Hold me close

Alex and Dom celebrated their summer wedding at Alveston Manor

Images courtesy of Jeff Land Photography

Alex and Dom met in a bar in their early twenties. They already knew each other through family friends but became close when they started working together. “Dom claimed he had always fancied me,” laughs Alex. “He had a great sense of humour and made me laugh. There was quite a lot of flirting at work and a lot of will we/won’t we get together until he asked me on a proper date, and the rest is history.”

Dom proposed during a trip to Edinburgh. “It was a surprise, although looking back, I think there were a lot of hints, like how interested everyone was in what we were doing and his mum paying for me to get my nails done,” shares the bride. “It was a complete shock, but we couldn’t have been happier.”

Here the bride shares some of her favourite moments from their big day...

Alveston Manor is local to us and is a beautiful venue with lovely gardens and rooms. I liked how much was included and sorted for you. The staff were so accommodating, and Jen couldn’t do enough to help. She made sure everything ran smoothly and nothing was a silly question or too much to ask.

Our centrepieces were gin bottles filled with lights that we placed on round mirrors.

We decorated the space with a flower wall, drapes and love letters. We also hired a light-up dancefloor for the evening, which everyone loved.

We chose a three-tiered cake from Victoria’s Sponge Henley. It was made up of chocolate, lemon and Victoria sponge and was topped with figures of us and our dog, Otto. Our venue provided our three-course dinner with hot dogs and chips in the evening.

We didn’t want a top table as it felt a little old-fashioned for us, so we opted for round tables so everyone could talk easily.

My wedding dress was offthe-shoulder with illusion straps, a sheer, boned bodice and a flared skirt edged in Chantilly lace. I wore an extra-long veil, white sandals and a sparkly hair band. It was perfect, as I wanted a gown that was straight and simple with some lace detailing.

We felt a little nervous on the morning of the wedding, but we enjoyed our day and the staff at Alveston Manor could not have been more accommodating.

Real Weddings

The bridesmaids opted for pastel blue chiffon dresses with a criss-cross neckline.

In the evening, we had a wonderful band called Texan Peacocks perform and a photo booth with funny props, which the guests really enjoyed.

We had to wait 10 mins to start our first dance as we were waiting for Dom’s grandma to join us after changing her outfit. She got a standing ovation when she finally arrived!

The bridesmaids and groomsmen were so helpful and the family speeches were lovely and very touching. Louise Victoria Wedding & Event Hire threw in a neon sign for free saying ‘happily ever after’ which was a nice touch.

ALEX AND DOM’S CONTACTS

Venue and catering, Alveston Manor, www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/alveston-manor | Photographer, Jeff Land Photography, www.jefflandphotography.co.uk | Bride’s dress, WED2B, www.wed2b.com | Dress alterations, Alex Laycock Tailoring Weddings and More, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063319382511 | Groom’s suit, Richard Paul Menswear, www.richardpaulmenswear.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Goddiva, www.goddiva.co.uk | Mother-of-the-bride/groom’s dress, The Wardrobe Shop, www.facebook.com/wardrobewelford

Hair stylist, Hair by Jess, www.facebook.com/people/hair-by-jess/100063712864017 | Make-up artist, Skin Deep Beauty, www.skindeepbeauty.co.uk | Cake, Victoria’s Sponge Henley, www.facebook.com/victoriasspongehenley | Flowers, Heaven Scent Flowers, www.facebook.com/yedkinsflorist | Flower wall and décor, Louise Victoria Wedding & Event Hire, www.lvweddingeventhire.com

Light-up letters, bay trees, love ladder and postbox, Just For You Wedding Hire, www.justforyouweddinghire.co.uk | Band, Texan Peacocks, www.texanpeacocks.co.uk | DJ, Subsonic Disco, www.johnnyandthezephyrs.co.uk/subsonic-disco

WE ONLY COOK WITH PREMIUM

Ingredients

WEDDING BREAKFAST

Westwoods Kitchen is a family run business headed up by chef Lee Westwood.

Westwoods Kitchen is based perfectly to cater for all of the the Midlands and beyond.

Westwoods Kitchen is built on Lee’s principles and uses only local suppliers who provide the finest and freshest ingredients and the best welfare possible. Westwoods Kitchen cater for most dietary requirements which means everyone is catered for. All food is freshly prepared and cooked fresh on the day of service. Westwoods magnificent platters are not only a mouth-watering feast but also a visual delight, and one your guests certainly won’t forget!