The rest is history

Posted by Rachel Westall on 31 July 2023

Both working at Norfolk Museums Service, romance blossomed amongst the paintings, taxidermy and archaeological artefacts of their surroundings.

David proposed to Alison on a remote beach in North Wales whilst on holiday. The fantastical village of Portmeirion formed the backdrop to the proposal on the deserted beach.

Happy couple Looking back – all the holiday pictures before the proposal David had one hand in his pocket – clutching the precious emerald and diamond engagement ring, just waiting for the perfect moment to pop the question.

It was a surprise to Alison – although, being a traditionalist David did of course seek permission to marry Alison from her parents first.

On 14th April 2022, they became Dr and Mrs Waterhouse in a quirky, stylish affair at the Talbooth restaurant in Dedham.

Here the happy couple share some of their favourite moments from their big day...

Alison's parents regularly attend St John the Baptist Church in Great Clacton. It's over 900 years old, with a lot of history – something that attracted the history-loving couple!

The reception was chosen because of the excellent food!

Talbooth Restaurant is in beautiful Constable Country and to cap it off , it's right on the river which meant couple could arrive to meet guests by boat. It was absolutely perfect.

Favours were miniature Welsh love spoons (David is Welsh), Fortnum & Mason 'Wedding Breakfast' teabags (their favourite store) and forget-me- not seed packets (for the loved-ones who were absent from the day – including David's wonderful father Ronald).

Carrying on with the fossil theme, but also bringing in the Essex and Glamorgan county crests, English rose and Welsh daffodil – the table plan was designed and illustrated by David.

The flowers had a vintage look with plenty of green foliage. Forget-me-nots were also incorporated for absent loved ones, but also because after Alison and David returned home after getting engaged, their front garden was awash with forget-me-nots in full bloom.

Bouquet The bride's bouquet included special family touches – an anchor charm (something borrowed from the Maid of Honour), attached to the binding in memory of the bride's grandfather, and pearls wired in amongst the flowers. These pearls were the spares from her grandmother's pearl necklace that she wore on her wedding day.

The cake was made by Alison and stacked the morning of the wedding! It was white chocolate and passion fruit with edible goldleaf with flowers provided by Butterfly Flowers of St Osyth.

Following the church service, the bride and groom surprised their guests by arriving at the reception venue by boat which was provided by the River Stour Trust.

The table names were all named after dinosaurs which mean something to David (he is the only British person ever to have been on a Tyrannosaurus rex excavation!).

The wedding breakfast included guinea fowl and spiced stuffed aubergine, and evening food included a variety of hot and cold small dishes.

Bride's dress The bride wore an A-line gown by Victor ia Jane from La Belle Angèle Bridalwear, with an illusion neckline and lace and beading to the bodice.

The shoes included lace and green stones to match the detailing of the dress and jewellery. The heels included pressed dried forget-me-nots and a key feature was small pieces of real crocheted wool and miniature crochet hooks to reflect Alison's love of crafting and the wedding centrepieces.

David wore a traditional morning suit with black silk polished top hat, dove grey waistcoat, dove grey gloves, double pocket-watch chain and silver paisley silk tie (with pearl tie pin). At David's parents' '70s wedding, the groom and groomsmen wore paisley silk ties and the tie was a nod towards this.

The bridesmaids wore fresh sea-green full-length dresses with a similar floaty-style to the bride's gown.

The groomsmen all wore traditional morning suits, black tailcoat and grey striped trousers.

"Everything came together to make a perfect day. All of the speeches were special and reflected the people we love the most and all that we've shared together."

Evening entertainment came with the DJs – Fox and Braces. Guests were able to make requests for a favourite song with their RSVP so the evening included a whole mix of music that everyone enjoyed.