went well with the bridesmaids’ dresses.” To decorate the space, the couple hired Twinkles and Tiaras to put up a lace backdrop, blossom trees and cream carpet for the ceremony. “I wanted my dad to drive me to the venue, so we arrived in his car,” says the bride. “We only live 10 minutes away, so it made sense, and I didn’t want to wear a mask in the car.” DRESSED TO IMPRESS Martha wore a dress from Cotton and Lace. “I loved it so much, and as soon as I put it on I just knew it was the one ,” says Martha. “I had no idea what style I wanted and thought I wanted a fitted gown, but this dress was so different and made me feel amazing.” Dan chose a tailored suit from Moss Bros. “He was originally going 