Your South Wales Wedding - May/June 2020 (Issue 73)

REAL WEDDINGS 33  M ichelle and Christopher’s love story began in 2006 when they locked eyes at their local bar. “We met briefly, and as luck would have it we bumped into each other again a few hours later at a friend’s house party,” says Michelle. “I was extremely attracted to Chris and his gorgeous smile.” Christopher popped the question on Christmas morning in 2012. “He handed me a Thomas Sabo ring charm for my bracelet and pretended to propose to me by saying ‘would you do me the honour of making me a cup of tea?” shares the bride. “I burst into tears at the thought of him making a joke about a such a serious subject, and he quickly pulled out a box with a beautiful diamond and ruby engagement ring in. I was in complete shock and felt so elated.” SETTING THE SCENE “Cottrell Park Golf Resort is absolutely beautiful,” explains Michelle. “The grounds are stunning, and the drive-through them is incredible. The building is rustic, and I loved the different aspects of it. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful and supportive.” The happy couple decided to give their guests mints as favours. “We purchased them from Chris’ great uncle’s company, Davies’ Mints,” adds the bride. “We then placed them in rustic, brown boxes that looked great.” “Our table plan was a white step ladder covered in twinkling fairylights,” says Michelle. “We also decided to have a sweetheart table for Chris and I and round tables for the rest of our guests.” For their flowers, the couple turned to Beautiful Lily Forist. “We had gorgeous red germinis with green foliage, placed in Chris’ favourite Douwe Egbert coffee jars as our centrepieces,” explains the bride. “We also scattered red petals and crystals over the tables.” Michelle and Christopher opted for a simple white cake from Marks & Spencer. “We placed it on a tree stump,” says Michelle. “Our florist decorated it with red flowers, and we added a wooden cake-topper.” To finish the décor, the lovebirds scattered red petals on either side of the aisle. “We also had chairs with hessian and lace bows,” shares the bride. “They looked wonderful, and the mini-versions on the two highchairs were super cute.” DRESSED TO IMPRESS Michelle chose a 1950s inspired gown from JJ’s House. “It was tea length and suited my figure perfectly,” shares Michelle. “I accessorised with Swarovski crystals in my hair and Roland Cartier shoes.” Christopher and his best men wore lovely grey suits from Marks & Spencer. “He opted for a red cravat tie and white satin waistcoat,” explains the bride. “The pageboys decided to wear grey waistcoats and red ties.” The bridesmaids wore red dresses from Amazon. “They were all slightly different to reflect the girls’ ages and styles,” Michelle adds. “They looked great, and we finished the look with red flowers in their hair.” TIME TO CELEBRATE “To keep the guests entertained, we hired a DJ,” says Michelle. “He played all of our favourite tunes from the ’80s and ’90s that got everyone up on the