Well well well, it my have taken a ‘few’ months but finally I’ve put pen to paper, or should that be fingers to keys? either way, it’s here. Our very own FDB Anna, married her true love Sam on the 21st December 2021, and wasn’t it one to remember. As we sit here now reliving the moments thanks to the stunning shots from Emma McNair Photography, it feels like yesterday.
So sit back, relax and imagine it’s a serene frosty morning last winter (even though its the hottest day of the year) and pour yourself something cold and bubbly…
Anna’s Bridal Style
“I always knew I wanted to be a Suzanne Neville bride, this was hundred percent confirmed for me after trying on ‘Gabrielle’, it just had the wow factor. Simple and elegant with a hint of that iconic Hollywood glamour, I was really having my very own Marilyn moment”.
‘Gabrielle’ features a sophisticated sweet heart neckline. Crafted in light sheer Italian crepe, a favourite of the British designer with a modern front skirt split. “For me, I didn’t want anything too big and this dress perfectly complimented my curves. I loved the idea of being able to see my shoes too, plus who doesn’t want to see a little leg on the dance floor”.
Anna kept her bridal party small, her best friend Jodi as Maid of Honour and beautiful little niece Phoebe as Flower Girl and the true heartbreaker of the day.
Before we move on, we must mention the accessories from Miss Clemmie. Anna chose a celestial hair slide and earrings to match, a subtle hint of sparkle for her December date.
Memorable Moments
Trying to select just one favourite moment is truly impossible, I haven’t spoke to one bride who didn’t just say ‘everything’! But when you’re sharing an office and there is no escape, I asked Anna to really think about what she particularly enjoyed or even surprised her.
“When you spend everyday on the other side, becoming the bride yourself, you sort of know what to expect but wow, I really got further insight into the fitting journey. We always tell our brides to ‘trust the process’ and having now seen both sides to the story, our team really are fantastic. Everything you ask for is listened too and the evolution from trying on the style, to it totally becoming your own gown is wonderful. You definitely still get those bridal nerves but it’s truly the most wonderful experience”.
Location. Location. Location.
Anna and Sam chose Colwick Hall, Nottinghamshire. A magnificent Georgian country house mansion with acres of parkland and steeped in history. Of course, its the perfect choice but it’s about to get better. “Colwick is in walking distance from our house, we walk our dog around the gardens and often popped in for drinks in the summer. For us, we couldn’t dream of a better location for our wedding day, it really is a special place for us, now more than ever of course.”
The Main Event
As we mentioned above, Colwick Hall was literally a stones throw away for Anna and Sam, the perfect excuse for Anna and her mum Sue to stay over and enjoy some luxuries the night before the big day. In the morning, the ladies were joined by Maid of Honour Jodi and Mother of the Groom, also Sue for a magical morning of champagne, laughter and of course those all important preparations. “We were able to all get ready together which I loved, and there was still plenty of space for Natalie (Page Beauty Therapy) and Steph, a family friend and hairdresser.
As all wedding mornings do, time flies when you're having fun and it was time for the main event. Anna and Sam decided on a very intimate ceremony, only attended by immediate family. Friends and extended family joined closely after the vows, for their canapé and champagne reception, wedding breakfast, drinks and dancing of course.
“I totally lost it going down the aisle! We always tell our brides to take it slow and don’t rush to the end of the aisle but I just couldn’t help myself or listen to my own advice. I was clearly very excited to marry Sam, after all that’s really what’s important. It’s very easy to get wrapped up and stress over the tinniest of details, but honestly when that moment arrived all I could think about was being married, nothing else mattered”.
The evening continued with superb entertainment from Dammit Jack who played beautifully their chosen first dance as newlyweds, ‘Just You and I’ by Tom Walker, need I say anymore. As guests joined half way through, the celebrations continued well into the early hours, a memorable start for the new Mr and Mrs Thacker.
Words of Wisdom
“Just take it all in. Every, single, moment. It’s cliche but it goes so quickly. Remember why you’re doing it, yes we are bridal gown obsessed but at the end of the day, really focus on the true meaning of your marriage and your wedding day”
Newlyweds
We always like to ask our brides what they’ve enjoyed most durning those first few weeks or months of wedded bliss and what are they looking froward to. I remember the first time being introduced as someones ‘wife’ was such a strange and giddy feeling all in one.
“Our honeymoon to Mexico, was truly amazing and I would highly recommend departing as soon as possible after the wedding, it doesn’t give those wedding blues any chance to creep in, your high continues. When we arrived and I saw Mr and Mrs Thacker, that moment will stay with me forever; it was fun, weird and wonderful all in one. Our adventure continues now as we look forward to welcoming Baby Girl Thacker at the end of the year, may the next chapter begin”.
A + S The Team
Dress: @suzanneneville from @frances_day_bridal
Photography: @emmamcnairphotography
MUA: @pagebeautytherapy
Hair piece & Earrings: @miss_clemmie_accessories available at @frances_day_bridal
Floristry: @boutiqueflowersnottingham
Venue: @colwickhall
Band: @dammit_jack
If reading this brings back all the joys from your wedding day and you want to feature on our Real Brides page, click me!