Claire and Paul's 'Chocolate' Theme
Claire and Paul chose a chocolate colour theme for their wedding at Coltsford Mill. They wanted their day "to be as relaxed as possible, without any real rigidity".
Claire and Paul's 'Chocolate' Theme Wedding
Claire and Paul chose a chocolate colour theme for their wedding at Coltsford Mill. They wanted their day "to be as relaxed as possible, without any real rigidity".
Paul had proposed in a restaurant in Reigate on Claire’s birthday – they should have been on holiday in Marrakesh but Claire was suffering from toothache and the holiday was cancelled, so Paul had to change his plans slightly. Paul had the engagement ring made in South Africa and the proposal came as a 'total surprise' to Claire.
They found Coltsford Mill and loved the tranquillity, peace and surrounding lakes. Claire says "the Watermill Barn is stunning! The Mill Room ceremony room is lovely and cosy and has a great atmosphere which is often missing when you have a civil ceremony."
Claire wore an ivory dress from Pronovias. It was very fitted with an antique lace bodice, a fishtail kick at the hem and a train. Her veil was shoulder length, worn fairly high up, with flowers decorating her hair at the back. Claire wore her hair down. Her jewellery was simple, a diamond necklace and diamond earrings.
The bridesmaids wore elegant floor length, crepe, chocolate dresses with a pale pink and cream bodice, all from Coast.
Paul and the ushers wore their own suits – which by coincidence turned out to be brown/chocolate – with cream ties.
The flowers, by Liz, were antique pink roses tied with a pink ribbon.
Decorations in the Watermill Barn were very simple with fairly lights on the beams and lots of candles.
Claire created guests’ place cards from a slate label with a string attached and the names written in chalk pen. These were placed on the napkins with a single orchid.
Cream orchids with a pink centre were used as table decorations in glass fishbowls for each of the guest tables and a tall vase for the top table. The circular top table was in the centre of the room with guests seated at round tables surrounding it.
Claire says "The best part of the day for me was the ceremony. It was totally amazing to walk down the aisle and see all your friends and family who are there for you, and of course your fiancé standing at the end of the aisle. It really is emotional and I was walking on air I was so happy!"
Finally, Claire’s best tip is "If you see something you want for the wedding, e.g. table decorations, get whatever it is there and then. Don’t wait and think you’ll get it another time."
View the Real Life Wedding Image Gallery for Claire and Paul's wedding.
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