Nick and Laura met in 2019 but didn’t started dating until November 2020. This was in between lockdowns so most of their dates were spent outdoors; coffee dates and walks at the beach. After dating for nearly 3 years Nick proposed to Laura at Center Parcs in July 2023 and they set the date for November 2024.
“I knew about The Bridal Mill in Botley as I live locally and had heard great reviews so once we set the date I got in touch to book an appointment. Arriving for my appointment, with my Mum and sister, Liz warmly greeted us and had a chat before we started looking which instantly put me at ease. Having booked a weekday appointment we had the shop to ourselves, which made it feel even more special.
To begin with I chose one of each style to try on so I could find what style I liked and my Mum and sister got involved which was a lovely experience for them. After trying on a few dresses it was clear that I liked the ball-gown styles the most. Liz had been listening carefully to me which helped me narrow down my choices and there were two dresses both with things that I loved but still not quite “The One”. She pulled out one more dress for me to try on and as soon as I saw it I loved it! The moment I tried it on I felt so comfortable and I felt like a bride. At this point my Mum, sister and I were all very emotional so we knew it was the one.
After saying yes to the dress, I also returned for an accessory appointment where I chose my two tier, floor length veil. I booked in for alterations with the in store seamstress, Julie, who also altered my bridesmaid dresses. Everyone at The Bridal Mill was helpful, friendly and professional, a brilliant experience from start to finish.
Me and Nick knew that we wanted a barn style wedding but one that was accessible and a convenient location for our families. We only viewed one venue, East Horton Golf Club in Fair Oak and it was perfect with it’s beautiful location, surrounding woodland, a lake and the golf course. It has two converted barns so we still got the feel of a barn wedding. Also an added bonus, we got to go out on a golf buggy as Mr and Mrs before our wedding breakfast.
When it came to wedding professionals we did some research online by looking at venue brochures and seeing what suppliers were recommended and also attended a couple of wedding fayres. Our photographer Hannah, was the first supplier we booked, we had seen her photos on her website and loved her work. A pre-wedding photo shoot was a fun way to get used to being in front of the camera and we used these photos for our table plan and wedding newspaper too.
On the day I was so excited to put my dress on. Thanks to our wonderful hair and makeup artist, Lu, everything ran smoothly and we were ahead of schedule. We had an early ceremony so I knew the morning would fly by but it didn’t feel rushed and we had plenty of time to get ready! My sister was my Maid of Honour and helped me get into my dress and with the final finishing touches so I could have a first look with my mum and dad.
I felt so confident in my dress, I was constantly swishing the skirts (all six of them!) and I love how well it fitted on the bodice style top. I received so many compliments on the dress from our families, everyone loved the detailed beading and the glitter in the skirt, it sparkled every time I moved. It truly was my dream dress.
We have so many amazing memories of the day from the confetti throw (we had bought too much and it went everywhere!), the sparklers for the evening guest arrival and the fun we all had with the photo booth but our outstanding memory of the day was the ceremony. From walking down the aisle with my dad, our siblings all having roles, my mum doing a reading, our parents being witnesses, seeing Nick at the end of the aisle, and saying our vows; it was full of the best special and intimate moments. I had been so nervous about walking into the room full of our guests but as soon as I saw Nick my nerves went away and I was just so excited to marry him.
Credits to suppliers:
We had brilliant suppliers and we’re so thankful to all of them for making our day perfect!
- Photographer: https://www.hannahlucyphotography.co.uk
- Venue: https://www.easthorton.com
- Bridal Dress Shop: https://www.thebridalmill.co.uk
- Bridal dress: https://phoenixgowns.co.uk/
- Suits: Moss Bros
- Bridesmaid dresses: https://mousetrapdressboutique.co.uk
- Florist: https://www.corbinsflorist.co.uk
- HMUA: https://lucybernier.com
- Transport: https://www.dreamdaycampers.co.uk/vwweddings
- DJ: https://www.allpartiesandevents.co.uk
- Photobooth: https://fteventhire.co.uk
- Registrars: @tietheknothampshire
- Wedding Newspapers: https://www.thecraftylab.co.uk
- Confetti: https://www.shropshirepetals.com
- Invitations: https://www.pureinvitation.co.uk
- Place names and reserved seat signs: https://www.moodandbloom.com
- Wedding Signage: RH Creative on Etsy
- Cake: @lynnpearcecakes
