YOUR NAMES:
Naomi and Andrew
WHAT DATE DID YOU GET MARRIED?
08th October 2016
WHERE DID YOU GET MARRIED?
Normanton Church, Rutland
HOW DID YOU MEET?
We met in our final year at Birmingham University, December 2012. We had both gone on a University skiing trip to Val Thorens, with 500 other students! We met at the standard pre-drinks, both dressed as dalmations. We bumped into each other nearly every night after this, both in an array of fancy dress, including a chav (Naomi) and an angel (Andrew).
We kept in contact over the Christmas break and then met up again in January and here we are.
WHERE DID YOU GO ON YOUR FIRST DATE? HOW DID IT GO!?
Andrew planned it. He took me to the Sealife Centre in Birmingham and then out for dinner and drinks. Naomi thought this was very original, until someone told her this was a standard date of students in Birmingham.
WHERE, HOW AND AFTER HOW LONG DID HE/SHE PROPOSE?
Andrew moved to Aberdeen after University and Naomi followed a year later. After a year of living together, Andrew suggested going to look at some rings. One was chosen, but Andrew spent the next month pretending like nothing had happened, while Naomi was expecting a proposal at any moment.
Then, one evening (September 2015), there was a beautiful sunset, so we headed to he beach for a walk. Andrew waited for a quiet spot and then told Naomi he had a question to ask her. He asked if needed to get on one knee, as I knew what was coming, to which I responded he bloody well did, as I had been waiting a month or more for this – I wanted it done properly!
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING VENUE?
We had decided we wanted to get married in England, as it was closer to all of our friends and family. Naomi’s parents were in Hinckley and Andrew’s neaar Ipswich, so we wanted somewhere in between.
Naomi found Normanton Church while browsing the general midlands area. On a visit home, we went to see it and she just knew it had to be there.
Andrew actually went to choose the reception venue by himself. Due to ill health, Naomi was having a stay in hospital, so Andrew set off to Rutland to look at all the venues himself. Andrew did have a list of places to check out, courtesy of Naomi, but the White Horse Pub was chosen without Naomi setting eyes on it.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENT OR MEMORY OF YOUR WEDDING DAY?
Both of us loved the moment when we both saw each other. Due to the the lateness of the wedding, we had decided to do photos beforehand, so we decided on a ‘reveal’. Walking towards Andrew was so exciting – he looked so handsome and Andrew can still remember seeing Naomi for the first time in her dress. Having that moment private made it really special. It also meant that I (Naomi) got to greet all my guests as they arrived, which isn’t something a bride normally gets to do, but I loved it.
WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE TO NEWLY ENGAGED COUPLES?
Keep it simple – don’t feel you have to everything, just because someone or some magazine tells you to. It will cost a lot, people often won’t notice and to be honest, you may not either.
The day will pass in a blur and the main thing is that you have the people that you love around you.
HOW DID I DO AND HOW WERE YOUR IMAGES?
Darren was fantastic. All our guests commented on how friendly and chatty he was. One of my (Naomi’s) favourite memories is seeing my 3 year old niece sitting down to have Darren put her shoes on for her – I think that really sums up how at ease he made everyone feel and much a part of the day he was.
Over a year later, I still look at the photos regularly. He has captured moments beautifully, including many moments that I had no idea he was anywhere near by. I just love them, – they bring back the feelings and memories of the day perfectly.
OTHER SUPPLIERS THAT DESERVE A SHOUT OUT?
Moat Farm Flowers – http://moatfarmflowers.com/
I cannot tell you how happy I was with my flowers. They arrived in my parent-in-laws boot and I almost cried when I saw them. The bouquets were exactly what I had wanted – Frances completey understood what I wanted. She also provided buckets full of flowers that we used to make up the jars on the tables.
Wedding cars – https://www.rutlandweddingcars.com/ – Clive was brilliant, both in the run up and on the day. So relaxed and great fun.
Charis Gibson – The Styling Chair – https://www.thestylingchair.co.uk/ – hair
The White Horse – www.whitehorserutland.co.uk/ – Reception venue
Bridal Reloved, Coventry – http://bridalreloved.co.uk/ = The Dress
My wonderful and very talented friend, Pippa, who did my makeup, as well as the 3 bridesmaids, mother of the bride and even some of the guests!
