A Real Wedding | Mrs & Mrs Manji
This is a special one for me as I was actually bridesmaid!! My best friend married her best friend and the day was filled with so much love. A stunning church ceremony followed by a reception of dreams at the beautiful Apton Hall, the day really couldn’t have been more perfect! So, in their own words, let’s hear all about it!
Wedding Date: 18th November 2023
Tell us about your engagement?
We got engaged in October 2015. We had a baby girl in April 2014 and my mum lived in Cyprus at the time. We were back and fourth a couple of times a year staying with her. One of our visits he arranged for my mum to have our little girl for 4 days so we could go and have a “break” in a hotel down the road. One evening, we went out for dinner in a beautiful restaurant near by, and when the food came out he got down on one knee and the waiter had the ring in with the food presentation that he bought out to the table!
Tell us about your bridal party?
Personally I could’ve had a lot more bridesmaids than I did as I am very fortunate to have a big family and a lot of close friends, but you have to stop somewhere right? I had 5 bridesmaids in the end, 3 of which are my bestest friends and have been in my life for 30 years, and then my sister in law who I couldn’t do life without, and lastly, Michelle who I met in secondary school and have been inseparable from since.
Tell us about your venue?
Our ceremony was at our local church and then onto Apton Hall for the reception. Originally we were having everything at Apton Hall, but after going to a few different weddings and going to visit our church we decided church was a must. As soon as we walked in we both got a feeling!
Did you have a theme?
Our theme was black tie. All guests to wear black also. I was nervous on how it was going to look and everyone was telling me ‘Are you sure?’ and ‘What if it looks like a funeral?’, but I am so glad I stuck with it, everyone looked beautiful in black and it looked so classy. My favourite part of planning was probably the entertainment, I just wanted to make sure our guests had the best time and we knew with the right people and right entertainment we could make it happen.
What was the hardest part of wedding planning?
The hardest part I found was the table plan, you’re constantly thinking does that person know that person? Do these people get on? Have they spoken before? I just wanted to make sure everyone was happy with their seating.
Bride’s favourite moment of the day?
My favourite moment of the day was my Bride and Father reveal, and seeing my future husband standing at the end of the aisle.
Groom’s favourite moment?
My favourite moment was turning around to see Faith standing there ready to walk down the aisle.
Your tips for future couples?
My advice for future couples would be don’t try and please everyone, do what you want to do as it’s your special day. Enjoy every moment it all goes so quick.
Anything either of you would do differently?
We personally wouldn’t change anything about our wedding, everything went perfectly.
Tell us about your honeymoon plans?
We went to the Maldives for our honeymoon. I have 4 children so getting time away together is non existent so when mum offered to have the children so we could go away I took full advantage! It was a week of bliss.
Supplier Credits:
Bridesmaid’s dresses - Lá Closet Dé Chánel
Venue - Apton Hall
Photographer - Matt Wing Photo
Creative content - Be Inspired Media
Hair - Carly Williams Hair
Make up - JLR Makeup Artist
Toastmaster - JD Toast Master
Entertainment - Tony Roberts
Magician - Nick Crown Magic
Wedding Cars - MTB Luxury Travel
Florist - Francesca’s Flowers
Candy Floss Machine - Megan Buxton Events
Breakfast Grazing Boxes - Creative Catering Essex