FarmBride's biography
If you use any of our photos please give credit to Rob Dunning of Solent Studios, thank you.
Me and my girls all got ready at my parents. There was a wonderful atmosphere of happy chaos!!
My great great granny's pocket watch. My Mum let my nephew wear it if he promised to look after it.
My granny's necklace, oak leaf and acorn jewelry and silver sixpence for my shoe that my Mum and Dad gave me.
My beautifull shoes, and yes my Dad is a plumber so this location worked!!
Getting my little bridesmaids ready. They had a lovely day.
If you use any of our photos please give credit to Rob Dunning of Solent Studios, thank you.
My Mum is the tower captain and my Dad steeple keeper and their band of ringers rung us into church.
As I arrived with my sister.
This banner worked so well and got lots of laughter!!
Blessing of the hands.
If you use any of our photos please give credit to Rob Dunning of Solent Studios, thank you.
We were luckily enough to get permission to have our portrait Wedding photos taken at Staunton Country Park where I used to go for walks as a child!
This is my favourite, LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
If you use any of our photos please give credit to Rob Dunning of Solent Studios, thank you.
Our Wedding Breakfast was at HMS Collingwood.
The children, all 19 of them, had their own room adjacent to ours, food they liked and entertainment to keep them happy!!
The room set up for the wedding breakfast.
The adults also had fun!!!
Cutting our beautiful cake iced by my Mum.
All 3 of the speeches had us all laughing!!
My Dad - offering to drive us to Rome for our honeymoon if the ash cloud stopped our flight!!!
My amazing husband saying lovely things about me.
Andy our best man telling everyone what they got up to in agricultural college and that I got a speeding ticket!!!
1st dance. I do not like these but will show the best!!! I am unwell and have difficulty stretching my right am up so I look like I am giving Rob a bear hug he he he!!
If you use any of our photos please give credit to Rob Dunning of Solent Studios, thank you.
I want to thank all the PW ladies for their ideas and inspiration. This was my favourite part of planning!!
Our invitations.
Cross stitched covered coat hangers
I do shoe stickers, my something blue.
Reserved signs
Order of service
Pew ends. I LOVED them, small tied bouquets with water. They were moved to decorate the reception room.
Ring bowl and church candles in vases with hydrangea petals in the church.
Our pitchfork arch. When they were brought to the church by guests they defiantly got some funny looks from the Saturday shoppers!! Why pitchforks??? because I married my farmer boy.
Favours in organza bags - seed leaf, wine glass charm and balloon.
Menu/place card tied into a folded linen napkin with named ribbon.
Seating chart.
Card cage
We passed the port after dinner. These cards were on each table to give the history.
Our wedding thumb print tree instead of a guest book.
The 3 days leading up to 'W'day really took it out of me so by the evening before I was in agony, cried my eyes out and made them red and puffy and had to take extra painkillers. Then I got in the bath to try and relax forgetting FI was not there and got stuck in the bath!!!!!!
This had a good and bad outcome, the good is I slept for 8.5 hours straight so was able to cope with the day. The bad, I was not thinking straight so when I put my veil on I forgot to position my hair so no curls were at the back and all my 'rear' view photos look weird. Also my Mum was frightened to lace my dress up too tight in case it hurt me too much so my dress could have looked better. I also had a very dry mouth from the morphine but could not drink past 12.30 (you all know why!!!). My amazing brother kept me plied with tic tac mints all through the photos to stop my lip sticking to my gum so that I could smile!!!
Even with all I have said above I LOVED our day it was all I wished and hoped and have had so many comments I blush to even tell you all!!
The morning getting ready was manic fun!! The hairdresser and make up ladies came to the house and the florist was finishing the button holes. All these amazing ladies are friends of mine so the banter was great!!
Half way through getting my hair curled I commented I hadn't had breakfast and my amazing sister made hot buttered toast for everyone.
When my little bridesmaids arrived, they had fun having their hair curled and getting dressed and are now friends.
This is my sister and MOH
And finally a nervous bride with her proud Dad
The ceremony was lovely, Peter our vicar was great, he included all the pageboys and bridesmaids during the service by bringing them next to us so they could see what was happening. I had a little 'moment' when we first arrived as my bouquet was heavy and I struggled , but I lent on DH for a bit to cope!!
This was one of the photos I requested, nearly all the children!! There were 19 children and 2 babies and you wouldn't have known it. They were quiet in the church and had such fun during the day, no crying or fighting just giggles and smiles.
Another shot I requested, please note FIL who gave us all that hastle in a blue shirt!!!! Oh well at least he came.
My favourite picture at the moment.
........... and the prize for the most stupid face goes to .............................. me!!! My nephew throwing confetti at me!!
Are you bored yet??????
We then went to have some shots together so I have none to share until my professional shots come back. It was drizzling there so we had some umbrella shots. i am a little worried how some will turn out as he had me with my arms up and both of us looking down, lets just say bingo wings and double chin alert, he he he!!!
The reception was all I wished a relaxed fun evening. When we arrived the thumb print tree was a success and nearly everyone was done. The decorations looked fabulous. I was slightly disappointed the centrepieces were not larger, but they were pretty and made by another friend of my Mum's.This is the best picture of them I have
We had a relaxed 3 cource meal finishing with cheese and biscuits and passing of the port!! All 3 of the speeches had everyone laughingone my DH got was saying I was his best buy on eBay and he gave me positive feedback!!!
Here is our cake table. My amazing Mum made the cake and when I get a better photo I will share.
Rob and I met on-line on Dating Direct!! Both our parents had suggested we join something and both had even offered to pay!
I had lots of messages, Rob not so many. When sorting through them one evening after work I had a message that mad me really laugh, Rob had sent me a message mid word accidentaly!!! I may have never answered if he hadn't so I think its fate. We messaged for ages and then he asked if he could phone me, I was soooooooooo nervous but it went so well he asked me out for a meal the next day ( he later told me he was very nervous ).
Our first date was at a restaurant that is an old mill, when I arrived he was sitting outside waiting for me. My first impression was, hes tall. At our table he gave me a bar of Lindt chocolate as I had mentioned in a message I had to melt my Easter bunny due to a cooking mishap!! We had a great evening and talked all evening that we were still there at closing and asked to leave.
I would like to tell you it was love at first sight but I think I was so nervous and had been single for so long I didn't know how I felt so I told him I would like to be friends. One of his friends later told me he really liked me and was upset by this but decided to see me as 'friends' as he still hoped it would become more.
We went for a walk and meal the next weekend, kept messaging etc. I even went on a date with someone else from the site and I soon realised I didn't like him as much as Rob. The following weekend Rob offered to show me the farm and meet his cows (I know how romantic!!) we walked for miles and it started to rain so we sheltered under an Oak tree and as we stood close I suddenly realised I REALLY liked him and we watched the rain leaning together.
Over the next 2 weeks Rob continued as a perfect gentleman missing all my signals!! So one evening after being at a Party I asked him round to share a bottle of wine. Well BBQ + wine +me = dutch courage. We kissed that evening and have been together since.
The overall feel of the day is for country elegance. I have always wanted to get married in our family Church near my parents and as we live in a farm cottage I would love our reception in a barn but £££ did not add up. So we are having our wedding in Saint Faiths Church, Havant and I have found a beautiful location for some bridal portraits.
My Mum is the tower captain where we are getting married so we will be rung in by our local ringers, having hand bells rung when we sign the register and then having a quarter peal = 45 mins continuous ringing after while we are having our photos taken.
I brought these to decorate the entrance of the church like this. I got 2 small lanterns as I already have the medium size.
We are then driving to a local country park designed by Capability Brown for 20- 30mins for our bride and groom portraits
We will then continue to the reception at The officer and senior rates mess at a Naval base (my Dad was in the Royal Navy and then taught them). I have no photos but am going to the Christmas Ball so will take some photos.
I have not ordered yet but the one that made me feel amazing in the shop even though it was too small is this
Its a venus dress 846021. I am hoping to find one secondhand as my something old to keep the cost down and I am into 'recycling' So if you see it PM me!!!!!!!!!
**UPDATE** Couldn't find a second hand one so I ordered it the week before Christmas. Had to get it from another store as where I found it went bust (so lucky I didn't lose any money) just need to find someone to do my alterations. Oh yes best bit I managed to order 1 size smaller as i have joined WW so if keep it up hope I will need to have it taken in!!
I love my pink shoes I am overall a very traditional kind of girl this is my bit of rebellion and an idea i got from PW girls!!
April 8th 2010. Exactly 1 month to go and she is here. Unfortunatly it doesn't fit, aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!
My amazing dressmaker Betty is enlarging the cups as seen in this photo. The plain bit is the lining and she is adding more volie pleats and beads.
The boys are hopefully wearing traditional morning suits with grey ties the grooms is different
**Update** 7th Feb. Just been to try on suits and the one I Love FI chose and I didn't even have to persuade him at all!! So traditional morning suit, grey waistcoat and classic striped trousers.
I am having my sister as Matron of Honour and my goddaughter and Robs niece as bridesmaids. I have brought 2 silk Monsoon dresses from eBay 1 for my sister the other I will cut up and make 2 dresses for the girls.
Not a great photo but shows the colour and style.
Bridesmaids
I have found their shoes and my step gran is knitting them a dark grey cardigan each.
My sister and I spent 3 days making my 2 bridesmaids there dresses. I love how they turned out and can't wait to see them in them, so far I only have a photo on my mobile!!
I still can't believe Mum and I found her outfit on our 1st shopping trip in the 1st shop!! My Mum HATES hats so the matching fascinator is great. So here is my lovely Mum
I love flowers and had great fun choosing them. Here are a few inspiration photos.
These are the vases we have stored in the garage!! Most from eBay. They will be 1/3 filled with clear glass nuggets from eBay and will be stood on 16inch glass plates from eBay surrounded with clear glass tea light holder from eBay..... can you see a pattern??!!!!! The flowers will be shaped like below in the colours above.
My very generous friend Emma brought these for me. My trial centerpiece for shape there will be more flowers on the day.
My actual flowers
Wedding bouquet
I had decided to DIY our invitations and when searching for inspiration found PW and am now addicted.
The invites are going to be A5 size with a pocket for information sheets. The text sheet will have a picture of oak leaves which a friend will magic to dusky pink and the font will be dark grey. The search for the perfect combination of fonts has kept me busy on the lap top with several headaches. We still have not chosen but are getting there!!!
When they are folded no writing will will be seen and it will be kept closed with a belly band. I have ordered grey envelopes but they have not arrives yet, i am going to line them with pale pink paper stampes with oak leaves.
I've finished them!! Here are our Pink oak leaves invitations. I used Burgess and Engravers roman bd fonts.
I have been of work sick since March 2009 with acute abdominal pain, ouch, but I have had a lot of time to 'think' about our day. I found this website when looking for invitation ideas but now have a long list of DIY projects. I will post photos as I complete each
- Invitations
Made the belly bands for the invitations this week. They are embossed with oak leaves and have charcoal grey ribbon
- Line envelopes
Lined in pale pink paper same as card stock. Stamped with small oak leaf stamp with smokey gray Versafine ink pad. Took a while but I love the results.
- Next day lunch Invitation
My parents are hosting a lunch on the day after the wedding. We are having a pig roast and Mum said it would be nice to have some weddingey invitations!!!! So of I started again ...... !!!!
- DIY Calligraphy
This was actually easy to do! I printed out the alphabet in upper and lower case and practiced lots and lots!!
- Table name and number
The tables are named after airplanes as chosen by FI what more can I say!!!
- Thank you signs for photos
- Bride and Groom chair signs
- reserved signs
- Cake Topper
- post box?
Managed to find a cream birdcage reduced in the Christmas sale and as it is what I originally wanted I brought it! Just need to make a sign now.
Made my sign and added 2 colours of ribbon. I love the way it turned out.
- Luminaries
- All made just need to take some photos for you all!!
- Seating Plan
- Favours
- I am making several favours. Everyone will have a wine glass charm with an oak leaf on with different coloured beads. The girls will have a plant-able paper oak leaf and the boys will have leaf shaped chocolates. Everyone will also get a rocket balloon but I had to buy them!
- Cuff-links
- Brooches
- Coat hangers
- Bridesmaid dresses
So far I have made 2 samples out of a sheet! They are waiting to be posted and when I know the fit I can start making the real things.
** The samples are too big so need to do some alterations**
- Fabric flowers for the girls headbands.
These were so easy I made them watching the Olympics hockey!! The fabric I used was some of the lining of the Monsoon dresses I unpicked to make their dresses. The fabric was an exact colour match and I love how it makes simple hairbands look bridesmaidy!!!
- Programs / Order of Service
Will have this poem by Pam Ayers in so everyone has something to read!
http://weddingwords.vox.com/library/post/yes-ill-marry-you-pam-ayres.html
- Pew ends???
Not sure now may make something like this below or may be able to afford my dream of flowers depends on the £££ situation!!!!
April 2010 update - have decided to have flowers which is what I have dreamed of and 1 DIY project to cross of the list.
- Bunny dresses for flower girls gifts (same as their dress)
So pleased with these, a little fiddly but not a bad way to use the bodice if the dress I am cutting up to make the younger bridesmaid dresses.
- Bags to put the bunny's on for the 2 younger bridesmaids
These were simple. Running stitch in embroidery thread for the stems and buttons for the flowers.
- Menu/name cards I can't believe I never took any photos!! Hopefully will be some pros
- Wedding cake
- well sort of DIY. I made the 3 tiers with my Mum and I made Apricot jam to stick the marzipan on with and here my input ends! The icing will all be done by my amazing Mum.
- Tree cake stand
This is my FI DIY so far he has a picture and is looking for suitable logs on the farm!!
Yes a long list I have started and will show my attempts as completed.
I had never heard of a ring bowl before operation wedding research. I am not personally a fan of a ring cushion (what would I do with it?)
I can see this bowl hanging on the wall in our bedroom. A lovely lady on Esty is making it called Eileen at SayYour Piece. It is a combination of the 2 below but of course pink oak leaves!!!
It's come and I love it. What do you think??
I kept looking at it when it arrived and wasn't sure about it, but have now worked it out, it came with a baby pink ribbon and it jarred with the dusky pink leaves so i changed it to some scrap dark grey organza ribbon and now I LOVE IT:)!!!!!
ere is my wedding 'bling'. I brought it from a seller on eBay.
Since I brought this I have been introduced to the world of esty!! I have commissioned 2 pieces an oak leaf bracelet that shuts with a crystal acorn and some crystal acorn earrings! Not sure what I will wear will decide when they come!!
Just recieved pictures of bracelet, will post pics when it arrives
When I was looking for a necklace to wear for a Ball I found the necklace I inherited from my Granny, it matches the crystal beading on the bracelet so i have decided to wear it and it will be my something old.
Wedding bands
Here is the 'important' wedding jewelry our wedding bands. We both decided on simple bands. My FI does not wear any jewelry so wanted simple and I did not want anything to distract from my amazing diamonds!!
This is mine 3mm platinum His 6mm yellow gold
The Mum's are having an oak trug with an oak leaf cut into the side and a shrub to plant in their gardens called
Exochorda × macrantha 'The Bride' (pearl bush)
The best man and male ushers are having tie, cuff-links and hankie set and a decanter.
My MOH and female usher will have an oak leaf broach and a bird bath. My MOH will have her jewelry, pashmina
The bridesmaid's are having an acorn necklace for when they are older and a 'jellycat' bunny and I will make it a dress like theirs if I have time! 28th Feb - I had time!! Here they are, please note hole in skirt for tail!!!
For my pageboy I am making them oak leaf cuff links for when they are older and a tractor money box with a secret opening.
We had lots of people who helped with the wedding. The ladies had boxed oak leaf brooches and the men oak leaf cuff-links or an acorn door wedge.
My parents are having a pig roast for us on the Sunday after the wedding. The guests will be made up of those people who have helped us bell ringers, friend who does flowers and some OOT guests.
After the I do's have been said
And Rob and Hazel are happily wed
Let's send them merrily on their way
And reminisce about their day
Please join us for a
Post Wedding Lunch
in honour of
The Newlyweds
Rob and hazel C####
Sunday May 9th at 12.00
At the home of ....
I recently had my job terminated due to having chronic pain. So when one of my work colleagues rung me a few weeks ago to tell me they had been talking and wanted to through me a party. They knew I probably wouldn't cope with a restaurant so she had offered here house. Well I was so surprised I was in tears as I was soo not expecting it!!!
So on Thursday evening 8 of us got together and I had such a lovely evening. They had all brought food and we had a great buffet and a cake with a champagne bottle on.
Then the games began!!!! I was given a pink feather boa and 2 Bride to be badges.
Firstly we played the after eight mint game, hilarious. You put the mint on your forehead and have to eat it only using your facial muscles!!!
Next I had a quiz! They had rung FI and asked loads of questions and then I had to see if I got the same!! I now know warming my feet on him i bed is my worst habit, he he he!!!!!!
They then said we were compatable but they needed to check is I was OK to be a farmers wife! Each girl took a card and then made animal noises I had to identify, best marks goes to the chicken who even laid an egg!!!
Finally I had a practical test and was introduced to 'Daisy'. Tanya my host for the evening had made a cow from a box complete with an udder which I had to 'milk' I haven't laughed that much for ages!!!
To round the evening of I was presented with a gift and card from everyone at work. I really had a personal Hen party and am lucky to know such a brilliant group of girls.
I had decided not to have one as no one ever knows what to write in them!!! Then I saw a post on here for thumb print trees.
Here are my inspiration
There was no time to get one from USA so I remembered my Mum's friend who goes to art courses, so I commissioned her. I asked for it to look like a real tree and have a heart with our initials. This is what she made and I LOVE IT!!!!!
