What have we gained from all this….. well we have met some lovely people along the way, and made some good friends & forged professional relationships .

Rachel ( Radisson) & Ian Harvey

Mark from "The Bridge" radio

Our friend - Llewella Bailey

 From the outset people have been willing to help and give their support, which goes to show the great admiration  the British people have for our troops . It would have been lovely to have helped the many people who wrote in and entered our competition, but unfortunately we couldn’t, but we would like to state that we at Chocorococo  give ALL the British Armed Services a discount on any of our services.

On a more personal note, we have received some lovely flowers , cards & messages , here are a few:

” Thank you for giving Sarah & Aaron the wedding of their dreams” Kevin & Margaurite Browne.

” Thank you so much for giving Sarah & Aaron a wedding most people can only dream about. The whole day was wonderful, we were treated like royalty & felt very priviledged – a day none of us will ever forget. A very big thank you to all involved.”  Judith & Tom Buckley.

Nick Owen & Myself

” Fantastic Lesley, so glad it all went well, good luck if you get involved again”  Nick Owen, BBC Midlands Today.

” I wish to congratulate you both on the success of the event, i know how much work was ionvolved in planning the event & you are to be commended on all your planning & efforts in making the day so special for the couple”.  Danielle Wilkins –  Civic Catering , Council House Birmingham.

” What a star you are! your efforts for the wedding were truly great , you should feel a great sense of achieveiment. A lot of hard work & energy well done for a great charity effort”  Dr. H. Hill & Mrs D. Hill

So, that brings everything to a close… it has been a wonderful 14 months, and who knows we may possibly do it all again, (on a some what smaller scale) so just keep watching this space. (c) chocorococo

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

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 big thank you to Mr Steve McTigue ,who has kindly offered to take the place of Mr Richard Jackson as our master of ceremonies at our  competition winners wedding, Richard will  be  undergoing an operation the week of the wedding., and will be unable to perform his duties. We wish Richard well, and thank him for his support.

After a long chat with Steve this morning, i am more than happy we are in very capable hands,  we look forward to working with you . (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.

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