Courtney began looking after Garry’s parent’s horses around 10 years ago, which is how they met. They became friends and their relationship eventually blossomed into love. Back in 2021, the couple were receiving the royal treatment at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London’s Hyde Park. They enjoyed afternoon tea together, before being given a tour of the ballroom where the late Queen Elizabeth II learned how to dance. They then headed out onto the balcony overlooking Hyde Park and the gate entrance used for the royal family. Courtney was lost, revelling at the history and the experience of walking in such amazing footsteps, so much so she didn’t really take much note of what Garry was up to. “I love you Courtney,” he kept saying. “I know you do, I love you too,” she replied. She hadn’t realised he was trying to get her attention. He finally succeeded and she turned to find him on one knee asking her to marry him. “I was in complete shock,” Courtney remembers. “I said ‘yes’ immediately.” Their guide then emerged with two glasses of Champagne so they could celebrate. This was the start of their London mini-break and they now return every year at the same time to mark the occasion. The venue hunt was on. “I saw Carlton Towers online and knew it was the one,” Courtney shares. But, she kept an open mind and waited until they had the chance to go and view it during one of the venue’s wedding fairs. “The exterior alone is enough to blow anyone away,” she continues, “but when we went in and I heard a violinist playing Tale As Old As Time from Beauty and The Beast, my favourite Disney film, I got goosebumps.” This sealed the deal for the bride-to-be. They were looking for a venue with character, history and wow factor – Carlton Towers certainly ticked all the boxes. So, wasting no time, they set the date for 19th September, 2024. Read on as Courtney tells us more... SETTING THE SCENE Fitting the venue, the couple decided on a black tie theme for their big day. The grand centrepieces were tall acrylic vases filled with English rose garden flowers, including ivory roses, hydrangeas and peonies. Tea lights hung from the vases, which were surrounded by candles. Courtney’s sister made the place names for the couple using black envelopes labelled with gold italic writing. “We tried to stick to a black and gold theme to complement Carlton Towers’ interiors,” Courtney explains. So, the favours too were matte black envelopes with guests’ names printed in gold containing a sachet of wildflower seeds each and a scratch card. Loved ones were also gifted a pair of black or white heart-shaped sunglasses with ‘The Beardshalls 19.09.24’ written on the lenses. The table plan was printed on a large gold-framed mirror surrounded by flowers and candles. The couple opted for numbered tables with around six to nine guests seated at each. There was a white aisle runner for the ceremony to draw the eye to the altar but, Courtney says, “The venue speaks for itself, so it didn’t require much more décor.” The white four-tier big-day bake was adorned in gold leaf. “It was made by a lady who has made cakes for all of our family for a few years now, so it was important to us to have her make our wedding cake,” Courtney explains. The showstopper sat in a six-foot gold footman’s carriage cake stand surrounded by flowers. “The chefs at Carlton Towers are amazing! This was another reason we knew the venue was for us.” – Courtney LOOKING THE PART When shopping for her dream dress, the bride found the one at Abbey Bridal. She chose the gown, Kitty, when her daughter was around eight weeks old and confides that she wasn’t feeling her best at the time, but boutique owner Jess made her feel completely at ease. Courtney loved the fact that the champagne, blush and ivory dress was off-the-shoulder and flattering at the waist with oodles of wow factor. She wore it with a hoop underskirt for extra volume and drama, and Jess personalised her gorgeous veil with the couple’s names and wedding date. Garry wore a tailored black tuxedo with shirt and jacket personalised with REAL WEDDINGS 23
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