Morning you beautiful lot. We are so excited about this wedding! When we get an email about a wedding with gin and leopard print we couldn’t open it up quick enough! We were not disappointed and loved the way they used the theme subtly throughout the whole day. I am sure you will fall in love with this couple and their big day just like we have. Without further ado I give you Rachael & Chris’s Leopard Print and Sloe Gin Wedding by the very talented Carly Turner .
What was your budget?
Our approximate budget was reasonable!
How would you describe your wedding theme?
We were adamant we wanted ourselves to be visible in the day. We ran a pub in a beautiful village of Mathern near Chepstow and we also wanted to use the day as a thank you to all those who supported us there.
As we were also getting our son, Thoran, christened it was to be a celebration of our new family. Very relaxed based in the country just being us, with great food, great drinks and lots if laughs which we achieved. 
What was your favourite part of your wedding?
Being surrounded by friends and family as they are spread far and wide. The closeness we felt during the brilliant church service conducted by Reverend Julian White of St Tewdrics Church, Mathern. Julian knew us and he holds very similar love of fine red wines as we do. He made the ceremony exceptional and very personal and included many laughs for all the guests to enjoy. Many guests have said the service was a great part of the day as we also got Thoran christened. 
Tell us about your Wedding Dress
I knew I didn’t want the full meringue dress and I am a very eclectic dresser at heart. The main focus was comfort and to feel me!
I read an article in the Telegraph on where to find bohemian dresses and Minna Brides of London was included. The dress was ordered on line with measurements and I loved it from the moment I saw it. Simple, relaxed and beautiful. 
Who did you pick as your bridesmaids &/or best man and why?
Initially I was not having bridesmaids as I felt too old. However, my beautician, Essence of Beauty in Caldicot talked to me and I then asked my two oldest friends from school.
The groom was in a quandary and asked Dean as he was the one who could provide the relaxed laughs and Evo as he had shared many years of footy and laughs and provided the sensible arm to the day!
I love leopard print and wanted us all to have the same beautiful shoes. Both Chris and Thoran had specially made bow ties from Mrs Bow Ties. 
Why did you choose your venue?
It was a village where our son was born and we had been part of for the previous 5 years with our business. Good friends of ours own Mathern Palace and they offered us the use of their gardens which we thought was fantastic as they it the most beautiful place. 
Tell us about your photographer
Originally we were not going to bother due to budgets etc and the fact that neither of us enjoy having our photo taken. However, we finally decided to but they had to make us feel relaxed and understand what we wanted. The grooms sister was friends with Carly Turner and as soon as we met Carly we knew she was the one. 
How did the proposal happen?
We had been together for 8 years and had a 4 year old son with a very busy business to run. However, one day after many drinks the bride was dared to propose to the groom and ‘The man from Delmonte said yes’!! 
Any DIY stories/tutorials you’d like to share?
The night we met was the day we drank my homemade sloe gin. This was imperative it was made for the wedding favours also. Some good friends made the mead for the day. Everybody had a job to make things such as mum to bottle the gifts, step mum made the embroidered table cloths and leopard print bunting and everybody came to help set it up the day before. 
What was your first dance & why?
We struggled on our first dance as everything the groom wanted was inappropriate!!! We finally decided on the evening on Rewind by Paulo Nutini as that’son the album we used to play when we met. 
In hindsight, was there anything you would have done differently?
Not tried to have done most of the catering ourselves as it left a lot of cleaning up the next day for everyone!!!
Do you have any advice for future couples?
Do what each of you want and enjoy every moment as it goes so fast. 
What’s the best piece of marriage advice you received?
Laugh and listen with one another.
What was your favourite thing about planning a wedding?
Involving everyone and tailoring it to just what we liked. 
The Suppliers
Photographer: Carly Turner
Ceremony Venue: St Tewdrics Church in Mathern, Chepstow
Reception Venue: Mathern Palace, Mathern, Chepstow
Bride’s Dress: Minna Brides of London
Bride’s Shoes: Kurt Geiger
Bride’s Headpiece: Minna Brides of London
Bride’s Jewellery: Monica Vinader
Groom’s Outfit: Slaters and Mrs Bow Tie
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Fairy Gothmother
Bridesmaid’s Accessories: Kurt Keiger matching shoes with brides
Cake: Own cheese wheel cake
Flowers: Crownhill Nurseries , Leechpool, Caldicot
Hair: Grooms sister
Make Up: Alex Gallop of Abergavenny
Band: Don Fox Scandal
DJ: Sam Bradshaw Get Dancing
Stationery: Pretty in pink
Caterers: One Call Caterers
Any Reception Decor/Props: China white company photo booth
The Wedding Album
