About The Couple

We were introduced by a mutual friend at a pub in Saltford in 2010 – The Riverside Inn. We immediately clicked. We are like chalk and cheese and agree we bring out the best in one another. I (Vic) am calm and very loving, where as Dave is the clown and full of high energy… it just works! 

Popping The Question

Dave proposed. Only 11 years after we first got together...*eye roll*! We always visit Dyrham Park in the spring to see the beautiful tulips and that is where he proposed. Such happy memories every time we go there. It was a complete surprise! I thought he was out shopping for a last minute Mother’s Day gift for the kids to give to me the following day, however he was actually asking my Dad for my hand. I even called my mum that morning and moaned that Dave had popped out at such an inconvenient time – little did I know he was with them! 

Choosing The Venue

Berwick Lodge was the venue we came away from saying ‘This is it!’ – The house and grounds are stunning, the accommodation incredible – the initial meeting with Georgia and the rest of the team sold Berwick to us. The fact that everything could be taken care of and nothing was too much trouble, Berwick Lodge is an absolute gem.

We had a few things to consider... Dave’s mum is disabled so a venue to accommodate her needs was top of the list. We also have 2 children and we wanted a venue with different rooms/spaces to accommodate different needs on the day. We wanted somewhere that didn’t feel like a cliché wedding venue. Berwick is classy but also has a warm, boutique, quirky feel. We also love the fact we will be able to go back over the years to come. 

Wedding Day Q&A

• What did you wear?

We wanted a black-tie dress code so I was after a dress with an evening gown feel. I knew I wanted a bardot style wedding dress and also something I could easily dance in as well as pick up my youngest daughter. I chose a dress from Coast after trying on so many! It was sparkly and I loved it!

• What outfit did the groom wear?

Dave and the groomsmen had black tuxedos and blue bow ties. They looked so smart. Our young nephews wore the same – they looked adorable. 

• Were you nervous before the ceremony?

I didn’t have time to feel nervous as the morning was such a whirlwind. Our wedding coordinator Simone helped to relax me. I was more emotional than anything else – I am always a ‘happy tears’ kind of person! Dave and the groomsmen chose whisky to settle the nerves!!

• What did you choose as your entrance song?

'Can’t help falling in with you’ sang by the amazingly talented Danielle Celeste.

• Was there a theme for the day?

It was Good Friday so we had a Spring/Easter theme. Colours were pale yellow and blue. As we have children ourselves we wanted to make the day feel less formal and planned an Easter egg hunt for our guests. We also decided to give Cadbury Cream egg favours because who doesn’t love a cream egg!? 

• How did you choose your flowers?

We chose seasonal flowers, so daffodils, hyacinth, tulips were included in our flower arrangements. The centrepieces were supplied by Berwick Lodge from their beautiful flower cutting garden and the bouquets by 'Flower Fairies Bristol'.

• Did friends help with any styling?

Our table plan and ‘order of events’ board were hand made by our incredibly talented friend Hollie. 

• Did you have a wedding cake?

We had the M&S Colin and Connie the Caterpillar wedding cake and 2 smaller Connies to represent our daughters. M&S Colin the caterpillar cake is a firm favourite in our family and has been for years. It was the only ever option for us! 

• What was your favourite dish served on the wedding day?

Our guests raved about the food – the slow cooked beef was absolutely delicious.

• How did you entertain your guests?

We had live music from Danielle Celeste  for the ceremony and welcome drinks, she is so talented. Our DJ, Kieran, understood the assignment very early with the guests loving cheesy bangers. Kieran interacted with everyone and the dance floor was packed until the end! 

• What part stood out the most?

The ceremony was very special to us and the wedding breakfast and speeches – it was a day filled with love and laughter from start to finish.

• Any funny stories or unusual anecdotes?

Better left unsaid!!

• Who or what made your day extra special?

The dedication to the black tie dress code from our guests and the ‘above and beyond’ service from all at Berwick Lodge made our day everything we dreamed of and more! 

• Did you honeymoon anywhere?

We did a 2 week ‘family-moon’ cruising around France and Spain. Dave is the travel expert in our house! He has more of a 'YOLO' attitude than me! It was great exploring new places with our favourite people.

Supplier Shout-out

• Venue - Berwick Lodge
• Bride’s dress – Coast Fashion
• Hair and make-up - Rachel & Gemma (@hairbyrachel01225 @celfie_hairmakeup)
• Photographer – Stu Tucker Photography
• Wedding cake – Marks and Spencer's 
• Flowers – Flowers Fairies Florist
• DJ – Kieran Clarke Entertainment
• Entertainment – Danielle Celeste: Wedding Singer
• Stationery – Lynette Bower Arts