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

We have many friends in the Wedding trade , a few i have already mentioned in my previous blogs, below are a few more. 

Make-up Artist:  www.louaimeshill.com

Accomplished freelance makeup artist, able to offer fantastic experience for Weddings & Events. Previous clients have included…The English National Opera & Sky T.V to name but a few. Give Louise a call on her mobile:07779 302244

Chair Covers & Balloons:  www.cloudnineballoons.co.uk     Are a family run business and  offer an extensive range of balloon decor, favours, stationary & chair covers. Call Cath or her daughter on 01384 637909.

Wedding Rings, and that special gift: Kenneth Cooke Jewellers, of the Jewellery Quarter , Birmingham. www.kennethcooke.co.uk

Wedding cakes: For that special wedding cake or Celebration cake contact Cassie at Passion 4 Cakes. www.passion4cakes.com

Men’s Suit Hire:  Slaters Menswear of Birmingham have every kind of suit you can imagine to make sure your Groom is looking his best. www.slaters.co.uk

Toast Master: Do you want to keep your proceedings running smoothly?   give Richard Jackson a call. www.birminghamtoastmaster.co.uk

Wedding Stationery: For beautiful, bespoke stationery. www.lovebugdesigns.co.uk.

Bride & Bridesmaids attire: www.weddingworld.co.uk

Wedding Cars: You will be spoilt for choice at Home James wedding Cars. www.homejamescars.com

Pianist: How about a pianist playing in the background of your wedding breakfast & reception, for that touch of class, contact Margaret at M4music. www.m4music.org

Flowers, Chair covers, Makeup:  Contact Clare at Clares flowers, Northfield Birmingham. www.claresflowers.com      

Bridal Wear:   For Beautiful bridal gowns & accessories, contact Gate House Brides of Worcester. www.gatehousebrides.co.uk

Party Accessories & balloon decor:  www.perfectparties.biz   Carrie from Perfect Parties offers a  small range of fancy dress outfits, party accessories & balloon decor for that perfect party.

Confetti with a twist:   www.printfetti.co.uk      How about this for originality …  this is the perfect way to jazz up any table at a Wedding, Party or special occasion, you choose the picture, they put it onto confetti, all you need to do then is just sprinkle it on your tables .

Wedding & Portrait Photographer:   www.helenhowardphotography.co.uk    Helen will capture the moments of the day for you to remember forever whatever your budget and location , Helen will deliver the most stunning of photographs.

What about a wedding blog that your close family & guests can log into and see how your plans are coming together,(or not as the case may be!) you could add photos, wedding gift  lists. let people know who will be attending, maybe ask them for ideas…. give Mick Davies at www.madcomputersolutions.co.uk    he could design you a website  / blog just for you. ahhhh!

I hope you will find these numbers useful and save you  time and a few sore fingers from all that computer searching , etc. Please don’t forget to tell them where you got the info from, and …mines a rum & coke thanks!!!

Room dressed with chair covers & colour coordinated sashes.