“Words cannot express how wonderful and amazing our photographer Nikki Kirk was along with her assistant Charlotte. She was there for us at every point during our day and making sure that everything was okay. When it was cold and I was shivering she lent me her scarf, when I was about to melt under nerves she kept me calm and she even helped keep the day on track.
Nikki’s attention to detail is incredible and every picture she took shows the best highlights of our wedding day. We both couldn’t have asked for a more caring and professional photographer. We highly recommend her services to anyone planning a wedding in Gloucestershire and we cannot say thank you enough for your support on the 22nd March 2019.”
I was so pleased to be chosen by Katherine and Rob to photograph their spring wedding at St Gregory’s Church followed by their reception at Manor by the Lake.
When my couples have been in to view their Wedding Story here at the Studio I always ask them if they wouldn’t mind filling in a questionnaire for me. I think to hear the Wedding Stories in their own words is rather magical.
And so without further ado, here in their own words is the Wedding Story of Katherine and Rob…
Tell me about the wedding dress
I bought my wedding dress from a Wedding Dress Outlet Shop in Hornsea because I absolutely loved it! I was on holiday with William, my mother and Tilly (Head Bridesmaid) and we thought we would look in the shop and see what was there. I am not very good at being interested in dresses (I tend to reach a point and get bored!) but this was the 4th dress we tried on and I loved it. We came back a few days later to try it on again and just loved it as the back is so amazing. The only rule I had was that it couldn’t look like anyone else’s in my family and I certainly think I achieved that.
Did you have something old, new, borrowed and blue?
I tried to think of something old I had but I guess maybe my shoes from ebay. The something new were the freshwater pearls that my mother bought for me from South Africa and also bought for my bridesmaids too. My veil was borrowed from a lady that my mother worked with as it was beautiful and had sparkles like my dress. I guess my something blue was when I borrowed your scarf because I was shivering after the wedding at the Church!
What advice would you give anyone planning their big day?
I think don’t worry about every little detail being perfect as honestly no one will not enjoy your day because of one thing. I put so much work into the table plan and I honestly don’t think people really looked at it more than once! Do what makes you happy but don’t worry and stress about the little things.
Did you hire a wedding planner or was it a DIY affair?
It was totally done by the both of us because I am quite a control freak and I probably drive anyone trying to organise my wedding nuts with my constant questions and worries. Much better for us to do it ourselves and save someone from that.
Tell me about the groomswear?
We decided to hire the suits for the men. I really wanted a blue suit as it brings out the colour of Rob and William’s eyes. We hired Slaters as they were so warm, welcoming and really helped us make sure everything was done properly. We wanted William to wear the same as the other members of the grooms party and so he felt like a real part of the wedding. On the advice of Slaters we chose for Rob and William to have ties that matched my dress and the rest of the party (best men, father of groom, uncle of the bride) to have ties which matched the bridesmaids so we could show how we are connected as a family unit.
How long did it take you to plan your wedding?
Ooooooooooohhhhh about over 5 years!! We had quite a lot going on after the birth of William and we wanted to make sure that we were able to have the wedding that we wanted. We would plan a bit, stop and then focus on something else for a while. When we saw Manor by the Lake however we knew we had found the right place and we were spiritually in the right place to make the most important commitment to each other.
Did you incorporate any special family details or heirlooms, for example?
I don’t believe so as I don’t think we had any that I would trust us with!
What piece of music did you walk down the aisle to?
“Trumpet Voluntary” by Jeremiah Clarke as my mum recommended it.
Where did you spend your honeymoon together?
We went to Disney World in Florida which was amazing!! I am a very big Disney fan and Rob loves thrill rides so it was the perfect place to enjoy time together.
Who popped the big question and how did they propose?
Rob asked me to marry him one month after our son was born as we had been together for 1000 days! He proposed on my way back from Church while William was slept at his Grandma’s house. He proposed in a woodland area behind their house and it was very quiet, relaxed and the best moment after.
Was there an inspiration or theme for your wedding?
We didn’t really want a theme because I knew it would stress me out trying to find things that fit in within our theme. We tried to keep within the same spectrum of the colour wheel and use similar stationery from the same range but we didn’t want to add to the already existing stress of the day.
Is there anything you know now that you wished you’d known before the big day?
Def the one above about the little details don’t matter as I was so stressed about those!
What made you choose me as your wedding photographer?
You made just the most wonderful first impression esp for me! You were kind, friendly, approachable and made us feel like you knew what you were doing. You were so lovely letting William play with your dogs at your wedding show stall and studio and anyone who is that welcoming we knew would be good. I am very organised and detailed focused and you were exactly like me. We could talk to you for hours often about things not related to the wedding and it felt like we had lots in common.
Why did you choose your venue?
Rob will say it was because it was within our budget 😊 We fell in love with the venue because it was quiet and ‘Downton Abbey’ esque but quite near hotels and other amenities. We didn’t want people to travel miles from their hotel to the Church and then the Venue and we wanted a close family setting where people could mingle and have quiet moments to reflect with each other.
When and how did you first meet?
We met at a rock bar in Coventry while Rob was at University and I was working at Coventry University. I really don’t like rock music at all but I went as my friend was djing the gig and I had just moved to the area. She decided to introduce me to some people and she introduced me to Rob at the bar as she knew him from a rock society. We immediately hit it off (even with my odd questions about string theory) and the rest as they say is history.
What was your favourite part of your wedding day?
I think our favourite part of day was when we were announced into dinner as Mr and Mrs Hurst. Hearing that for the first time was very special.
Did you make, design or create anything yourself?
My Head Bridesmaid made our table decorations which were beautiful and we used wreaths reduced after Christmas. She is a really talented creative person and she did an amazing job of transforming them into spring inspired with butterflies and pearls to match the pearls we wore on the day. We also made our own table plan, printed our own Orders of Services and made our own table decorations.
What did you have for your wedding breakfast?
For Starters: Salmon and Caper Fishcake Wilted Spinach, Hollandaise Sauce or Heirloom Tomato Salad Goat’s Cheese Bon-Bons and Fresh Basil.
For Main: Pan Roasted Chicken Supreme with Fondant Potato, Roasted Carrot, Wilted Spinach and Creamy Wholegrain Mustard and Tarragon Sauce or Braised Beef Blade Steak, Roasted Root Vegetables, Creamy Mash, Ale Gravy.
For Dessert: Pistachio and Lemon Cake with Raspberry Curd, Poached Peach and Amaretti Biscuit or Duo of Crème Brûlée – Dark Chocolate Crème Brûlée, Orange Crème Brûlée and Lange Du Chat.
Who/what made your day extra special?
Probably my Uncle John as he was the one to give me away and he went above and beyond to keep me calm before the wedding and also after it. My Mum’s speech was also pretty special as I think it just showcased while she is just an amazing person and has loved/supported me no matter what a pain I have been. Everyone loved the best men’s speech and it is very tricky to do this as a double act but we think they pulled it off perfectly and made everyone laugh. Everyone knows Rob a lot better now!
What kind of cake did you go for?
We had a three tiered semi-naked wedding cake (because who doesn’t love icing!) with berries and Gypsophila. We had a layer of vanilla with buttercream (Katie’s favourite), a layer of chocolate at the bottom (Rob’s favourite), and at the top a lemon layer (William’s favourite).
Did everything go to plan?
Well nearly everything as my mum nearly missed our first dance as she went to get changed after the meal! I think we had everyone in the venue running around and looking for them to get back down into the Ballroom.
Photography: Nikki Kirk Photography
Ceremony venue: St Gregory’s Church, Cheltenham
Reception venue: Manor by the Lake, Cheltenham
Flowers: Fay’s Flowers in Gloucestershire
Dress: Wedding Outlet in Hornsea, Yorkshire
Bridesmaid dresses: Purchased by individual bridesmaids from ASOS
Groom’s outfit: Outfit rented from Slaters in Cheltenham.
Cake: Confetti Cakes in Gloucestershire
Catering: Manor by the Lake, Cheltenham
Transport: Nostalgia Wedding Cars in Gloucestershire
Stationery: Purchased locally at Hobbycraft.
Entertainment: Major Entertainments Ltd (Recommended by Vendor)
Favours: Boxes were purchased locally at Hobbycraft and Sweets from a Distributor
Hair and beauty: Gemma Hall in Cheltenham
Rings including engagement ring: Purchased locally at HM Samuel