A day of fun and family

`Where: Ceremony at St Peter’s C of E Church, Devizes and marquee reception at The Raven Inn Country Pub, Devizes

Photography: Marnie & John Wood Weddings

Jeremy proposed late one Friday night in December 2003. Everyone had gone after a rather busy night at our previous pub in Corsham, Wiltshire.

We sat by the fire enjoying the last burning embers, eating cheese and biscuits with a glass of red wine, we were both shattered, then Jer asked ‘would you like to marry me?’ I was very surprised because we were so focused on the pub and ultimately a good country life. I laughed; it sounded funny. He was quiet but smiling, then I realised he was proposing, I said ‘yes’ and hugged him. The most beautiful sapphire and diamond engagement ring was given to me in church on Christmas morning after the first Christmas carol. So sweet. Jer and Mr Coppins designed it, I had no idea what it would look like but I do feel that’s the way it should be as it is a love token.

On the big day I surprised Jer with 13 flower girls; nieces and girls from our village. They wore their own dresses and I bought them a silk flower each for their hair. They were the most beautiful flower girls in England. The girls walked up the aisle and threw fresh rose petals at Jer’s feet. Arriving at the church I couldn’t wait to see Jer. I walked through the door with my dear brothers on each arm and then in that moment I turned onto the aisle and saw Jer, so handsome, so smart and with the biggest smile; it really filled my heart with even more love than ever.

It was really funny as we walked down the aisle hand in hand, then Jer stopped and did a hop scotch on the church stone floor. Jer and I had shared so much over the years but to look each other in the eye and say our vows in the presence of so many, we just couldn’t keep a straight face. We shared a tender kiss and cuddle on the Wadworth shire horse dray ride to the pub. We looked at each other and I said we’re married and we giggled some more.

My only bridesmaid, Veronica is my long standing friend from Primary to High School in Guyana, South America where we grew up. It was wonderful to have so many dear friends and family all together all at once.

My husband (smiles) gave an amazing speech which was such great fun with audience participation at its best.

My father passed away many years ago so my brothers Richard and Laurence both gave me away. My sister Camille gave a very beautiful Father-of-the-Bride speech. My mother could not fly, therefore my other sister Marcelle signed the Church register for me and Jer’s mother signed for him which was really sweet.

We had a truly lovely honeymoon in a villa on the Emerald North East Coast of Sardania, compliments of our guests, neighbours, friends, customers and our family.

THE DETAILS

Photography: Marnie & John Wood Weddings, www.johnwoodweddings.com

Venue: The Raven Inn, Poulshot, Devizes, www.ravenpoulshot.co.uk

Dress & Veil: The Ivory Tower, Plymouth, www.ivorytower.co.uk

Accessories: Family jewels and wedding rings, Coppins of Corsham, www.coppinsofcorsham.co.uk

Stationery: Gift from Springfords & Rose Ltd, Devizes, www.springfordsandrose.co.uk

Catering: Head Chef/Landlord Jerry Edwards, The Raven team and Dale Ingram

Cake: The (Caribbean Rum) Cake Tailor, Surrey, www.thecaketailor.co.uk

Flowers: Mrs Mandy Housby & Mrs Susie Quinn of St Peter’s Church

Transport: Wadworth Shire Horses & Dray, www.wadworth.co.uk

Entertainment: Log Off Band, www.thelogoffband.com

Want your wedding to be featured online or in the 2014 issue of Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire Bride? Just email some images and your story to amanda.griffiths@archant.co.uk