Nolan Terry in full swing - (c) chocorococo

Nolan kick starting the evening celebrations, with a selection of songs from Frank Sinatra & Michael Bubble, to name but a few.

chocorococo fountain (c)

The chocorococo chocolate fountain, where everyone enjoyed Strawberries, Melon, Peaches, Grapes, Marshmallows & Donuts  in delicious (Giles & Posner) Belgian chocolate.

Mmmm! lovely. (c) chocorococo

Dieting over, it is time to enjoy the chocolate….

Sarah & her sister Laura, back at the fountain .(c) chocorococo

Sarah, back at the fountain with Laura .

Aaron's Auntie & relatives (c)

The buffet was plentiful, we all enjoyed a selection of sandwiches & Goats cheese , cranberry & walnut tarts, Vegetable samosas, Shish kebabs, Hoisin Duck, Spring rolls, Crispy battered chicken fillets & if that was not enough….wedding cake!

i know you!

The brides mum..Judith (c) chocorococo

Guests off our table, enjoying the evening……. ( I know you’re secret!!)

dancing the night away (c)

Guests danced well into the night, and before too long it was time to say our goodbyes , and reflect on a truly wonderful day. (c) chocorococo 2010

Sarah entered the room on the arm of her very proud father wearing a stunning  ivory, Benjamin Roberts wedding gown made of gilded silk. The Registrar welcomed everyone, and proceeded with the ceremony . One of Aaron’s colleagues Maj S Hill read a poem, the other Maj. S Grant  a reading, after all the vows were made, the registrar , Geoff declared them Husband & wife and said, “Aaron you may kiss your bride”, … which he obliged, but Geoff did not think it was good enough, and rated the kiss 5/10…so made him do it all again, which amused us all, but Aaron did not take much persuasion .

 The piper escorted them back up the aisle to thunderous applause, and the canapes reception, where everyone could greet the new Mr & Mrs Browne.

" I do" Sarah taking her vows. (c) A. Stonehall

It's official .... Mr & Mrs Browne (c) A. Stonehall

We all found the sparkling wine, supplied by Ian Harvey, very welcoming along with the  delicious selection of canapes, which consisted of : Beef satay with bell pepper, mini fish & chips,(yum!) – thai veg pancakes, spinach Ricotta & provincial tart & tiger prawns & melon.

We were entertained by Margaret on her piano whilst our couple went to the beautiful Botanical Gardens to have some photo’s taken,  our couple were applauded as they made their way back to the car to join their guests who were waiting their arrival at the Banqueting Suite.

Sarah & Aaron at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. (c) A. Stonehall

The Toastmaster announced the arrival of Sarah & Aaron, and the piper escorted the happy couple to their seats, where the guests applauded and cheered so loudly, that at one point you couldn’t hear the piper at all. We went straight into the speeches, where Sarah’s father Tom, told us all how Sarah always loved horses as a child, and how she used to get him to crawl around the room on all fours, as her pony…… and how when she met Aaron she told her parents Aaron reminded her of Ronan Keating…….. I think Aaron went a brighter shade of red than that of his tunic, i wander if his friends & Army colleagues will ever let him live that one down?

Aaron made his speech after Niall’s, and handed Sarah’s mum Judith,  Aaron’s mum Margarite, & myself a beautiful bunch of flowers, and wine for the ushers & my husband . I thought it was very nice & touching to have Aaron say that he & Sarah looked upon Danny & myself as their third set of parents, as he thanked us .

Aaron making his speech. (c) A. Stonehall

Before the cake was cut, Aaron announced that it was also a special day for his father…..His birthday, to which we all sang Happy Birthday, be it some what out of tune!….on to the cake cutting.

cutting of the cake. (c) A. Stonehall

That was it, speeches over, gifts handed out & the lovely cake cut….or so we thought,  Declan the front of house manager announced that they personally had a little surprise for our couple, ( even i did not know of this). They were presented with champagne glasses that had been engraved, & in a lovely presentation box as a suprise from Birmingham City Council .  Personally i thought this was a lovely gesture.

As we enjoyed our wedding breakfast of Smoked Salmon starter, followed by Chicken breast in a mushroom sauce served with  dauphinoise potatoes, Asparagus & a truffle dressing then dessert was a delicious brandy basket with berries & ice cream, our guitarist Stuart Toogood , played his guitar, which added a nice touch during the meal.

Stuart Toogood, Guitarist. (c) chocorococo

 As time progressed, we had to leave out table to set up our chocolate fountain, ready for the evening celebrations , which was a shame as we were enjoying talking to everyone , but they were all looking forward to …the chocolate fountain.

Part three of the wedding blog –  will follow shortly .(c) chocorococo2010

CHOCOROCOCO & SUPPORT OUR SOLDIERS WEDDING OF THE YEAR.

Welcome to the wedding of Sarah & Aaron that took place at the Birmingham Council House Banqueting Suite, August 8th 2010.

clare working her magic

When we arrived at the venue at 10.30am, Clare was busy working her magic, and soon put us to work, My husband Danny was made an honorary flower arranger for the morning , yes folks this is true, he carefully carried the beautiful tall flower arrangements and placed them on the tables, with us all shouting , “Don’t Drop them” in his ears. Our son-in-law Nick and myself were given the job of scattering Lilac, purple & Ivory petals on the tables, and doing odd jobs along the way. Very soon the room was transformed into a stunning vision, with the cutlery polished, glasses neatly arranged, place cards set , chair covers on and bows neatly tied, petals scattered & the beautiful floral arrangements taking centre stage….there was only one word to say… WOW!.

Banqueting suite looking fabulous. (c) abby stonehall

The Banqueting Suite looking stunning. (c) Abby Stonehall

the stunning floral arrangement on top table (c) Abby stonehall

The colour theme was just lovely, deep purple, lilac, pale pink & ivory.. and i was right all along in my thinking, the grand room wanted big, beautiful arrangements, to give the room more of an impact, and not small centre pieces.

the beautiful White Chocolate Wedding Cake (c) abby stonehall

Cassie arrived with her stunning 3 tier wedding cake, covered in white chocolate curls, with a drape on one side to simulate the brides train &  Lilac, Pink & Ivory chocolate roses placed around & on top of the cake. I think you will agree how lovely it looked, and it tasted nice too!!!

As the clock ticked away ever closer to midday, more and more of our suppliers arrived, armed and ready for action.Our ToastmasterSteve McTeigue , commented on how beautiful our room looked, and it was one of the nicest rooms he had seen in a long time, our  dear friend & Registrar Geoff Edwards arrived ready to afficiate and our Pianist Margaret Croucher  set up her piano, and limbered up those fingers.

Geoff & Margaret chatting before the ceremony

Aaron & Niall talking to the Toastmaster, Steve.(c) chocorococo

Margaret at her piano. (c) Abby stonehall

Aaron & Niall his best man & brother  arrived shortly after midday, with Dan the grooms man . Dan & Niall were wearing pale grey morning suits, with lilac waistcoats complimented with a deep purple cravat, supplied by Slater’s of Birmingham. The bridesmaids followed shortly  looking gorgeous in their deep purple skirts & bodice with matching wraps, supplied by Debbie of Wedding World, hair by Debbie & Becky of Francesco  group, & make up provided by my lovely daughter, Louise .

Dan & Niall, looking very smart in their suits supplied by slaters of Birmingham.(c) chocorococo

Our three lovely bridesmaids, (c) chocorococo

As Aaron went for his interview with the registrar, which i understand is a legal requirement before a civil ceremony, i joined our photographers down stairs to welcome the brides mother Judith & the grooms mum Margarite, who were a little stressed at this point, and while the vintage wedding car went to collect our bride & her father Tom, our good friend, (Doc) the piper  arrived, looking very smart. ( other wedding vehicle supplied by David Humphries.)

The Piper Malcolm (doc) & yours truly

I still do not know what a Scotsman wearsunder his kilt! …I’m liking the man-bag..oops! sorry…. sporran .

As we all made our way back upstairs, our piper went to tune up…. Incidentally how does a piper tune up?  Our Toastmaster ushered the guests into the drawing room to take their seats, where Margaret entertained us with her piano playing & the giant oak doors were closed , ready to await the arrival of our bride. Very shortly we heard the piper playing, this alerted us all to the arrival of the bride, as we all stood up , the doors were opened to reveal our stunning bride.

Doc our piper tuning up, (always said he was a bag of wind)

Sarah & her father Tom by the wedding car (C) Abby stonehall

Because there is so much to show you all, we are going to have to split the blog  into sections , plus i would be at my computer for day’s….   second part of our wedding blog….  ” THE CEREMONY”   coming soon . (c) chocorococo 2010

Here is the picture you have all been waiting for,  Mrs Sarah Browne & Captain Aaron Browne . A full report & pictures of theChocorococo Forces  wedding will follow shortly when they arrive from our photographerAbby Stonehall.

Captain Aaron  Browne & Mrs Sarah Browne.

It was an amazing day, and i can honestly say our forces sweethearts had the most perfect day, so please be patient, and you will be richly rewarded with some fabulous pictures, and a peek into what was the forces wedding of the year. Pictures courtesy of Abby Stonehall . (c) Chocorococo 2010

guard of honour for Aaron & Sarah

A few weeks ago Aaron & Sarah were taken to Kenneth Cooke Jewellers, in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham to view & choose their wedding rings. We were met by the lovely Denise, who brought out a vast selection of wedding rings for them to look at & try on.

Aaron & Sarah choosing their wedding rings.

With so many to choose from, it was just as well Sarah had some idea of what she was looking for, as she wanted her wedding band to match up with her engagement ring, (Titanium). Aaron on the other hand was unsure what kind of style to have , but with the help of Denise he soon made his choice. I am pleased to say that Sarah & Aaron are now in possession of the rings , and they are both delighted with them.

With only 10 weeks to go until their wedding day, things seem to be busier than ever, i have updated their menu choices & after careful consideration  Aaron & Sarah , have chosen their music for their ceremony, and their first dance……. No! i am not going to tell you all what they have chosen, you will have to wait & see.

tall flower arrangement at Banqueting Suite

Sarah has been to see our florist Clare, from Clare’s flowers to discuss her wedding bouquet & bridesmaids flowers, and of course the flowers for the wedding venue, it was decided upon that tall table  arrangements were the best choice for the venue,  small table arrangements would be lost in such grand surroundings it was felt. The chosen colour theme for the flowers is Ivory, Dark Purple & Lilac, it should look amazing.

The wedding cake has been chosen & lets just say that the chocoholics amongst the guests will be pleased. Invitations have been sorted for the evening along with the table plan & place cards etc, the flights for the honeymoon are booked, & i am informed that Sarah has an appointment with the hairdresser next week.

So as you can see, Sarah & i have been very busy , i dare say that with only 10 weeks left it will get even busier. (C) chocorococo

We met with Aaron & Sarah on a beautiful sunny April afternoon for their first visit to their wedding venue, The Birmingham Council House Banqueting Suite.

Aaron & Sarah outside the Birmingham Council House

I got the impression they were very keen to look inside, as Sarah had mentioned earlier that she had only viewed pictures of the venue on the Internet , this i have to say does not do it justice.

 We introduced our winners to Danielle, who was going to show them around this lovely venue, and answer any questions they were sure to have.

Once through the main doors, you immediately stand in front of a magnificent marble staircase, as you walk up the first flight of stairs, your eyes are drawn up to the beautiful, domed , almost cathedral like ceiling .

The stairs then divide into two , where you start to appreciate even more the splendour of the building, with its huge windows & even bigger carved oak doors, I kept glancing over to our couple to try and gauge their reaction to the venue, did they like it?

I held my breath as i asked Aaron what he thought of the venue, i was releived when he said he thought it was lovely, the kind of place they would have chosen themselves , (Phew!) he went on to comment on the beautiful features etc, this was all before we even got in the main room…. The Banqueting suite.

inside the council house

 There was a hive of activity going on, the day we went to view the venue, but at least they could get an idea of what the rooms would look like.

Danielle explained to them all about the actual wedding ceremony &  how the room will be laid out .

Danielle, Aaron & Sarah, in the glass corridor.

We were keen for them to see the glass corridor in case they wanted to use this space for photographs. Aaron & Sarah loved the contrast between this and the main room, and enquired if they could use this as a drinks area on arrival, we all thought this was a fantastic idea.

They viewed several more rooms before making their way back to the Banqueting room , where Danielle gave them a list of menus to view for their wedding breakfast &  Canapes, etc.

talking through the menus .

there had been such a lot to take in , but Aaron & Sarah were delighted with it all, and no doubt talked about it on the way back home, but not before they paid a visit to the jewellers to choose their wedding rings. (c) chocorococo.

Sarah & Aaron

We are pleased to introduce  Aaron & Sarah, the new winners of our Chocorococo & SOS wedding competition.

 After the initial introductions, and congratulations, we proceeded to tell them all about their prize, one by one , as Sarah began making notes, she became all emotional, totally overwhelmed by everything that was on offer to them , in fact i still don’t think they quite believe what they have won……. well believe guys it’s all yours.

We have made our appointments to visit the bridal shop / bridesmaids attire/ wedding rings / menswear & of course the Birmingham Council House, Banqueting Suite , within the next week….. lots to do between now and then, can’t wait to get started , and everyone is eager to meet them.

They are a lovely couple, and we are delighted to be able to offer them this prize of a life time, i shall be doing a picture video diary of events as they happen…. so long as i remember to keep the batteries in the camera that is!!!   (c)

Why not come and see The Chocorococo Chocolate Fountain & Chocorococo Berry Tower at the wedding Fayre to be held at the Birmingham Council House Banqueting Suite on January 31st 2010, 10.00am til 4pm . Look forward to seeing you there.

Berry Tower

council house at night

We are pleased and delighted to announce that we have received permission to hold our winning couples wedding & reception at The Birmingham Council House, Banqueting Suite, situated in Victoria Square, Birmingham.

This beautiful grade 2* listed building combines traditional elegance, & the ambiance of the rooms reflect the sophistication & charm of the 19th century.

inside the banqueting suite

The Banqueting Suite has received & welcomed members of the Royal Family, World Leaders, Media & Film Stars, and now our lucky bridal couple will be added to this very privileged list.

Chocorococo will be attending the following wedding fayres.

the happy couple

Highbury Hall Wedding Fayre:  Sunday 18th October 2009.

Doors open at 10.30 until 4pm, come and meet us in the Carnegie Room.

AND ALSO AT;

Birmingham Council House, Banqueting Suite: Sunday January 31st 2010.

Doors open at 10.30 until 4pm.

See you there!