Guests throwing confetti over Bride and Groom leaving church

Melanie and Michael met just after Melanie moved to Norwich. “We met through a group of friends at a pub,” says Melanie. “Our first date was a lovely dinner at a French bistro followed by a games night at our friend's house, where we had a lot of questions about us showing up late together!”

Wedding dress hang up, Bride putting earring in

"Mikey proposed on the Southbank, in London, which was one of my favourite spots growing up,” says Melanie. “He took me up to the balcony at the Tate Modern, and got down on one knee. It was a really beautiful place for him to pop the question, and I truly couldn't believe my best friend had asked me to marry him!"

Bride with Bridesmaids in camper van, holding dried flower bouquets

Bridal shops Norwich 

Melanie found her dream dress at WED2B’s bridal shops Norwich. “I chose Kennedy, a gorgeous sheath, which was totally not what I was expecting to pick out,” she says.

Bride with mother, holding flower girl's hand

“The girls instore were fantastic and anticipated what I would like and wouldn't like. Their knowledge got me to my perfect dress!” (For similar styles try Kayden, James, Elysia) 

Church surrounded by trees

A church ceremony

The couple married on 2nd August 2021. “The ceremony was at one of our beautiful local churches with so much history,” says Melanie. “As soon as we came across it, we knew that we had to get married there.”

Bride and groom arm in arm walking down aisle of church smiling

The big day

“I had both of my parents walk me down the aisle because they're both so important to me,” says Melanie. “After the ceremony, we had a tasty afternoon tea at nearby Park Farm Hotel, with a couple of cocktails.”

Bride and Groom stood outside church with family

Afternoon tea with friends

“We wanted a reception that was slightly more relaxed than the traditional wedding breakfast,” says Melanie. “That's why we chose to have the ceremony a little earlier than usual, and had afternoon tea and cocktails." 

Bride and groom stood outside church laughing together

"Our three-tier cake consisted of a vanilla layer, lemon and white chocolate layer and an apple and cinnamon layer, and there were also a few gluten and dairy-free cupcakes on the side."

Wedding cake with flower decorations laid on table

"I knew I wanted to keep my bouquet, so I ordered a dried bridal bouquet from HB Weddings on Etsy and it's now proudly on display in our hallway in our new home. It's a great reminder of the first day of our lives together.”

Bride stood with arms around grooms neck on path lined with trees

My top tips…

“My biggest tip would be to not worry about what other people think,” says Melanie. “It's easier said than done, but it's your day, and those memories will be with you forever!"

Bride and groom cutting cake

"Also, try to get 10 minutes alone with your new life partner on your wedding day. Things can get pretty hectic, and that time gives you both a few minutes to let it sink it and be present with each other."

Bride and groom dancing

Melanie’s Dream Team

Photographer: Mim Howell

Venue: St. Remigius' Church and Park Farm Hotel, Hethersett 

Bridal shops Norwich: WED2B

Videographer - Giann Lim 

Florists: Elizabeths the Florist and HBWeddings (Etsy) 

Cake: Pure Heaven Cakes

Hair: Hair Design by Lisa Frost

MUA: Michelle Bennett

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. Also, click here for more details about WED2B’s bridal shops Norwich