A NYE Engagement
Becky & Josh just celebrated their 1st wedding anniversary and so we wanted to help them reminisce on their special day by sharing it with our readers. So in their own words let's read all about it!
When did you get engaged? – New years eve 2019 before the big C hit!
Tell us about the proposal? – Ah it was Magical! I had booked a trip to Disneyland Paris for NYE and little did I know after this Josh started preparing his own surprise. I am Disney obsessed (and josh secretly loves it too) He waited until the midnight fireworks and countdown to start and then he got down on 1 knee outside the castle in front of thousands to propose. It was more than I could have dreamed of especially after being together for 9 years. My horse however broke my ring finger on boxing day so when he proposed I had to quickly rip the strapping off that was helping it. I now know why my mum told me to take it off before we went.
Tell us about the Bridal party? – We had a mix of school friends and family, My bridesmaids were made up of friends I have for the last 15 years, Josh's younger sister and my maid of honour being my best friend who I spend most of my time with. We also had our niece and nephew be a flower girl and page boy. We weren’t sure if they would walk down the Aisle together on the day being younger but they did and it was beautiful.
What made you choose the venue and theme? – The venue was local to us which was a big plus and they allowed dogs which was amazing as our springer spaniel Lilly was the ring bearer. The venue also had a golf course which meant Josh got to play the day before which was nice so I could organise and prepare with my bridal team. The theme was old romantic with a hint of Disney. At the Disney parks there are hidden mickeys everywhere and you must look hard for them so I wanted to have this on the wedding as I appreciate not everyone loves Disney as much as I do. We had small hidden mickeys in most of the venue which the guest loved and said it was a brilliant touch to the day, for example I have mickey crystals in my bouquet and in Josh's button holes. There was a mickey and Minnie hiding on the back of the cake.
Favourite part of planning – I love organising so I loved most of it really, and seeing everything come together the closer to the day we got.
Hardest part of planning – COVID! and booking a registrar, No one tells you about the registrar part I don’t think and because of Covid we booked our venue in Feb 2020 and then the world shut down before I could book them, By the time they opened up again they had no slots left on our date and told us we had to change the date or have a celebrant and a legal wedding separately. I was devastated. We ended up getting married in secret in June and then had our wedding in September. Our celebrant sylvia however made the ceremony the most perfect and special part of the day for us again incorporating Disney along with our gospel choir. I wouldn’t have done it any differently if I had the chance again.
Brides favourite moment of the day? – Walking down the aisle to Josh and celebrating with all our loved ones and feeling so special and thankful we had everyone together. I remember when we cut the cake on top of the stairs we looked down and just said WOW all these people are here to celebrate us and our love.
Grooms favourite moment of the day? – Seeing Becky walk down the aisle and opening my gift from her on the wedding morning as I knew it was something special.
Tips for future couples? – Remember the day is for you and your love. Spend as much time together and don’t stress the small stuff. For brides make sure you allow plenty of time in the morning for getting ready so it is as least stressful as possible.
Anything either of you would do differently? – No our day was perfect and captured us and our relationship before marriage perfectly.
Tell us about your Honeymoon? – We had a minimoon straight after in Stella island in Greece for 4 days which was beautiful and the right amount of time to unwind and spend together. The main honeymoon was at sandals royal in Barbados which was beautiful! we did 10 days and it was a dream.
Supplier Credits:
Venue – The Warren Estate, Maldon, Essex - https://www.thewarrenestate.co.uk
Photographer - Natalie Lucy – www.natalielucy.com
Hair – Wedding hair boutique (Anna Rose) - http://www.weddinghairboutique.co.uk
Make up – Make up by Faye Neil and assistant - https://www.makeupbyfayeneill.co.uk
Florist – Heavenly petals – Edi - https://www.heavenlypetals.co.uk
The dress – Essence of Australia - https://theweddingshop.uk
Grooms suits – Anthony formal wear Billericay - https://www.anthonyformalwear.co.uk
Bridesmaid Dresses - Rose Gold Glitz, Lá Closet Dé Chánel