| |
|
|
Chantele, a journalist, and Jonathan, a bar manager, both 24 from Neath, are childhood sweethearts who married on 8th May 2010 after being together for five years. They had a black and white wedding with an art deco theme. To save money and add a personal touch, they decided to DIY as much of the wedding as they could. Here's their story.
I DO (IT YOURSELF)
The Proposal
Having known each other through
comprehensive school at Dwr-Y-Felin,
Chantele and Jonathan finally started
dating when they were 17 and studying
at Neath Port Talbot College. "I think we knew we were meant to be together very early on in our relationship, so getting engaged after only ten months together wasn't a big surprise," says Chantele.
Jon proposed whilst the pair were in Kentucky, USA, for a family wedding. "It happened in the National Park in Florence, Cincinnati, in the snow, in front of a giant stone turtle!" laughs Chantele. "It was a surprise when it happened, even though I knew Jon intended to propose whilst we were in America as we had both discussed it with my parents before we left."
The couple used Chantele's grandmother's engagement ring, as Chantele had inherited it and had always wanted it to be her own engagement ring one day.
The Planning
"We both wanted to wait until we had finished university before planning our wedding," says Jon. "If I'm honest, I didn't really plan much of our wedding, Chantele and her mum Julie organised 99% of it themselves with my occasional nod of approval." Chantele, like most women, knew what she wanted her wedding day to be like. "I'm a little different, so my wedding day had to be a little bit different too, and I was very specific with what I wanted. Once mum and I started planning, we realised we could make a lot of things ourselves, and that way I could get exactly what I wanted while adding my own personal touch."
I had always wanted a black and white wedding with a vintage feel and the art deco era lent itself very well to that. Luckily mum and I are both quite creative so we were able to make all the stationery, table centres and the bridesmaids' jewellery and hair pieces using materials bought on eBay. I also designed all the dresses with the help of Julie Mayers, and mum and I designed the wedding cake which was made by Janet Saith."
Jon says the hardest thing to choose was the photographer. "We must have looked through 200 websites of local photographers before we finally made the decision to book Mark Button, and we are so glad that we did because the photos turned out really well. Just what we wanted."
The Wedding
They both say the day went perfectly. "Not one hitch really," said Chantele. "I was told I was the calmest bride the photographer or vicar had ever seen. But I am generally a very laid-back person. Jon was a little nervous during the ceremony and before his speech but that was more to do with having to talk in front of everyone."
Mid-day entertainment was provided by singer songwriter Rob Cross, while the evening guests were entertained by The Mojo's soul and blues band.
"We decided upon Tom Jones' 'We Got Love' as our first dance," explains Chantele. "The song didn't have any significant meaning itself but I love his music and Jon likes a bit of Tom too, and we finally picked this song as the lyrics were perfect. It was a totally perfect day. Everyone we loved was there and it was exactly how I dreamed it would be."
The Honeymoon
"We don't really like the heat too much, or beaches, or clubbing, so that cancelled out a lot of places, and we really wanted to go somewhere different," says Jon.
"We wanted to experience a totally new culture and go somewhere you aren't likely to go on a normal holiday so I suggested China," says Chantele. "Luckily Jon agreed and we started looking for the best deal."
They eventually booked a tour with Wendy Wu Tours, www.wendywutours.co.uk and spent a month travelling central and northern China. "We waited until November to go away, as the weather would be cooler and it was out of peak season so we would avoid any crowds and queues," says Jon. "Although we were on a group tour, we still got to spend plenty of time alone, and we had the most amazing trip. It has given us a bit of the travel bug and we already have a list of places in mind."
GET THE LOOK
Chantele and Jon's wedding shopping list
■ CHURCH - St Matthews Church, Longford, Neath.
01792 814237.
■ RECEPTION - The Glyn Clydach Hotel, Longford. 01792 818411 www.glynclydach.co.uk.
■ DRESSES - Made by Julie Mayers of Silk Designer Dresses, Skewen. 01792 414432 www.silkdesignerdresses.co.uk.
■ BRIDE'S HAIR PIECE - Louis Mariette. 02077 303050 www.louismariette.co.uk.
■ BRIDE'S SHOES - Office.
■ NECKLACE - Vintage via Blind Lemon Vintage Fair www.blindlemonvintage.co.uk.
■ BRIDESMAIDS' JEWELLERY AND HAIR PIECES Handmade by Chantele and her mum.
■ BRIDESMAIDS' SHOES - Ebay.
■ HAIR AND MAKE-UP - Panache, Skewen. 07824 849569.
■ MEN'S SUITS - Dyfed Menswear. 02920 027445 www.dyfedmenswear.co.uk.
■ WEDDING CAKE - Janet Saith at Designer Cakes by Janet, Bryncoch 01639 646386. www.designercakesbyjanet.co.uk.
■ INVITATIONS, STATIONERY AND TABLE CENTRES - Handmade by Chantele and her Mum using eBay items.
■ BOQUETS - Blodau, Skewen. www.blodau.co.uk 01792 817440. ■ CHURCH AND RECEPTION FLOWERS - From Tesco, arranged by Chantele's Godmother Elaine Johnston.
■ CHAIR COVERS AND TABLE CLOTHES - RSVP Coordinators. 01792 882884 www.rsvpcoordinators.com.
■ WEDDING CARS - Swansea Wedding Cars. 01792 865154 www.swanseaweddingcars.com.
■ WEDDING RINGS - Sea of Diamonds, www.seaofdiamonds.com and Ebay.
■ PHOTOGRAPHER - Mark Button 01792 390402. www.markbutton.com.
■ ENTERTAINMENT - Rob Cross of Snow in June. 07964 242945 www.snowinjune.org and The Mojos. 01792 843157 www.mojosoulbandlive.co.uk. |
...........................................................................................................
After their engagement most couples spend considerable time planning the perfect wedding. Not so for Jill James and Ewart Needham of Southerndown. They gave themselves ten weeks! Vale Life spoke to the happy couple about the preparations for their big day and the event itself.
PERFECT DAY
Tell us about the proposal
Which one? Ewart first proposed in January 1989 and he has been asking yearly ever since! So when he asked on St. David's Day this year he nearly fell of the chair when I said yes. I just knew it was now or never, the time was right.
How long did you plan the wedding?
Ten weeks! I do love a challenge. I thought what better way to celebrate Ewarts 70th than by getting married, one big celebration all rolled into one. It was certainly a lesson on how to spend a fortune in a short space of time, but what fun!
The Venue
Well it always helps I suppose to have your own venue! I could not think of a better place to have a wedding than West Farm - the views and sunsets are stunning. I wanted to return to Wales and, as soon as I saw West Farm in 2003, I was hooked. I just had to buy it. It has taken me seven years to totally renovate the property, a much bigger project than I anticipated, but well worth it. We are inundated with requests for weddings and we now have a wedding licence, but I wanted us to be the first.
Why did you choose Clive Ranger?
I just loved their selection of rings. I told them what I was looking for and when I went in a tray arrived with exactly what I had requested, but also a brand new selection of Canadian Diamonds which blew me away. Not only did I have a wedding ring but chose an engagement ring at the same time.
The Dress
I had a vision of doing the style of Scarlet O'Hara from Gone With The Wind in a rich burgundy and that is what I set out to find. A lot of places thought I was mad. A dress in seven weeks? Never. You need six months!
However I went into High Society just to look although they had no burgundy. The first dress I tried on was what I bought, but in fact I actually had two pieces as I bought the lace coat as well. High Society could not have been more helpful. They rang Alan Hannah, the designer, to see if they could make the dress in such a short time, which they agreed to, and Arwen got their lady Rhiannon to sort out the beautiful lace coat. I felt like a million dollars on the day and I cannot recommend everyone at High Society enough.
The lead up to the day
We had over 200 guests on the day and as our function room wasn't completed at that point, Alpine Marquees supplied the wonderful marquee. Happy all was in place, I sent the men off to the hotel the night before to enjoy themselves and Ewart could celebrate his birthday.
The Reception
The meal was superb from Emma at EJ Catering. Charles Garland, Producer of Dad's Army, was hysterical, and actress Teresa Hennessy's rendition of the Lonely Goatherd had people crying with laughter.
GET THE LOOK
Jill and Ewart's wedding suppliers
■ DRESS - High Society
■ MARQUEE - Alpine Marquees
■ CATERING - EJ Catering
■ PHOTOGRAPHY - Sian Hanlon
■ FLOWERS - Baytree
■ CARS - Prices cars
■ CHAIR COVERS - Sash Chair Cover Hire Jill would also like to thank LighterLife. |
...........................................................................................................
Who better to design a truly
unique piece of jewellery,
than a multiple award-winning
silversmith and goldsmith such
as Neil Rayment of Cardiff Bay's Advanced Jewel Craft.
A CUT ABOVE
The studio has been established since 2004 but Neil has over 20 years' experience in the industry, establishing himself as an eminent figure in British jewellery design.
He has lived in America and Australia, gaining further inspiration for his craft and has another string to his creative bow, having starred, along with his brother, as one of the twins in the cult sci-fi movie The Matrix. Not one to shout about his accolades, Neil has designed pieces for Matrix co-star Laurence Fishburne along with many of the world's rich and famous. Acting still plays a large part in his life but his true love is creating stunning pieces that are future classics themselves.
...........................................................................................................
The wedding is impending, and everywhere you've looked looks tired and full of polyester. Well, look no further, Hawkes Essentials in Cardiff's Morgan Arcade have decided to join the world of hire.
A HIRE LOVE
Although you won't find a vast selection of colour bells and whistles, what you will find is new stock and classical morningwear (in 100% wool).
Hawkes Essentials will also tailor everything to fit, making sure that your outfit looks great on your wedding day.
"The reason we have taken on this new avenue of service is because a friend of mine got married last year. He went to three major wedding hire businesses in Cardiff, none of which could help him at short notice, so he came to me and said 'Russ, you have to start hiring wedding suits,'" said Russell Scott-Lawson, owner of Hawkes Essentials. "The rest is history. We don't want to do anything other than the classic outfit of tailcoat, grey waistcoat and striped trouser. After all, that's what Hugh Grant wore in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral!" So, if you want the ultimate in refinement and class, pay a visit to Hawkes Essentials for a fitting for your wedding day.
...........................................................................................................
LLANTWIT MAJOR
The Vintage Crockery Cupboard
No vintage themed wedding would be complete without vintage crockery. Anwen Pegrum, owner of The Vintage Crockery Cupboard, has an eclectic collection of delightful teapots, indulgent cake stands and pretty tea cups, bringing a touch of vintage charm and effortless style to your event.
Anwen would be pleased to meet you for you to view the crockery and to discuss your requirements or visit the website and choose what crockery pieces you would like and the quantity and get in touch. Hire prices start from as little as 50p for a side plate.
...........................................................................................................
COWBRIDGE
Cocoa & Co. Heaven sent fancies
There's no better partnership than chocolate and weddings and your guests are sure to love the delicious chocolate favours from Cocoa & Co.
Owner Philippa Tuckey says that for a little bit of Welsh patriotism the mini chocolate lovespoons or rugby balls are sure to delight both men and women and retro sweets and lollipops are a cute alternative. For a truly classic theme who wouldn't love a tiny box of mixed truffles available in milk, dark and white chocolate? A special range of gluten and dairy-free chocolates are available, making them an ideal choice for all your guests.
...........................................................................................................
CALDICOT
John Thomas - If music be the food of love
A harpist for all occasions, John studied harp in Wales and at the Conservatoire of Paris and plays a wide variety of music; light classical, folk, popular ballads, and Welsh melodies.
He is much in demand for wedding ceremonies and receptions and also plays at medieval banquets at Caldicot and Caerphilly Castles. With many satisfied clients, a typical note of praise reads,"Thank you for making our service special. Your playing set the scene beautifully." John is an experienced teacher of blade and pedal harp to Grade 8 and beyond. He also has a selection of blade harps for hire.
101 Elan Way, Caldicot NP26 4PZ
01291 421565 |
...........................................................................................................
After an incredibly romantic proposal, where else could Jenny Walton and Ian Huckstep get married but the equally romantic Fonmon Castle? Jenny tells us about their perfect wedding day.
FAIRYTALE WEDDING
How did Ian propose and where?
Ian and I went up to the Lake District in the Spring of 2009 and spent a few magical days tramping round lakes and up and down fells. On 1 March (St David's Day just a coincidence!) we went for a big walk from Borrowdale Valley towards Great Gable and Scafell Pike. The mist was quite low on the fells and, when we reached the pointof- no-return 'crossroads' and stopped for lunch (in a small hail storm!), I suggested it would be mad to attempt any of the big peaks. What was the point? We wouldn't be able to see anything when we got there anyway. Ian seemed pretty disappointed but I just put it down to his throw-caution-tothe- wind sense of adventure, because there was no way I was going to attempt a potentially lethal mountain with only three hours of daylight left!
So, we took a lower loop round, up to the snow line and, after a mini snowball fight, stopped for rest before heading back down the valley. I was sitting there waxing lyrical about how some coffee and a little bit of chocolate can make all the difference, all the while thinking, "If you're going to do it, this would be the perfect moment."
Then Ian said, "Shall we head down then?" ("Drat," I thought. "I'm just going to have a stroppy stomp all the way down the valley, and be mildly annoyed all evening, and I won't be able to say it's because you didn't propose to me on the most perfect opportunity there has ever been!")
Ian continued, "But before we do..." and then he got down on one knee, produced this tiny little leather box, and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. Once I'd managed to pull myself together I of course said a resounding "Yes!"
Why did you choose Fonmon Castle?
For a number of reasons. Annie, the wedding planner, was so welcoming (and was no end of help and support, all seemingly effortless!). The house and grounds are so beautiful. The Library, where the wedding ceremony, and later the wedding breakfast, was held, has a lovely intimate atmosphere. But, most importantly, it felt like a home, rather than a corporate conveyor belt. We were allowed to put all our own touches to it - family antique tablecloths for the reception tables, croquet on the lawn etc.
Did you look at other venues?
Yes, we did quite a lot of research online and then visited a shortlist.
How was the day?
It was wonderful. The weather was glorious. It was a perfect Spring day, as I'd hoped, and was sunny and warm enough to have the reception on the lawn - it only just started to rain as we got into the car at the end of the night. The food was fantastic, and the ceilidh was great fun with everyone joining in. At one point in the evening, I looked up and people were sitting all the way up the stairs watching the dancing in the hall - it was just like a grand house party, a real family wedding.
Where did you honeymoon?
A "Grand Tour" of Italy - from Venice to Florence to Amalfi to Rome, then Sardinia for a week and then a week at home.
GET THE LOOK
Jenny and Ian’s wedding suppliers
■ RINGS - Harriet Kelsall Design 01462 790565 www.hkjewellery.co.uk
■ PHOTOGRAPHY - Sian Trenberth 029 2045 7770
www.sian-trenberth.com
■ CATERING - The Really Fresh Food Company. Christine and Beppe Villa 01446 740781 or 07813 865335 christinevilla@btinternet.com
■ CAKE - Jenny's mum
■ FLOWERS - bouquets: family friend. Venue: Jenny's mum and auntie.
■ TRANSPORT - Love Bugs. 01656 785739 vwlovebug@btinternet.com
■ CEILIDH BAND - Uisge Contraband. 07817 474977 weefairyreborn@hotmail.co.uk |
|
|
SISTER MAGAZINES
 
|
|
|
|
