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Early days…
Richard and Francesca both attended the University of Surrey, but it took a game of rounders at the end of their first year to bring them together.
"Our friend Jo had arranged a rounders match and Richard introduced himself by moving me off fourth base," remembers Francesca.
The proposal…
Four years later, to celebrate their anniversary, the couple went to New York. After a romantic meal one night, Richard got down on one knee and popped the question in Central Park.
"We had looked at rings beforehand so I knew it was on the cards, but I had hoped he'd ask while we were in New York," admits Francesca.
The venues…
The couple from Guildford, both aged 25, married on 5th September, 2009, at the Holy Trinity Church in Bramley. They held their beautiful country garden reception at the nearby Gate Street Barn.
"It took 19 months to organise," says Francesca. "The initial decision of finding a venue was quite stressful, because at that stage we just wanted a date. Because there are so many venues to choose from the world seems to be your oyster. But it's not good if you're a poor decision-maker!"
The dress…
"I tried on around 15 to 20 dresses before I found the right one," says Francesca. "The dress I chose by Pronovias was quite structured and tight in the right places. It just felt right and very me. The ladies in the shop said they could tell it was the one because when I came out of the changing room wearing it, I couldn't stop smiling."
The flowers…
"My bouquet was made of hydrangeas, roses, gypsophila and lots of greenery," says Francesca. "I knew I didn't want the flowers to look too neat, and these looked natural and pretty. My florist was fantastic, she advised on what would look good, and I was pleasantly surprised on the day with just how amazing all the flowers looked.
"We decorated most of our reception room with the same flowers, and the barn was also filled with fairy lights and candles. The centrepieces for some of the tables were tall candelabra which worked well with the high ceiling in the barn. The rest of the tables had low floral arrangements - they fitted in really well with the rustic feel of the barn."
The transport…
"My dad and I travelled to the ceremony in a 1950s Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud," says Francesca. "We really wanted a classic car for the day and also it worked out far easier to have a chauffeur rather than asking a friend or relative to drive."
The honeymoon…
"For our honeymoon, we went on a tour of California, visiting San Francisco, LA, Monterey, Santa Barbara and Las Vegas," says Francesca. "We chose this destination because we both love America and also because the weather there is perfect in September. I've always wanted to go to San Francisco and was also delighted to be able to incorporate a trip to Disneyland."
Useful Contacts:
Bride's dress
Pronovias
www.pronovias.com |
Cars
Cars for All Occasions
www.carsforalloccasions.org |
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Flowers
The Topiary Tree
www.topiary-tree.co.uk |
Groom's suit
Moss Bros
www.mossbros.co.uk |
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Photographer
Kerry Morgan Photography
www.kerrymorgan.com |
Reception venue
Gate Street Barn
www.gatestreetbarn.com |
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