How it all began

20th August 2024, the weather was wet, but far from miserable. The wedding of the year was underway.  Emma and Joel had met in November 2019, swiping ‘right’ into each-there lives. Their first date was pizza, drinks and conversation, all on a school night too!!  Clearly Joel said all the right things, as Emma was sold. Fast forward to August 2023, at Emma’s family villa in southern Spain, Joel had done the prep work in asking Emma’s dad for his blessing, and Emma’s brother back from New Zealand, the family would all be together to witness this special moment. However, a tirade of issues needed resolving before Joel could pop the question, ring doorbell footage of Joel showing his friends the ring – deleted, a cut pinky finger on the left hand needing stitches pre holiday, and an out dated passport causing tears only to realise it did in fact have enough months left on it.  We all know that these things make the experience, and will be stories they retell forever.

Bridal Prep

Now back to the day in question, it was an early start for Emma and her bridesmaids. They had spent the previous evening at The Dinney Holiday Cottages in Bridgenorth, the perfect setting for Bridal prep. There was beauty in the chaos, through the mist of hair spray settling across the room the Bridal party were well on their way to being ready, bucks fizz taking the edge off of the nerves.  It was soon time to move over to The Mill Barns, the venue for the wedding reception and where Emma and her Bridal crew would be finalising the prep, and getting into their dresses.

Emma was helped into her dress by her mother, such a special occasion for the two of them, and a moment they will treasure forever. With Emma looking radiant in her dress, it was time for first looks, the weather had radically changed by this point and was glorious sunshine, the sausages Emma and Joel had buried a few nights prior had done the trick. Unfortunately her dad had left his shirt back at Dinney Cottages, and had only 20 minutes to make the 40 minute round trip with roadworks! Luckily he made it in time for first looks. First it was Emma’s Godmother, loving the fact that Emma’s dress had pockets, a big tick on wedding dress design. Emma’s father, now a lot calmer and dressed appropriately, stood in awe at his daughters beauty, such a magical moment for any father.  The bridesmaids all dressed in dusky blue multi-way dresses, looked beautifully classy with their bouquets of ‘baby’s breath’.  They were standing outside, ready for Emma to reveal herself. 7 of Emma’s closest friends and family as bridesmaids stood outside in the sun, opened mouthed, part of the privileged few to see Emma before Joel.

Groom Prep

While Emma hugged and chatted with her family, over in Stourbridge Joel was with his Best Men and Groomsmen, playing video games, and drinking a few beers to help settle the nerves. Camaraderie, jokes and general banter from his best men helped Joel through the morning, and there was not a steak bake in sight. After dressing, and a pretend proposal from the best man, the Grooms Party made their way to the local pub for another beer, and to meet up with his mom, and the guests that are always early to an event. After a few more drinks, for dutch courage of course, it was time to brace the 10 minute walk to the church, the sun was shining, and St Mary’s Church Old Swinford, was the place they were heading, Joel was getting closer to marrying the love of his life.

Ceremony

As everyone settled in the church, Emma arrived in a Triumph Herald with her father, the rest of the bridal party, including her mother and Godmother, pulled up in a white stretched hummer. Met by Reverend Claire at the gate, and the nerves starting to set in, everyone made their way up to the church, ready for the big moment.  Inside the church, as the music started, Joel had tears in his eyes, his best men cracking jokes as the bridesmaids entered one by one. As the music changed, Emma and her father appeared at the top of the aisle.  When she was half way down, Joel was given the nod to turn around and see the woman who was about to become his wife, a vision in white, this love story was straight out of a fairytale.

The ceremony was the right amount of love, faith, and family, all coming together to celebrate Emma and Joel’s love for each other. As Reverend Claire pronounced them husband and wife, the congregation cheered as they had their firs kiss as a married couple. Following the service all the guests headed outside, led by the wedding party, and formed 2 lines, while the Groomsmen handed out confetti ready for Emma and Joel.

The sun was shining and was perfect for the confetti throw, as Emma and Joel moved through their family and friends, they were covered with confetti and love.

Reception

As all the guests made their way to the reception venue, Emma and Joel made the most of some time alone after all the excitement and nerves of the morning settled. They wondered around the grounds of the church together, hand in hand, enjoying the afternoon sun, and just being in each others company.  Eventually it was time to head over to The Mill Barns, Alveley, Bridgnorth, and this was done in style, the Triumph Herald with the top down and a glass of fizz each, they were driven off to greet their awaiting guests.

Emma and Joel entered their cocktail hour to greet their family and friends, to cheers, and more congratulations and hugs. They milled around with smiles on their faces, enjoying talking to everyone.  Before long it was time for their entrance to dinner, all the guests were seated and enjoying the company of who was on their table.  Then the announcement came for the entrance of “Mr and Mrs Edgar”, with that everyone was waving their napkins, and Emma and Joel danced their way around the tables to the music and cheering.

Once everyone had settled and returned to their seats, it was time for the speeches.  First up was Del – maid of honour. She spoke of love and friendship for Emma, from the moment they met she knew they would be life long friends.  Emma’s Father was next, he chose to start with Emma’s conception and birth, luckily he also filled us in on how proud he is of her, and how lovely Joel is too, and also tell us his version of Joel asking for his blessing to marry Emma. Then it was time for the Best men Adam and Nick, they had a few things to say about Joel and the stag do (and Joels mom….we’ll say no more). Armed with a selection of embarrassing photographs, they were guaranteed to fulfil their expectations of getting a good laugh. Finally, leaving the best till last, Joel took to the stage. Being the natural showman that he is this speech deserves an Oscar. Having warmed the audience (STEAK BAKE!), he retold the story of asking permission for Nigel and Angela’s daughters hand in marriage, heartwarmingly thanked his mom Nicky and family for the many years of support before making everyone cry (including us) as he spoke of his love for Emma that is nothing short of profound. 

As the evening guests arrive, and everyone starts to move over to the edge of the dance floor, Emma and Joel are trusted with a knife to cut the cake. Like a well oiled machine, they managed to complete their first task as a married couple, mainly because Emma was in charge! After a quick taste test, it was time for the first dance. As “Can’t help falling in love” started to play and Joel swirled Emma around the floor, all the practice had paid off, and they glided around the dance floor like the Prince and Princess of their very own Disney movie.  Joel even managed a dip and a lift without dropping Emma.

As the sun began to set, the guests were ready to hit the floor.  The liquor was flowing and tunes were banging, everyone was throwing shapes on the dance floor. Everyone had come together to create a memorable wedding day.  It was the first chapter of Emma and Joel’s beautiful life together, a day that was filled with love, laughter, and a celebration they will remember forever!

If you think we would be the right fit for your wedding day then please get in contact, we can not wait to hear about your special day.