Following a fairy tale proposal in Disneyland Paris, there could be no better theme for Melissa Davies and Shaun Caddick's September wedding
Image gallery
Image gallery
How did you meet?
We met on a dating app.
Tell us about the proposal.
Shaun surprised me for my birthday with a trip to Disneyland Paris. We watched the firework show in the park on the last night of our trip and Shaun proposed after the display near the Disney castle.
What was the theme for the day, and did you have a colour scheme?
We had a Disney theme: my aisle music was a song from the Disney firework display we watched when we got engaged, the table names were different Disney character couples, and our first dance was a Disney song from Beauty and the Beast. The main colour scheme was baby blue with hints of cream and blush pink.
What venue did you choose and why did you choose it?
We chose Beeston Manor in Preston, which was the first venue we looked around. We knew straight away once we saw it that this was the venue for us. We loved the rustic farmhouse design of Beeston Manor and how intimate it was. Also, the views around Beeston are just stunning with acres of land around.
How did you know you’d found ‘the’ dress?
I tried on several dresses. I had an original dress in mind, however when I tried it I was shocked that I didn't like it. Luckily, when I was out of ideas, the bridal shop assistant picked out a dress and this was the dress I chose. As soon as I tried it on I knew it was the one; it had the Disney princess feel but with an elegant touch.
Who were the bridesmaids and what did they wear?
My first bridesmaid was a friend I've known for years. When I was younger we used to keep our horses on the same stables and often competed at shows together. I thought she was a good friend to pick as she's seen me grow up through life and my family know her well. My second bridesmaid was my brother's girlfriend; it was nice to have part of the family involved on my special day.
What did the mother of the bride wear?
My mum opted for a pale blue and cream fitted dress with matching pale blue shoes, hat and bag to tie in with the blue colour scheme of the wedding.
What did you choose for the suits?
The men hired their suits from Slater Menswear in Preston.
Tell us about the details of the day
The flowers featured blue, pink and cream tones. We had electric flame candle vases with greenery around them and tall glass vases with crystals, fairy lights and petals inside.
My mum and I designed the table centrepieces ourselves, so it had a more personal touch. We had Macmillan Cancer charity pin badges for our wedding favours and mini wedding candles for each guest.
We had a swing jazz singer for our drinks reception and then a saxophonist and DJ at night.
How did you feel as you walked down the aisle?
I thought I would be really nervous, however once I got there I was just really happy and the venue manager said to me I was one of the most smiley brides she had seen, so that put me at total ease. Once the music started I was more excited than anything.
What was your most memorable moment?
Probably walking down the aisle and walking into the wedding breakfast with all our family and friends around us celebrating the day.
What was the most challenging aspect of planning this wedding?
Just the unknown at the time due to Covid restrictions. We had to hold back on the invitations until quite late, as we didn't know how many guests we could have until they dropped the restrictions. Then having to quickly make a plan once we knew we could have the numbers we wanted.
What was the most important investment for you?
The venue is the main part of the day as it creates the atmosphere and ambience you imagine on your wedding day. Good food also helps.
What song did you choose for your first dance, and why?
We chose Tale As Old As Time from Beauty and the Beast because of our Disney theme, but it's also such an iconic song that people can recognise.
Tell us about your wedding cake.
We opted for a simple three-tier cake. It was a blue and silver marble design with blue flowers cascading down. The biggest tier was raspberry ripple, the middle tier was chocolate and Kinder Bueno, and the top tier was lemon flavoured.
Where did you go on honeymoon?
We went to London for a couple of days after the wedding as it was uncertain at the time with holidays abroad. We hadn't been before and watched the Back to the Future musical in the theatre. The following November, we went back to Disneyland Paris for our main honeymoon.
Do you have any advice for couples in the planning stages?
Set yourself a checklist, do your research on suppliers and read real reviews from past couples.
Steal their style:
Photography: True Love Optics
Venue: Beeston Manor
Dress: Emma Louise Bridal
Suits: Slater Menswear
Flowers: Petal & Twig
Cake: Victoria Cakes
Saxophonist: Paddy Higginson
Singer: Andy King of Swing
DJ: Ryan Smith Wedding Host
Transport: Falcon Wedding Car Hire
