I don’t think people use the term “penpal” anymore, but James and I have been penpals for something like 10 or 11 years. He lives in the UK and we were both avoiding homework at the University library one boring day and met in a chat room. We became buddies talking about our business marketing classes. We’ve kept up with each other sporadically throughout the years, mostly due to the fact that in is almost impossible for either of us to stop responding to an email. I always have to have the last word. So does he. No, I do. Anyway…
James and Alana got married this past July 12 and I so wish that my husband and I could have been there for the wedding! I love the beautiful church they got married in and the English Manor house Duncombe Park where they held their reception. I asked James to give some of his perspective of the wedding day to share with my readers. They were planning on getting married LAST July but SURPRISE!!! baby Josh was born instead! They pushed the wedding one year and had him Christened during their ceremony.
Congratulations, James & Alana, and thank you for sharing about your special day!
(a thank you Lakendra Kennedy of Affairs With Elegance –I borrowed these questions from her blog because I loved reading her client’s responses!)
What do you feel was totally unnecessary?
Nothing really as we planned it to be the way we wanted it to be. We did ditch the chocolate fountain and ice sculpture idea!
What would you change, if anything?
Have a better contingency plan.. or at least have a contingency plan! We hired a bus to take 40 guests from the church ceremony to the reception which was 20 miles away. The bus was held up in traffic due to an accident so we needed to hire 6 taxis to take the guests to the reception which cost us an extra £150! Its not nice having all those guests waiting around on an occasion such as a wedding although they were very understanding! Although its rare that things like that happen – always expect the unexpected and have a plan B in place in case it does.
What was unexpected that you loved?
This church with all of the flowers looked amazing, as did the reception which was a grand old mannor house (we felt like celebs!)
What are your fondest memories of your wedding day?
Kissing my beautiful bride. Having all of our friends and family gathered together. The church, the reception, first dance… all of it!
Is there anything you wish you had spent more time or money on?
We could have hired the string quartet for longer but it would have cost us much more.
Is there anything you wish you had spent less time or money on?
Some of the drinks were left on the tables (bottles of wine etc) unopened but its hard working out how much people will drink. If you have too little people might think you have been a little tight, but if you have too much it is wasted money.
Were there any unexpected surprises or issues?
Yes – a baby! We had to postpone our wedding for another year!
Bus was stuck in traffic as per above. If you have the reception in the same place I think it is far less stressful than having the two seperate. Also you need to factor in that people will want to drink alchol so they won’t be able to drive (hence why we had a bus).
What’s your number #1 tip for future engaged couples?
#1 – get married before having a baby!
Always have a plan B and always expect the unexpected! Also don’t go over the top spending money on things as it is easy to get carried away – especially when you go to wedding fairs and people try to sell you things that you don’t need. If you have a lot of friends and family they shouldn’t mind helping out making things. We had people help to make the wedding favours and other bits and pieces which saved us a lot of money (suppose thats two tips!).
Plan everything well in advance.
How did you feel after the wedding?
In one sense very happy but in another sense very relieved. Financially it cost us a lot but it was worth it. It also cost us a lot in terms of time planning it whilst juggling work and looking after a baby 🙂 However we are both VERY happy!
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