Pete’s proposal to Tracy took place in Dublin. After getting the train out to a quaint coastal town called Howth, Pete popped the question.
We were walking on the cliffs round the bay of Dublin and when I turned round Pete was on one knee! I was very surprised – Pete had acted so calmly and gave nothing away, he says he was very nervous though!
The Wedding and Reception Venue
Tracy and Pete booked Gaynes Park almost a year before their wedding day. They say they fell in love with it instantly.
“It was the most amazing, beautiful venue in a gorgeous setting. It was exactly what we had in mind for our ceremony and reception. It blew away anything else we’d seen and the Barn, Orangery and setting was perfect. We wanted a venue in the spring time to make the most of the venue, the daffodils and of course the lambs. We couldn’t imagine anywhere else more perfect for our special day.”
Bridesmaids
Tracy asked her two best friends to be bridesmaids. They wore navy blue one shoulder dresses with stunning floral detail. The dresses were by Mori Lee and purchased from Hilary B in Colchester, Essex. Each dress was teamed with a gorgeous feather bolero from John Lewis to add a bit of glamour! In addition, they wore ivory satin shoes with a fab flower corsage!
They were an immense help to me throughout. I am so happy to have shared that experience with them.
Pete and his groomsmen (his brother Nick and three close friends) wore lightweight, slate grey tailored suits. It was more of a contemporary cut and suited the age of the groomsmen. They were bought from a new range at the Wedding Shop in Colchester, Essex.
Pete’s really into his clothes and had a clear idea of what he was looking for. He paid particular detail to the fabric used.
Pete’s best man was his best mate Lewis who not only organised a fantastic Stag do, but was there to help throughout.
Although a lot of people were worried due to Lewis’ outrageous and sometimes controversial sense of humour, he was the best Best Man we could’ve hoped for. He really took the role seriously and was very proud to be part of the wedding. The other groomsmen were also an immense help and were there whenever we needed them.
Your Dress, Accessories and Flowers
Tracy wore a beautiful ‘Stand by me’ dress by talented designer Stewart Parvin.
The boutique was fantastic! They had an open event where I was able to meet with Stewart, who sketched me a picture of my dream dress. I displayed this at the wedding! It was such a beautiful dress and I felt amazing – really special!
Tracy also wore a gorgeous vintage headpiece by Emmy from Bespoke Wardrobe. She accessorised her dress with a pair of gold Jimmy Choo shoes, a Rigby and Peller Garter, a stunning veil from Helen Martin at Bespoke Wardrobe and an amazing lace jacket also by Stewart Parvin.
The room looked amazing. We had a beautiful ivory aisle runner by Mediterranean Occasions. This was finished off with gorgeous dusty pink petals from our amazing avalanche roses. We also had lanterns with ivory candles which really created a romantic setting. The back wall of the orangery was decorated with a LOVE sign, draped with pearls, and surrounded by petals and more lanterns.
The couple also had a table runner on the top table and organza decoration with pearl clips. Purple up-lighting was placed in the Gather Barn and Mill Barn for dramatic effect.
The Mill barn looked very elegant with beautiful flowers created by Stacey Stevens from Designer Flowers. They had tall vases featuring soft peonies, avalanche roses and hydrangea consisting of cream and shades of dusty pink. Each vase was decorated with ivory pearls and surrounded by tea-lights. Table names were placed in Parisian themed frames. The table names were of Parisian landmarks instead of table numbers to make reference to the fact that Paris is a particularly special place for Tracy and Pete.
We also had a delicious patisserie table with macaroons and cupcakes! We placed candles around creating a beautiful romantic setting. We also had small bowl glass holders, which featured a beautiful avalanche rose surrounded by ivory pearls.
Tracy and Pete gave their guests favours; ladies received candles in an ivory organza bag, tied with pearls and feathers. The men were given cigars in handmade holders and decorated with a cherub print and tied with an ivory satin bow.
The couple and their guests enjoyed a delicious wedding breakfast and were entertained by a pianist throughout.
Tracy and Pete’s first dance was to ‘Feel My Love’ by Adele. “There was no point trying to choreograph a routine as we’ve both got two left feet! It was a beautiful song and an emotional moment. It was amazing to feel a moment like that – so personal that we didn’t even realise how many people were there with us!”
The Cake
Marks and Spencer provided a beautiful and very tasty wedding cake. It complemented the décor and wedding stationery perfectly. The cake consisted of four tiers fruit, chocolate and madira and featured a beautiful elegant ivory bow.
We also had a macaroon cake from Laduree to fit in with the Parisian theme – we chose our favourite flavours, chocolate, vanilla, raspberry and caramel!
The whole day was so special, but walking down the most spectacular aisle was a truly beautiful moment and one that we will cherish. It was the most wonderful setting – the fact that we got married at a beautiful venue with all our family and friends and with gorgeous weather, meant that it really was the best day of our lives. The whole day was just truly amazing!
The staff at Gaynes Park were the ultimate professionals and instantly put us at ease. We knew we were in safe hands and could trust them to help us organise the most perfect day. We can’t thank them enough. The Front of House on the day was such a calming influence and pre-empted every question or issue.
Wedding Planning Tip
Brides – try to relax and enjoy the whole experience. It’s the most special time in your life. Every wedding is amazing and personal.
Grooms – if you and your bride are calm and happy, this will rub off on your guests. Take as much in as possible and just smile and enjoy it all.
“If you have a budget, be strict and detail everything! I would say that you need to loosen the rein for certain things, but don’t scrimp on venue, flowers or photographer!”
Honeymoon
Tracy and Pete spent 2 weeks in Kuramathi in the Maldives.
It was absolutely stunning! It’s a beautiful place and one of the larger, greener islands out there so there were plenty of restaurants and things to do. It was the best holiday ever!
