Being Mother of the Bride

The wedding ceremony itself was at the majestic, historic Wimborne Minster and radiant in a Mon Cherie Chelsea gown, Caroline headed down the aisle on the arm of her father.

Such a wonderful moment

She was followed by her best friends, the maid of honour, Rebecca Barron, who designed and made the gorgeous pale blue silk bridesmaids’ dresses and the lovely Gemma Rees, Katie Phillips and Susanna Woodings.

Susanna Woodings, Gemma Rees, Katie Phillips & Rebecca Barron

Mike waited at the altar with his best man Daniel Taylor whilst the Ushers Alun Rees and Ben Ayres did a wonderful job seating all the guests. Lush soft blue hydrangeas in buckets decorated the pew ends.

A nervous Mike waits at the front

Joanna Rees

The Rev’d Derek Tighe officiated at the ceremony with a perfect blend of heartfelt sentiments and warm humour. The ceremony was lovingly filled with personal meaning.

Mike’s mother, Marian did the first reading John 4:7-19 and Caroline’s brother Alun the Second Reading – On Love by Thomas Kempis.

Even the signing of the marriage licence was special as Mike’s sister Joanna accompanied by Malcolm Colton sang Songbird by Eva Cassidy. Very moving. 

Outside the Minster guests surrounded the couple and tossed ivory rose petals, some from the garden of St. Michael’s Road where Caroline lived as a child. It was a beautiful sight to see all the petals falling, especially in the photographs.

The "Confetti" shot

The couple then headed off in the vintage Rolls Royce clutching champagne glasses whilst the Ushers and Bridesmaids, clutching champagne bottles, followed in Basil – a vintage surfers VW van.

Basil the split-screen camper van

Arriving at Sandbanks the couple headed off to capture their photographs as husband and wife. A memorable moment that Caroline’s mum will never forget. The beach was empty, the weather was perfect and they both looked so happy to finally be married. They couldn’t stop smiling. 

On the terrace guests were offered champagne or jugs of beer – a great hit with the guys. Then much to everyone’s surprise and delight the guests were treated to a flypast by the Red Arrows.

An unexpected flypast from the Red Arrows!

Guests then made their way to tables named after local beaches. A unique twist on traditional seating cards – and a great keepsake for guests – was to opt for a pebble with the guest’s name calligraphed on it. 

The cake

Seashells and starfish were scattered across the cake table. The cake was decorated with glittery marzipan shells which Caroline and Gemma had a hand in making.

A beach hut specially painted by Dad was the topper. Caroline has always wanted a beach hut in Sandbanks and she got one – be it a little small.

The traditional favours were small white buckets filled with Italian chocolates – a sugar rush to help get the dancing going. 

For their first dance together as man and wife Caroline and Mike had chosen Better Together by Jack Johnson. It was wonderful – very romantic. 

At approximately 11p.m. some rastas appeared with Calyspo music and a limbo pole – great fun. The Congo followed and all the guests joined in, even Roger in his wheelchair.

The Rastas

When the clock struck midnight, the couple looked at each other and were glad they had heeded the advice of parents; to simply enjoy the experience of their big day. Enveloped in the love of family and friends, the new Mr. and Mrs. Rees embarked on a honeymoon, on the British Airways 747 flight to Singapore and then it was on to the white sands of Bintan. Returning over the weekend to Singapore for the night Grand Prix, but that needs a blog from Caz and Mike. 

It was the most perfect wedding.

Who says planning a wedding isn’t fun?

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. 

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. 

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.

The Sandbanks Brasserie terrace

It was also spacious enough to accommodate the 92 guests dining in the beautiful Brasserie conservatory with views of the sea.

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”.

Alun and Gemma's Wedding

I am now a MoG (Mother of Groom).  We are so pleased Gemma is a beautiful girl with a lovely personality.  Gemma and Alun organised their own wedding pretty much from start to finish.  At first it was like driving with no brakes but I soon learnt to do nothing well because they both did excellent work.  Actually, they didn't need a wedding planner just a financial planner and Phil is very good at getting the cheque book out and keeping a big smile on his face.

Alun and Gemma chose Halswell House in the heart of beautiful Somerset.  It is a beautifully restored William and Mary mansion house and the church  at the end of the drive is in a lovely village called Goathurst.  Everyone is very friendly and welcoming and the scenery is stunning.

Gemma loves Christmas and she managed to create an intimate winter wonderland atmosphere.  The church was decorated with white orchids and winter foliage and there were candles and a Xmas tree.

 The ceremony was beautiful and everyone joined in singing carols.  I loved the moment when Alun first set eyes on his bride as she walked down the aisle.  There was something electric about it.

 The day had a relaxed, house-party feel about it.  Halswell House was a beautiful venue and for an old English mansion had an amazingly WARM and welcoming atmosphere - perfect for a Xmas wedding.

 Tables were named after Santa's reindeer and the favours were glass baubles that doubled up as placecard holders.  Father Christmas

 paid a visit, looked remarkably like Gemma's Dad, and everyone got a goodie bag to take home with lots of wonderful surprises in including a CD of Alun and Gemma's favourite songs starting with Driving Home for Christmas.

We all had a great time and Gemma looked beautiful all day in her elegant lace dress.

  It was gorgeous and reflected Gemma's unique beauty and personality perfectly.  They honeymooned after Christmas in the Maldives.

Gemma "hen do". Alun's "Stag Week". 2008

I really enjoyed Gemm'a hen "do".  I had no idea what to expect but we had a lot of "fun".  No devil horns and veils but a wonderful Champagne Cruise on the Thames and a visit to the cinema to see Sex and the City.  Very civilised.

Phil went on Alun's stag to Spain to play golf but I don't think they played many games.  Seems the boys had trouble walking let alone playing golf.  Nothing to do with the beer I'm sure.