Phillipa Kerr and Sam Edwards

Phillipa Kerr tells us how she really fell for husband Sam Edwards! A magical, perfect day that went all too quickly for teacher Phillipa.

My morning with the bridesmaids started well! My good friend Mark had agreed to do make-up, and Nick had agreed to style our hair. The morning was relaxed, filled with dancing men, adding glamour and final touches to the occasion, and light-heartedly sipping champagne! The day started out a bit overcast, which was a worry as Sam and I had decided to get married outside and thought that the Newland Hall venue was a beautiful setting for us to make our commitment to each other. We invited 65 close friends and family to the day.

My Mum, Penny, gave me away as she is my closest friend and has been the most amazing Mum that anyone could ever have hoped for. As I walked down the aisle, to Desree’s I’m Kissing You preceded by my bridesmaids Ellie, Sarah, Emma and Natasha, and flower girl Alice, the sun came out.  I was greeted by Sam, handsome in Navy blue traditional bridegroom attire, and Best Men Chris and Tim. The vows went without any hitches, and following the confirmation that we were 'man and wife', Sam and I enjoyed drinks on the lawn and photographs with friends and family.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious three course meal and the speeches took centre stage. My Mum made a few faux pas, where her audience read more into her confession to having 'met Sam in a car park' than was intended, and then she seemed to carry on quite innocently in the same style, whilst still creating more opportunities for innuendo! Sam's Dad Gary, picked up on this and gave a humour filled speech, followed by Sam and the Best Men. The Best Men told funny and entertaining tales of Sam's teenage years. Sam's speech was heartfelt and full of anecdotes of our time together and special memories; and it's ironic that me falling over should have been one!! ...I hadn't decided to give a speech, but impromptu, I gave a thank you speech, eloquent and fluid... In the meantime Sam had moved the chair away from my dress.. I then went to sit down, and fell on the floor! Hilarious and typical of me! Unfortunately, no one caught it on camera!

In the evening we were joined by more guests and our first dance was Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers as we wanted something classic and romantic to start the evening and our lives together. Our guests had also been given a chance to request songs that reminded them of us, when returning their invitations. The strategy seems to have worked as everyone danced so much the buffet remained relatively untouched all evening!

Our wedding day was a magical and perfect day that went far too quickly.

Photography by Gary at Woodentop