STEP INTO SPRING

Rebecca and Huw had a seasonal wedding at Sandon Hall

Images courtesy of Emily Robinson Photography

Rebecca and Huw met during their first year of university. “On our first night out, I tried to buy Huw a drink and was very disappointed to find that he only wanted a Coke,” says Rebecca. “Needless to say, things went well and we’ve remained joined at the hip ever since. We were surprised to find that our families only lived 20 miles from each other and we had friends in common despite having never met! Huw’s sense of humour and charm had me hooked from the get-go. He very quickly became my best friend – he was always there when I needed him, he made me feel safe and he could always be relied upon to make me smile, even when I didn’t feel like it.”

Huw asked Rebecca to be his wife during a trip to Swansea. “Huw asked if I fancied going away to York for a romantic weekend away,” shares the bride. “Annoyingly for Huw, who had a whole plan in his head about where we would go and how it would happen, I said that I didn’t feel like going to York and that I wanted to go to the beach. Huw then whisked me away to the Gower in Swansea – a special place for the two of us as it was where Huw’s family spent a lot of their time and where we had spent a weekend away five years prior. I thought that it was strange that Huw suggested taking badminton rackets and a rucksack down to the beach, which was unheard of as I’m the designated activity planner and bagcarrier in the relationship. I was non-the-wiser and counted my lucky stars that I could wander freely across the beach while Huw hid the ring inside the rucksack. It was there on the beach that Huw got down on one knee and asked the all-important question. After a lot of crying, I said yes!”

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

Sandon Hall was absolutely glorious! We had seen it over Zoom ,and when we were able to go see it in person, the weather was perfect and the venue just shone. From the beautiful historical features to the gorgeous grounds and the wonderfully helpful staff, we were absolutely blown away.

Our centrepieces were glass vases filled with fresh flowers and numerous tealights. These were carefully placed around 19th century books that we purchased from a range of charity shops. I have a love and respect for reading and liked that we incorporated a little nod to this in the day.

Dean Sharpe’s Floral Studio provided our flowers. We wanted lots of fresh colours to symbolise the start of spring. We had alstroemeria, calla lillies, eustoma, gypsophila, lathyrus, delphiniums and stock. All of these were cream, lilac and sage. We also had lots of lovely eucalyptus and asparagus fern as foliage on the tables and down the staircase. We wanted the whole theme to feel fresh and spring-like. The small personal touches were incredibly important to us as we wanted to give a nod to our local suppliers and guests.

My mum helped handmake the favours. They were personalised wine-glass charms with our guests’ initials engraved into them. My mum runs the most amazing eco-printing business, where she uses leaves and foliage to create gorgeous prints. She designed our invitations and order-of-service using flowers that belonged to my grandma, so it was personal and special to us.

Emma’s Cake Design provided the most amazing cake. It was elegantly iced with an initialled middle tier. The flavours were red velvet, vanilla sponge and strawberry and prosecco.

We felt incredibly excited on the morning of the wedding and I couldn’t wait to finally marry my best friend. Our favourite part was saying our vows to one another in the church. We also loved coming down the staircase in a shower of bubbles. To keep our guests entertained, we had a wonderful band called the Jukebox Jets. They played 50s and 60s rock and roll and they had all of our guests dancing. For our reception, we created a playlist of our favourite love songs from the last 10 years.

We placed disposable cameras on each table. My mum also carefully placed some letters onto glass beads to create an anagram game for in-between the courses. A few packs were placed on each table and people were tasked with trying to unscramble the letters to create the word.

Huw chose navy blue tails with a silver waistcoat and a lilac cravat from Swarbricks.

Laura at Sandon Hall was an amazing support on our wedding day and throughout the planning process. She ensured that everything ran smoothly and nothing was too much trouble. I’d go back just to spend time with her because she was fab! Emily Robinson Photography and Bowness Film were so professional and we felt like we were models on a shoot – not the awkward couple that doesn’t enjoy having their photos taken.

For our honeymoon, we went to the Maldives for 10 days and it was absolute perfection. We stayed in a water villa overlooking the ocean and got to look out at the crystal clear waters each morning. Who would draw the curtains in a place like that? We snorkelled, kayaked and sunbathed, drank piña coladas and watched the sunset on the beach every night. Our best piece of advice for any couple about to tie the knot is to write a list of things for your bridesmaids and groomsmen to do. They would appreciate a heads up so that they’re prepared. Also, come up with a list of all of the people that you would like to have photographs with so your photographer is ready. Give this list to your maid-ofhonour/sibling so that they can help fetch people.

REBECCA AND HUW’S CONTACTS Venue, Sandon Hall, www.sandonhall.co.uk | Photographer, Emily Robinson Photography, www.emilyrobinsonphotography.co.uk Videographer, Bowness Film, www.facebook.com/bownessfilm | Bride’s and bridesmaids’ dresses, David’s Bridal, www.davidsbridal.co.uk | Dress alterations, The Humblebee Dressmaking, www.instagram.com/thehumblebeedressmaking | Groom’s suit, Swarbricks, www.swarbricks.co.uk | Hair stylist, Mitchell Simpkin - Hair, www.facebook.com/mitchellsimpkinhair92 | Make-up artist, Helen Willis Make Up, www.facebook.com/helenwillismakeup | Cake, Emma’s Cake Design, www.emmascakedesign.com | Flowers, Dean Sharpe’s Floral Studio, www.deansharpesfloralstudio.co.uk | Stationery, Maggie Lesley, www.instagram.com/maggielesley_designs and The Benhill Press Ltd, 01889 583 240 | Catering, Vanilla In Allseasons, www.vanillainallseasons.co.uk | Entertainment, Jukebox Jets, www.jukeboxjets.com