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

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

we have ordered a brand new light surround today, can not wait to see it in operation, by all acounts it changes 7 different colours, so we should be able to match a colour to our wedding couples colour theme.

Everything going to plan so far for our forces wedding of the year, chasing up final details from our suppliers, then it will be a case of check and re check everything…….. what is the betting that the nearer it gets to D – Day … or should i say W- day, i will be a nervous wreck!!

Don’t forget it is U.K forces day on Saturday June 26th 2010, show your support for our brave men and women of the Armed Forces. (c)chocorococo

It is  now only 7 weeks until the “ Chocorococo & support our soldiers “ wedding, and things are going… dare i say it….. smooooothly!  I heard from Sarah last week who said she had her hair consultation with our hairdressers , Francesco Group . They had great fun by all accounts trying different hair styles, i have no idea what style she has gone for, but i am guessing she will opt to wear her hair up!

My daughter will be travelling up to us next month to see Sarah for her make up consultation , and by all accounts the wedding dress should be in for the final fitting, likewise the bridesmaids dresses, all that will remain is for me to make sure everyone knows what they are doing & where they are supposed to be etc…….. me included.

I can not believe that a years worth of planning & organising has come down to the final few weeks, i just hope that Sarah & Aaron will enjoy all we have planned for them, and with the help of everyone concerned, i can give them a perfect wedding.

next time we will be sharing with you …. THE HEN NIGHT…. (C) chocorococo

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

Back in March, St Andrews Lodge had a ladies night. where
the ladies where wined & dined by our spouces.
During the evening £400 was raised for charity. This was split
between the RNLI & Support Our Soldiers.
Both have now received their donation of £200 each.
We have received a lovely letter from SOS thanking the lodge,
and informing us the funds will be put to very good use.
A huge thank you to everyone thant donated on the night.

After the excitement of getting the bride and bridesmaids outfits sorted, it was now time to turn our attention to getting the men in the bridal party all kitted out.

 Armed with my colour swatch, Danny & i met up with Aaron & his father, Aaron’s brother Niall, Sarah’s father & her sisters partner in Birmingham. After  introductions ,we all made our way toSlaters Menswear , where David Mann and his team made us all very welcome.

As the shop had closed for business, David & his team were able to give Aaron & his party personal attention & time they required in choosing their suits. Pale Grey morning suits were the favoured colour ,  we were informed by Slater’s, that Grey was this seasons favoured colour for wedding suits. Waistcoats & ties were next on the hit list,  out came the colour swatch i was given of the bridesmaids outfits…. I was rather hoping to find something to match, as Sarah was not only trusting Aaron to make the right choice, but me too !! ( Better not mess up then!).

measured up!

It was at this point that one of the managers at Slater’s suggested that one of the party try on the suits & waistcoats etc, so as Aaron could see what they would look like when worn……. What!!… model the clothes….a roar of nervous laughter irrupted between the guy’s, you could see the panic written across their faces , well, someone has to do it…… oops! sorry Niall you drew the short straw, (well he was the nearest to the assistant at the time). As he made his way to the changing room, and muttered , “no peeking”, chairs were made available, and placed in a very neat semi circle, food was brought out for everyone & a very nice glass of wine, (beer for the guys)……..We were all ready for the fashion show.

everyone waiting for the fashion show!!

 Niall came out with one of the grey morning suits on , very smart too, ” give us a twirl” someone shouted….. well, we were all assured that Niall  had been watching America’s next top model…. (really Niall, do you want to own up to that?)  A little walk along the floor, stop , hand on the hip…Mmm! guess you have been paying attention to America’s next top Model after all.

loving the socks Nigel!

As Aaron was wearing his uniform for the wedding he did not need to try on any of the outfits, so i guess he was getting some  pleasure getting his younger brother to try on a mixture of suits, & colour combinations.. let alone half of one waistcoat, and one half of another, yes i kid you not… it was funny, lots of comments were being branded about, asking him to put on a top hat…. what about a kilt ? yeah! a kilt.. fantastic……. Nooo! Aaron had been informed that if they were to choose a kilt, there would be no wedding, Ah!. shame…. but he did try on lots of outfits… sorry suits before the right one was chosen.

Tell Sarah we have chosen this!

After a while the wedding suit was finally chosen, the coloured tie was a perfect match to the bridesmaids outfits, the waistcoats were toned in beautifully, and the men were measured one by one.

 That’s it then… finally we were all done,. The staff could not have been more helpful, and i for one can not praise everyone at Slater’s highly enough, every shop through out the nation should pay them a visit and get a lesson from them on customer service……. OUTSTANDING  GUY’S, simply outstanding , thank you for making the task of choosing the suits not only fun, but in a very relaxed manner .

Next time Aaron & Sarah’s first visit to the wedding venue. (c) chocorococo

viewing bridesmaids dresses

pictured, Sarah with her bridesmaids & wedding world owner Debbie.

I was informed by Debbie, that when it came to choosing bridesmaids outfits, it would not only take longer than it did for the bride to choose her dress, but that it can be more stressful !!

The girls were left to look through the array of styles, designs & colours. Sarah was not sure if the girls should wear long or short dresses, the girls at this point were open to any suggestions. As the girls went to the changing rooms, Debbie kindly gave us all a Bucks Fizz, (well, you cant turn that down now can you?)

One by one the girls came out , while one had a short dress on, another had a long, …. ” i like this style, but not the colour”….or ” I think this dress looks nice on Laura but not on me”….. Mmmm! could be a long afternoon!

At this point the girls had only tried on dresses, but Sarah requested that they try on a 2 piece outfit, consisting of a Top & skirt, one of the girls commented that, there was no way that style would suit her, BUT… it did, in fact the two piece outfit was a success, they all looked amazing, the styles flattered all of the girls, and the colour Sarah decided on (deep purple) looked fantastic on ALL of them, even though I’m not sure Laura believed us ,when we said the colour looked good on her,  she said she would have preferred a lighter colour, such as Lilac or…….no, don’t say it…Pink! Sorry Laura big sister has pulled rank!! 

Debbie kindly gave me a swatch of the material, so as Danny &  i could take it with us when going with Groom , bestman &  fathers to Slater’s to  choose their wedding attire. Sarah had decided not to go but to  trust Aaron to choose the waistcoats, suits & ties……

 Are you mad… you are trusting a man to make the right choice of wedding outfit, without the bride being there!! Sarah had every confidence in her man(bless her), i thought it would be a bit of a nightmare, but how wrong i was,……. it was hilarious!

More from the wedding diary soon. (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)