Real Weddings Manchester: Chelsea and Matthew’s rustic autumnal day

Chelsea and Matthew first met at high school when they were teenagers. “Matthew proposed to me on Boxing Day, when we were at home with our two daughters,” she says. “We had been together for 11 years, so I was shocked and emotional.”

Wedding dresses Manchester 

Chelsea visited WED2B’s Manchester store with her daughters. “I wanted to try on the Cambridge dress, as I had been looking at it online for weeks,” she says.

“When I saw it I fell in love with it straightaway. I then had to travel home to collect my mum and bring her to the store, so she could see me in the dress, too. Her tears said enough.” 

“I also bought a veil, along with the dress,” says Chelsea.

“The staff were very friendly. Holly was my assistant and she couldn’t have been more helpful.”

(For similar styles try Florian, Mae or Azora)

A sophisticated hotel venue

The couple married at the Royal Toby Hotel, in Rochdale. “I knew I wanted to get married there, as I have memories of going there for family events as a child,” says Chelsea. “It’s also nearby, so our guest could travel home if they didn’t want to stay overnight. The staff were fantastic and I would highly recommend it.”

The big day

“My dad walked me down the aisle and we had a quartet playing our music,” says Chelsea. “The weather was miserable right up until I set off to the ceremony and then the sun appeared and stayed for the rest of the day!”

“We went for an autumn, rustic theme with lots of pampas grass and candles,” says Chelsea. “My mum, my aunty and I did most of the decorations and my best friend’s mother, who is a florist, helped with my bouquet." 

“The wedding cake had three tiers and was designed to look like logs with our names carved into them. To end the night we hired a DJ and saxophone player, which was amazing. They really got the party going."

My top tips…

“Enjoy every minute of your special day because it’s over before you know it!”

Chelsea’s Dream Team

Photographer: Suzanne Clark Photography

Venue: Royal Toby Hotel

Wedding dresses Manchester: WED2B

Head to our Rustic Weddings Blog for more great style ideas. And, if you would like your big day to be one of our real weddings, please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. Lastly, click here for more details about WED2B’s wedding dresses Manchester