Hannah and Stephen were married last year on the 30th May 2015 in St Margaret’s Church, Darenth, before heading to their reception at the Brandshatch Thistle Hotel. A year since they said their “I dos”, in this wedding day interview, Hannah shares her favourite memories of their special day.
Hannah, tell us about you and Stephen
I met Stephen through a mutual friend about 11 years ago at Bluewater Shopping Centre. And as they say, the rest is history!
How did Stephen propose?
Stephen proposed to me on Christmas Day 2011. We had our Christmas dinner at my auntie’s house that year. He stood up in front of all my family members, making a very heart warming speech, before he got down on one knee and proposed! Of course, everyone cried happy tears for us!
Did you have theme for your wedding day?
We didn’t have a theme as such but our colour scheme was baby pink and white, which we carried throughout to tie all the finishing touches together.
Tell us about the search to find your dream dress
Since I was a little girl, I have wanted a princess style dress, so much so that everybody told me that I would end up with something which was the complete opposite of what I had in mind, but they were wrong! I went to two different bridal shops, taking my mum and nan along. When I tried on the first dress at the second shop we all cried so this is how I knew that it was ‘the dress’! I had such an amazing feeling when putting on my dress and I felt like a princess for the day.
Who did you have as your bridesmaids?
I had four bridesmaids; three are Stephen’s sisters and one is my best friend from when we were little. Their dresses were pale pink, strapless with crystals embellishing the front underneath the bust area.
What did you love the most about wedding planning?
I loved everything about it! It was stressful at times but it was all worth it in the end. I loved all the visits to each shop and speaking to all the different people I met along the way.
What 3 top tips would you offer other brides?
- Have exactly what you want. If it’s not what you want don’t do it as you will always regret it later.
- Using sticky labels to help decide your table plan saves a lot of time.
- Always remember to take a small amount of time out of your big day with your groom to appreciate everyone who has turned up for you and how everyone’s hard work has made your day possible.
How did you decide on Marc as your wedding photographer?
We met Marc at the Bluewater wedding fair, and decided to go for an engagement session so we could understand his style of photography more and also because we had never been photographed professionally. He made us feel so at ease and he seemed like such a genuine guy. Stephen doesn’t really like having his photo taken so to have the session for him as well was brilliant. It really helped to relax him leading up to our big day. The shots Marc takes are so natural and lovely and he also likes to do the odd funny one which we thought was brilliant!