The elements of this perfect wedding were the exquisite locations, the finest service and gourmet cuisine; not to mention a beautiful bride and handsome groom.
Maybe it was written in the sand. Long before they met, Caroline and Mike Rees - yes they had the same surnames before they were married – spent a lot of time on Bournemouth’s beaches. Mike learning to surf then becoming a lifeguard and Caroline spending time with friends on the beach whilst studying at Bournemouth University.
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| Lifeguard hut at Branksome Beach |
After casually meeting one evening on the beach just down from the Sandbanks Hotel, Mike and Caroline’s instant chemistry carried over into a year long romance.
In April of 2008, as the couple walked towards Sandbanks for a romantic pre-dinner stroll, Mike couldn’t contain his excitement as they passed the spot where they first met and he dropped to bended knee.
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| Caroline and Mike at their Engagement Party |
Caroline and Mike love Dorset’s laid-back vibe and natural beauty, so they decided to plan a wedding that featured the blues of the sea with a beach theme to create the perfect chic celebration that they envisioned. They knew immediately the wedding reception would be at the Sandbanks Hotel that literally sits on the sand with dazzling coastal views.
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| The Sandbanks Brasserie terrace |
Caroline began the planning process by creating a folder filled with special elements she wanted reflected in her wedding. Seashells, starfish, pebbles and with details like these as inspiration, the couple’s colour scheme was obvious. They both love everything that has to do with the sea and beach so they chose a colour to represent that.
Mike designed and printed the save the date postcards, invitations, service sheets, table plan and menus and said “Creating the perfect invitation was at the top of his list, as it sets the tone for the wedding to come”.
