Real bride interview - Sarah & Ben's countryside wedding

We have a lovely wedding to share with you today of our real bride, Sarah, who said 'I do!' in the countryside with breathtaking views in Derbyshire. The bride wore a brand new dress called Gloria and the bridesmaids wore Two Birds bridesmaids. Simply lovely!

The details;

 Bride’s name: Sarah

Groom’s name: Ben

Date of wedding: 30th August 2015

Venue:  Losehill House and Spa, Derbyshire

Bride’s dress: Sabina Motasem ‘Gloria’

Groom’s suit:  Suit Supply, New York

Shoes:  LK Bennett

Accessories:  Tiffany Earrings (Though I forgot to wear them!!)

Bridesmaids: Two Birds Bridesmaid

Make up artist: Janaina Cameron Makeup Artist

Photographer: Jon Dennis S6 Photography

Flowers: My Mum!

Cake: My Mum!

The background;

How did you and your husband meet?

We met through friends in London, but 8 months into our relationship, I moved to NY with work, so we were doing long distance…Ben would visit every couple of months or I would go back home…it was tough but after one year he moved over with his job too and joined me in New York!

What’s your engagement story?

We were on holiday in Florida and it had rained NON STOP! We had argued about where to go to dinner that night – Ben had insisted we go to the restaurant that had views over the beach….I thought it was a waste of time as it was cloudy and we wouldn’t see anything. Little did I know he had planned the whole evening…we were the only ones in the restaurant and when he asked me I cried all evening I was so happy….though the waiters were worried I was upset at being engaged because I couldn’t stop crying!!!

Where is your engagement ring from? Did your husband choose it himself?

It’s from Hatton Garden, and yes he chose it all by himself. I wouldn’t change a thing I love it.

The planning;

How long did you have to plan your wedding and was it enough time?

We were actually engaged for over two years before we got married, mainly because we live in New York and wanted to get married back home in England. It was plenty of time to plan….though I didn’t really start planning til the last 8 months!

Why did you choose your dress? Which dress did you wear?

I always loved Sabina’s collection – elegant and classic and not big and frilly!! I knew I would want one of her dresses to walk down the aisle in - understated elegance.

Why did you choose your venue? Where did you get married?

I struggled to find a venue for a long while. I wanted to get married in Yorkshire/Derbyshire near where I grew up but there weren’t a ton of places I loved when I visited them. My parents went to Losehill House one day…deep in the Derbyshire country side and the views were breathtaking….and I loved the idea that you rented the whole place out and it become just yours and your guests til midday the next day. It was so special!

The memories;

What was your first dance song?

Christopher Cross ‘Arthur’s Theme’ – I love that song and the lyrics are very special to us living in New York.

How did you feel in your dress?

Fantastic. It was just right for me – I was worried about wearing something too glitzy and over the top – it just felt right when I put it on.

How did you feel just before you walked down the aisle?

It’s funny because I went from very nervous in the car, to very relaxed moments before I walked down the aisle.

How many bridesmaids did you have? Where did you buy your bridesmaids dresses from?

I had four bridesmaids….and they all looked so beautiful. The dresses were from Two Birds in Covent Garden…as soon as they tried them on I knew we were going to get them!

What was your colour scheme or theme?

There wasn’t really a theme but living in NY I actually really wanted an English style wedding because I miss it so much! So I chose a lot of creams for the flowers, with subtle pinks and a touch of green on the menus and order of services etc. The venue had amazing light so I didn’t want the flowers in the venue overpowering anything….they were very subtle.

What was the best moment of your wedding day?

All of it! I loved standing in the Chapel looking out at the guests and knowing everyone I loved and cared about were all there with us. I also loved the moment outside the Chapel when we walked through the middle of all our guests as they threw confetti everywhere!

What was the funniest thing that happened on the day?

When my dad started his speech….and pulled out my diary from when I was 13. I was mortified! But he had everyone laughing and luckily he only read the snippets that weren’t TOO bad!!

Advice;

What’s your best tip for dressing for the big day you’d like to share with other brides?

I think you need to try on all different styles of dresses – that’s the fun bit – but you also have to remember what kind of a person you are and don’t throw your normal style out of the window for one day. The best dresses are those that say something about you and that make you feel fantastic and comfortable in your own skin.

What advice would you give to other bride’s planning their wedding?

Enjoy it and don’t worry. Get the basics right – the guests you love, a venue you warm to immediately, good food….and the rest will come. Don’t let it change you! 

Did you discover any amazing suppliers that you’d like other bride’s to know about?

My photographer was amazing….Jon Dennis. Made me feel so comfortable the whole time and the pictures were just fantastic.

My friend Jason who designed all of the invites, order of services and menus….he’s a designer in NY and whilst he did the wedding stuff for us a present, they looked beautiful!

Don’t under estimate the talents of your own family and friends too….my mum did all the flowers – for the bridal party, the chapel and the venue. And I loved the personal touch it added.

Looking back, is there anything you’d change? Is there anything you wish you knew before you started planning your wedding?

Not a thing. I just wish I wasn’t so nervous in the morning!

What was the most stressful thing about planning your wedding?

Being in another country….and having to trust people – like the band and the venue. But you have to remember these guys are professionals and they are there to be trusted!!

Finally;

What 3 words would you use to describe your wedding day?

Special, personal, perfect.

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