Greenway Hotel, Cheltenham Wedding of Heather and Andy
From the moment we were invited into the home of Heather and Andy we knew that this was going to be a very special and personal wedding. They met five years ago and, although we could make a joke about how alcohol was involved, their love is unquestionable. We joined them to discuss their wedding plans and also capture some engagement and family photographs. We left feeling very touched by the joy, fun and love of this family whose shared values are obvious.
Heather and Andy chose the magnificent Greenway Hotel and Spa in Cheltenham to host their amazing wedding day. We joined Heather in the Oak room. She had chosen a beautiful slimline dress decorated with beads and lace which had a matching shrug.
Andy's girls were bridesmaids and really enjoyed having their hair and make-up done. When it was time for their dresses to go on, there was an audible gasp, followed by, "I look like a princess!" Like all princesses they were gifted special jewellery for the occasion.
Even William, the family dog, was involved and looked wooftastic in his doggy corsage.
Her friend and hairdresser, Beverley, had convinced our bride to put her hair up as she always has it down. It was the perfect choice with the dress - she looked absolutely stunning. Andy was one very lucky man!
Once dressed, Heather's 'boys' arrived; looking very dashing we think! Mum's look got enthusiastic approval.
In the meantime our debonair groom was getting dressed with his wingman, Gareth. We loved the ice blue waistcoats and white cravats.
One last check up in the mirror and it was time to check the speech notes.... ...again.... just in case....
...but Gareth soon used champagne as a distraction!
At just before 2pm Andy joined his parents in the ceremony room and the bridal party made their way down the main staircase.
This was a couple that was just desperate to get married and Heather almost jogged down the aisle; they needed to be together! The ceremony was lovely and had moments or love and laughter.
Finally they could leave the room as husband and wife and share their first toast together.
Many countries believe that rain on a wedding day brings good luck; in which case Heather and Andy will enjoy a lifetime of luck. This did mean that, sadly, we could not use the beautiful grounds for the formal photographs. So after a little furniture moving, we returned to the ceremony room. The guests were fabulous at working with us even though it got a little cosy at times. William was ready to pose once more.
The wedding breakfast room was tastefully dressed in large floral centre pieces. The centrepiece was the amazing 'naked' cake which was placed on a gorgeous slice of wood.
We just had to photograph the wedding rings on one of the thistles from the arrangements.
After their sumptuous meal we managed to steal the couple away for some photographs...
... and got them back into the bar just as their evening guests started to arrive. The guests were entertained by a band til the early hours of the morning.
We wish Heather, Andy and their family every happiness. This is a family that truly deserves it.