Real Wedding: Helen and Jamie's Story

Helen and Jamie married in December 2013, holding their ceremony and reception at Woodside. Their winter wedding incorporated royal blue and snowflakes with tartan and bagpipes to compliment the groom’s Scottish heritage.

Tell us your story (how did you meet, how did he/she propose?)

Jamie proposed on the 15th February 2013, we were enjoying a belated valentine’s meal at home and had just finished when Jamie got down on one knee to propose. It may not the most amazing proposal in history but it was perfect for us.

What made you choose us as your wedding venue?

As soon as we saw Woodside, we fell in love with it. We thought it was just perfect. We were one of the last of our friends to be married and wanted somewhere we hadn't been before for a wedding - Woodside ticked that box! We loved the fact there was only one wedding a day which meant that you had so much space just for the wedding party and the attention was really on us. As soon as we went for a viewing, the staff were so friendly. They really took time to explain things to us and were very down to earth whilst being professional. The grounds were beautiful and the rooms inside were lovely as well, the whole venue just felt 'right' for us.

Please tell us the suppliers you used?

Bennetts the photographers, Pictureblast photo booth hire, Romantica Brides for the brides dress, Nigel James for the men’s suits, and the groom and best man wore kilts hired from Scotland.

On the day, what were the best bits & what made the day memorable?

The day was amazing and all our guests commented on how enjoyable it had been. One of the best bits of the day was the staff because they ensured our day ran smoothly. Setting the room up was quick and smooth and it looked just how we'd imagined when they had finished. Obviously another highlight was getting married! The ceremony was lovely and again the room was set up how we envisioned. Another highlight was having a photo booth in the evening. It was a hit with the guests and provided us with some funnier memories to keep!

What was your vision/theme and how did you make it happen?

We have always wanted a winter wedding. As our wedding was just after Christmas Day, we chose to focus the décor more on 'winter' and incorporated snowflakes and royal blue.  Jamie is of Scottish heritage so he wore a kilt and we added tartan tokens throughout. Our flowers were winter berries and roses to tie in with the theme. Helen's mum made all the favours which were Christmas tree decorations and the centrepieces which were white trees with silver and blue decorations. In the evening we added LED blue candles that looked really pretty. Helen’s mum also made the cake which had a snowflake spray as its topper. To tie in the Scottish element, we had a bagpiper to play on the bride’s arrival and during the drinks reception.

How was the food on the day?

The food was amazing; right from the menu tasting to the actual event. During the tasting the chef came out and spoke to us about each course and we were able to make changes and switch things around without any fuss. On the day it was faultless and came out all together - a task in itself with so many guests! The late night munchies towards the end of the evening were a huge hit and welcomed by the guests who were still awake and standing!

What/who helped during the planning process?

There was always someone on the end of an email at Woodside and we never felt alone or that any question was silly or irrelevant. The wedding coordinator helped us through every process and had regular meetings with us to ensure that we were where we needed to be.

What's the best advice you can give a couple planning their wedding?

Remember what the day is about, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the decorations, the dress, the guests etc, but the wedding is about you being married at the end of the day and it’s easy to forget that when planning a wedding.

What (if any) comments would you like to add about us and the staff involved in your big day?

We have already praised all the staff but I would describe them as professional, friendly, helpful, polite and approachable. They made us feel like we were the only wedding they'd ever done, special and unique.

"Our wedding was perfect and just how we imagined. We will always have special memories of the day and have the staff at Woodside to thank for that. Alongside our friends and families they ensured that the day was about us, the bride and groom being married and creating a beautiful day to celebrate our love"