Real Wedding | Torz & Dan | 04 Jun 2022

Photographer: Emily Moya Photography Florist: Effie Florist Cake: A Cake to Remember Band/DJ: Ben Drummond Other Suppliers: Dress: Wedding Belles of Four Oaks

First things first, can you tell us about the proposal?

The proposal - ah! Imagine a fully planned proposal in the South of France on the beach with a planned surprise with our flown out family and friends at a nearby rooftop bar – and then a Covid ruined summer hit! Plan B had to come into action and it was still a beautiful proposal. Bath holds special memories for us so it was a perfect location, in front of the Royal Crescent, followed by drinks with special friends and family.

What made you choose Redhouse Barn for your wedding day?

We fell in love with the different spaces straight away. From the beautiful driveway, to the coziness of the snug, to the light in the Redbrick Barn, the stunning aesthetics of the Timber Barn and all of the outdoor space. We imagined a fluid wedding day where our different groups of family and friends could make use and feel comfortable in the different spaces and that’s exactly what it delivered.

Was it love at first sight when dress shopping or did you have try a few on before finding the perfect one? And not forgetting the suits for the boys, how did they get on?

I gave birth to our beautiful daughter in September 2021, 9 months before the wedding so this was a tricky area to navigate as I had to wait pretty soon after I gave birth to try on dresses! I was quite set on what type of dress I wanted. Being rather short, I knew certain styles wouldn’t suit me and I trusted in my judgement as it turned out to be exactly like that! I went to 3 dress shops before finding the one and it was definitely love at first sight – a glam, lace panelled, subtle mermaid-style, Essence of Australia dress. Made even better that it was a sale dress, with only one left in my size so it was definitely made to be – I walked away with it there and then! 

The boys were definitely fussier – numerous trips to Duncan James Menswear, numerous Facetimes, options and a lot of tie swaps, but they got there in the end and looked great on the day! 

So, Venue booked, how was the rest of the planning process?

With a baby in arms, pretty stressful! However, in hindsight, I am very grateful that I was on maternity leave and even more grateful to my mum and dad who were roped into many Pinterest Boards and DIY craft days! We were really lucky with our music, Ben Drummond was a saving grace and sorted all of our music – we had a beautiful acoustic set, saxophone player and DJ in the evening. Our advice is get the big ticket items in as soon as possible – Hair and Make Up, Music, Flowers and Decor!

Fast forwarding through all the planning to the actual ceremony, how were the emotions for both of you during the ceremony?

Did you have a theme or colour scheme running through the day? Tell us a little bit about your flowers and any other personal touches.

Our colour theme was navy and blush pink and we themed the wedding around the Epsom Derby. Being a horse racing family, this was a natural contender and we named our tables after the horses in the Derby, showed the race on a projector with everyone cheering on their horse – that was one of our favourite parts of the day followed by Secret singers! The atmosphere after those moments completely switched from close family meal to party, drinks and dancing! This was all perfectly timed with the room turnaround, everyone spilling outside for drinks and conversation, before heading back to the rearranged dancefloor. 

We chose Roses, Lisianthus, Gyp and Eucalyptus for our flowers – quite fresh, white, pink with greenery – they were beautiful. We chose a selection of taller and short flower table displays, corsages, a large bridal bouquet and then large balls of gyp for our bridemaid’s flowers. We also had other personal touches – our memory ladder, a 3D D & T made from wine corks and memory photo displays showing our journey together. 

How would you describe the food and service throughout the day?

Impeccable! Our family and friends still talk about the food now, it was fantastic, a Sticky Toffee Knickerbockerglory to die for! The three food options were designed by us around our favourite places and memories and the culinary team could not have nailed our vision better! My only regret was that I was so busy on the dancefloor and chatting, that I kept rejecting the evening food!!! 

What kind of cake did you go for? Was it traditional/ modern/ flavoured/ cupcakes/ naked?

We went for a four-tiered blush and ivory cake with pearl colouring and cut out heart detail with our initials on – it was really stunning. A lemon drizzle, biscoff, raspberry, prosecco and white chocolate and  buttercream and jam – they were all phenomenal!

How did your first dance go?

We had a pretty non-typical first dance song – The Matrimony by Wale and Usher but it really meant something to us and a song that had been with us from the very beginning of our journey together. We pretty much winged it, it was pretty difficult to slow dance to, so a lot of two stepping took place. However, it’s a lot more daunting when it’s in front of 100 people so I think we were a lot more awkward than we expected! 

What do your guests mention most about your wedding day?

The food, the drink (we drained the bar out of baby Guinesses and White Russians) and the fun surprises throughout the day! The weather in the afternoon and evening really helped us maximise the facility, kids playing in the garden, grandparents sat in the snug, drinkers on the benches outside and dancers living it up on the dancefloor. The day really catered for everyone’s enjoyment.

Is there anything you would change if you were to do it all again?

Don’t get hung up about the details and schedules, be in the moment and enjoy the celebration – it’s all about the people and the food and drink!

Do you have any hints or tips for couples looking to get married?

Book big ticket items early, especially Hair and Make Up – they get booked up so far in advance! Don’t stress about the little details, concentrate on the food, drink and ‘fun’ personal touches throughout the day. It goes too quickly so enjoy every moment and don’t plan too many pictures – it takes up a lot of time and we are so glad we only planned a few family mantlepiece photos and instead enjoyed time with our friends and family. 

Finally, where did you go on your honeymoon?

 Well….that honeymoon is currently delayed for the second time. We went on a minimoon with our daughter straight after the wedding to Palma, which was really special, as it was her first holiday and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We had planned on going to the Maldives and Sri Lanka this summer; however, we are currently expecting a baby boy so we have postponed again! We’ll get there one day!