Happy Friday cwtchers!
So today, we tie a beautiful bow in the wedding story that is Lisa and Craig. We saw them using a lovely little Cwtch of the Week , then we saw Lisa and Craig’s entire, beautiful Engagement Shoot in Roath Park with us, and now we get to see this wonderful couple getting married. Photographed by the lovely Larissa Joice of Larissa J Photography we have the pleasure of starting your weekend off to a lovely start. Over to Lisa and Craig to tell you all about their big day……
Lisa and Craig’s Vintage Glam Wedding
What was your budget?
£20,000
How would you describe your wedding theme?
Vintage Glam – I wanted the theme to be vintage to suit our venue but I also love a bit of glitz so added gold and sequins!
What was your favourite part of your wedding?
Even though I was incredibly nervous – my favourite part was walking down the aisle to Craig with my Dad. As soon as I got to him he told me I looked stunning and he held my hand throughout the whole ceremony to reassure me, even though I knew he was just as nervous! My childhood best friend (and Maid of Honour) also did a reading and that meant so much too. I just felt an incredible amount of love from our guests on the day and it was a feeling I’ll never forget!
Tell us about your Wedding Dress
I only went to 2 bridal shops looking for my dress. I originally wanted to go for a super vintage style Great Gatsby-esque number, however when I tried them on something just wasn’t right! I said yes to a dress I wasn’t happy with but luckily I was able to cancel it and get my money back. Then I visited Sentiments Bridal Boutique in Talbot Green. I knew instantly as I walked in I would find my dress there. I decided on a form fitting dress that was almost fishtail (i added a hoop underneath to accentuate the shape). The embroidery and beading on the dress kept it somewhat vintage looking but in a more modern way. I felt great in it!
Who did you pick as your bridesmaids &/or best man and why?
I had 10 bridesmaids in total! 5 adults who are my very close friends and family and our 5 nieces. I honestly couldn’t narrow it down further!
Craig had two of his best friends as best men – he couldn’t choose either!
Why did you choose your venue?
We fell in love with Bryngarw House as soon as we visited. It had been newly refurbished and was completely my style – I loved the new marquee and gorgeous chandeliers. It also had accomodation for our guests and extra accomodation just 2 miles away, so was perfect for family and friends travelling from Mid Wales (where Craig is originally from).
Tell us about your photographer
We had booked a photographer originally and had a call from him to say we had been double booked and he recommended Larissa Joice . We met with her and I loved her style of photography. We decided to go with an engagement shoot as well and it was one of the best decisions we made – it meant we got to know Larissa before the wedding and it honestly made communication on the big day a lot easier.
When we received our photos through I cried – they were absolutely stunning and Larissa caught moments we’d missed throughout the day that we absolutely loved reliving. I would recommend her to anyone – she gave us something priceless we will always treasure.
How did the proposal happen?
Well Craig says the proposal didn’t go to his original plan!
We went on holiday to visit one of my best friends last November in Dubai. Craig had already purchased the ring, and planned to propose at the top of the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa. It’s safe to say that Craig’s nerves got the better of him and he didn’t do it! A couple of weeks later, I had my 30th birthday. I’d had an amazing day and dinner with friends, after which Craig got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It turned out to be a perfect moment and I loved being able to take in the moment together, in a setting we were familiar with.
However, Craig’s failed first proposal did not escape the ridicule of the best men in their speech at the wedding!
Any DIY stories/tutorials you’d like to share?
At the start of the year I set up my own wedding venue decor and styling business , so a lot of the finer details were made and provided by me. Myself and my mum worked tirelessly in the last few days leading up to the wedding. We made our own favours using chocolate dipped marshmallows with sprinkles which everyone loved!
What was your first dance & why?
Our first dance was ‘The One’ by Kodaline . The lyrics just spoke to me and were unfussy and laid back – just like our relationship. It was perfect and it wasn’t long before all our friends joined in dancing.
In hindsight, was there anything you would have done differently?
I can’t think of anything I would have done differently. The whole day went off without a hitch and was better than I’d had imagined – despite the awful weather!
Do you have any advice for future couples?
Don’t sweat the small stuff and make sure you get what you both want. Try not to be swayed by what other people want – it’s your day. I was lucky enough to have such amazing friends and family around me who just made planning a joy.
What’s the best piece of marriage advice you received?
To be honest – we haven’t had any! Our parents are a great inspiration to us and both have been married since they were young. We’ll definitely be happy to follow on that trend.
What was your favourite thing about planning a wedding?
Getting to design my cake with Carly from Wish Upon a Cupcake was definitely a highlight! She was great and made the cake of my dreams!
However to be completely honest – I found planning very stressful! I’m definitely a perfectionist and wanted the finer details to be just so. For me, the best parts of planning were getting everyone together and the social events leading up to the big day. Whether that was dress shopping with our nieces or a meal with the in-laws. Planning gives everyone an excuse to get together.
The Suppliers
Photographer: Larissa Joice of Larissa J Photography
Videographer: Santori Films
Wedding Planner: Me!
Ceremony Venue: Bryngarw House
Reception Venue: Bryngarw House
Bride’s Dress: Sotterro Midgley ‘Etienne’ from Sentiments Bridal Boutique
Bride’s Shoes: Linea @ House of Fraser
Bride’s Jewellery: My necklace was present from my groom – from Crouch Jewellers Cardiff
Groom’s Outfit: Dyfed Menswear
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Sentiments Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaid’s Accessories: Etsy
Cake: Wish Upon a Cupcake
Flowers: The Flower Pot , Pontyclun
Hair: Missy Moos
Make Up: Minxies Beauty
Band: Jukebox
Stationery: Me!
Caterers: Bryngarw House
Any Reception Decor/Props: Me!
The Wedding Album
