Your South Wales Wedding - November/December 2020 (Issue 76)

REAL WEDDINGS 31  C hris was studying geography, and Rhian was focusing on English literature when they first met. “We were living in different flats in our first year at Aberystwyth University,” says Rhian. “One night, during Fresher’s week, a group of us took a spontaneous midnight stroll near Constitution Hill. We met at the top and started talking about our love of standup comedy. We got to know each other more over the years and found we had lots in common and always made each other laugh.” To remember the night they first met, Chris proposed on Constitution Hill in Aberystwyth. “The plan had been to pop the question as the sun set, but there was a storm blowing, so it was a bit wet and windy,” explains the bride. “Chris nearly got blown over as he tried to get down on one knee! It was a surprise, but I did get a little suspicious when he was so adamant that we had to find the exact spot that we met.” SETTING THE SCENE “We knew we wanted to get married in South Wales,” shares the bride. “We were looking for somewhere that felt cosy and intimate but with enough space for people to spread out and sit outside if it was a nice day. Pencoed House Estate was the only venue we saw in person, and it ticked all the boxes. The team know their stuff which was reassuring and it felt like we could make the day our own with their help.” The happy couple decided to give their guests treats from Fabulous Welshcakes in Cardiff as favours. “We chose three different flavours that were all delicious,” adds the bride. “We tied the bags with navy and gold ribbons to tie in with our colour scheme, and at the end of the evening, we brought out handmade chocolates courtesy of Chocolate Craft.” “We decided to incorporate our woodland theme into our table plan,” says Rhian. “We bought a gold tree with bare branches and hung pieces of card from it. Each table was named after a year we’d spent together with a photo from that time.” For their big-day blooms, the couple hired Sara Caroline Floral Design. “The bouquets were made up of cream and pink roses, white ranunculus, sprigs of heather, blueberries and eucalyptus,” explains the bride. “Outside the doors to the old hall, we had Greek urns overflowing with cream hydrangeas and heather.” Rhian and Chris decided to have a three-tier semi-naked bake from Cakes by Kimberley. “Each tier was a different flavour, we chose lemon and blueberry, chocolate and salted caramel,” says Rhian, “It was decorated with flowers and scatterings of gold leaf and was very popular with our guests.” The decorations tied in with the couple’s theme. “The front of the aisle had two tall copper lanterns, and we also had confetti from Shropshire Petals scattered along the walkway,” shares the bride. “The hall had hooks along the wall, so we used these to place gold hoops lit with fairylights and eucalyptus.” Rhian and her bridal party were transported to the venue in two Volkswagen Campervans. “Chris drove the groomsmen in a rented Maserati Ghibli,” adds Rhian. “It was black and looked great in the photographs.” “The food was provided by Cresta Caterers who regularly work at Pencoed House Estate,” explains the bride. “They provided a delicious trio of canapés, beef for the main and an autumnal apple pie to finish. In the evening, they provided a classic paella which was well received by our friends and family.” DRESSED TO IMPRESS Rhian chose an A-line Stella York gown from Laura May Bridal.