The theme for Samantha and Stuart's wedding was pink and white flowers with butterflies.
How and When did it all Happen
Stuart took Samantha to Disneyland Paris for their 5 year anniversary. Samantha had always wanted to go and as a child her wish was to live in Cinderella’s castle.
When we arrived, I could not believe my eyes, and when I saw the castle I went back to being 5 years old. Stuart and I went on all the rides and had such a perfect day. As the evening came to a close, the pink castle was all lit up and looked beautiful. We were standing outside the castle watching the show with all the Disney characters in. Stuart was behind me and whispered in my ear, ‘How has your day been so far?’ As I turned around, Stuart was on one knee and said ‘Samantha, you are my best friend, will you marry me?’ I cried instantly, people were clapping. I was so shocked, Stuart was still on one knee and had to ask me again before I said yes. It was so magical and such a surprise.
The Wedding and Reception Venue
Stuart and Samantha looked at several venues before coming across Gaynes Park.
As soon as we drove up the drive, I said this is it. When walking around I could picture the wedding of my dreams, there was nothing I didn’t like, I couldn’t find one fault in the venue. It’s like a blank canvas that you can do anything with, that’s why we loved it so much.
They booked Gaynes Park 18 months in advance. They chose Sunday 6th June because it was Samantha’s Nan’s birthday and she is a very important part of Samantha’s life and it felt right for them to celebrate with her special day.
“When walking around I could picture the wedding of my dreams, there was nothing I didn’t like, I couldn’t find one fault in the venue.”
Bridesmaids
Samantha had five bridesmaids and wanted to put them in something they would feel great in and could wear again. She found some cute pink dresses on Very.co.uk and the girls loved them.
Samantha’s whole relationship with Stuart had been like a fairy tale and that’s the kind of dress she chose. It’s beautiful, very full, strapless with crystals. Samantha wore a full-length veil that had crystals on and shoes from Faith. Her Mum bought her a necklace from a vintage shop she found and Samantha also wore a blue garter from her Auntie, which her Mum gave her, on her wedding day.
Samantha wanted pink and white flowers.
In the end I decided on peonies as they are big and made my bouquet look full and they smelt great. I also had butterflies attached to my bouquet. My bridesmaids had white and pink roses that went really well with their dresses.
The room had a top table of 10 with a fish bowl standing on glass and filled with peonies and candles all the way along the front. On the other tables they alternated the colours with some tables having pink peonies, pink cameras and pink butterfly place cards, while the others had white peonies, white cameras and white butterfly place cards. Samantha loves fairy lights and had them everywhere she possibly could.
Stuart is a West Ham fan, so for favours they gave white bags containing bubbles and pink chocolate balls.
The Cake
Their cake was outstanding. Samantha had a picture of what she wanted in her head and the cake maker recreated it. It was very detailed with four tiers decorated with flowers and butterflies.
The best part of the day was saying my vows. Stuart and I wrote our own vows. It was so special to us for our day to be personal and to celebrate our love for one another. Everyone cried, it was such an emotional day.
Wedding Planning Tip
We agreed to have half an hour on our own in the cottage before the meal, to take in what had happened. It was such a special moment being on our own as a married couple. I would share this advice with everyone.
Samantha and Stuart honeymooned in Negril in Jamaica at the Riu Palace Tropical Bay.
Jamaica is a lovely place, it’s the best beach I have ever seen, if you would like a beach holiday, I would recommend here. We got upgraded and had a jacuzzi in our room and a massive four poster bed. We chose this hotel because our friends got married there a few years ago and recommended it to us.
