David Phillips and Marie Chandler met through a mutual friend at the Waterman’s Arms, Pembroke. They were together four years before they got married. Here Marie tells us about their wedding.

The proposal

January 2, 2015.

Planning

We started planning as soon as David had proposed. We went to the County Wedding Fair in Haverfordwest and the Begelly Arms Wedding Fair.

The ceremony

St. Mary’s, Carew Cheriton, on May 7, 2016.

Theme

We had a shabby chic theme with lots of light summer colours.

Hymns

All Things Bright and Beautiful and Give Me Joy In My Heart (Sing Hosanna).

Reading

We had a lovely reading from a family friend, Roland Edwards.

Rings

Our rings were made by the groom’s schoolfriend, James. Mine was platinum and the groom’s silver. They are beautiful.

Wedding party

Bridesmaids were Yasmin Chandler (daughter), Fergie, Jenny and Kirsty. Page boy was Regan Chandler (son) and ring bearer was Max (son). Best man was Tim Phillips (groom’s brother) and ushers were Michael, Wayne and Drew.

Bride’s gown

A full-length dress with lace and beaded top and train with medium-length veil from Emma Phillips wedding shop, Carmarthen.

Hair and make-up

My hair was done by my friend, Katrina May Mumford, while my make-up was done by friend, Donna Lewis.

Flowers

Callamango Flowers, Pembroke Dock, did bouquets for myself, my bridesmaids and the corsages for the boys. They also did flowers in jam jars to decorate the tables at the reception.

Bridesmaids dresses

Mint green floral knee-length dresses. My daughter wore a light gold lace dress.

Groom and

groomsmen’s attire

Grey suits with cream waistcoats, mint green cravats and black shoes. All hired from Mr. Roberts, Pembroke Dock.

Reception

We had a three-course sit-down meal for 90 guests at Castlemead Hotel, Manorbier, with a marquee hired from The Dingle, Narberth. Our starter was butternut squash and sweet potato soup, roast chicken with vegetables and gravy, followed by a choice of puddings, lemon tart, chocolate fudge cake or fresh fruit pavlova which was enjoyed by all.

Favours

Home-made jam and chutney made by my mother. She also made home-made Welsh cakes. The children present had sweet bags.

First dance

Red Bone’s Come and Get Your Love.

Photographer

An amazing lady called Penny, Penzz Photography, from Haverfordwest.

Cake

Our cake was made by my cousin, Susan Cunnea. It was her first time at making and decorating a wedding cake and it was beautiful and tasty.

Transport

My father and I travelled in a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow supplied by Vincent James, while the bridesmaids had a minibus.

Hen and stag nights

Both were in Cardiff. The hens went on a spa day, followed by the Dreamboys and a night partying, while the stags went to a comedy club and strip club, with lots of drinking!

Honeymoon

We went camping to Rhandirmwyn club site for three nights where my husband went as a child, followed by a night in Carmarthen, with all our three children.

Favourite moment

of the big day?

Sitting at the top table feeling so happy and proud to be Mrs. Phillips and seeing all our family and friends eating, drinking and being merry.

Top tips for a

bride-to-be?

Enjoy every minute. It goes too fast. Make sure you have some time together, just the two of you, even if it is only 20 minutes. Don’t drink too much, but let your hair down.