Real Weddings Stoke-on-Trent: Olivia and Alex’s autumnal celebration

Olivia and Alex have been together since they were just 15. “We’ve been together 12 years this year,” says Olivia. “Alex proposed while we were on a walk at a place called Cwm Idwal, in Snowdonia. We crossed a bridge over a flower river and waterfall up a mountain when he got down on one knee.”

The perfect traditional bridal gown

“My dress was Marlow, a fit and flare style, and I had so many compliments on it,” says Olivia. “I went to WED2B’s Stoke-on-Trent store in August 2020 with my sister, mum and nan. My sister actually chose the dress for me and it was the first dress I tried on."

"However, because it was my first-time dress shopping, I tried on another seven dresses. But, I couldn’t stop thinking about the first dress and it was the one I went home with.” (For a similar traditional bridal gown, try Kelsey, Michaela or Brixton)

A unique venue

“My husband and I aren’t very traditional people,” says Olivia. “So, we wanted a venue that captured what we were as a couple. In the end, we found Owen House Wedding Barn in Knutsford. As soon as we walked in, we knew this quirky barn was the place for us.” 

The big day

The couple married on 28th October 2021. "The wedding day was quite full on and overwhelming, but it was one of the best days of my life,” says Olivia. “I was up at 6am with my bridal party prepping and getting ready. We had so much fun getting glammed up."

"I did a lot of the wedding myself. We had no wedding planner or stylist, as we were on a budget. However, we had the help of some amazing suppliers who captured my vision perfectly!" 

"My dad walked me down the aisle to the acoustic version of ‘Latch’ by Sam Smith. There were so many tears from everyone! The ceremony was really personal and relaxed, completely what we wanted.”

A beautiful autumnal theme

“I really wanted our wedding to fit in with the look of the venue and my dress,” says Olivia. “As it was October, we had an enchanted autumn forest theme, which suited the farm venue and also the beautiful flower detailing on my dress." 

"The colour scheme was burgundy with shades of dusky pink. We also had dried flowers all around, wooden crates, gin bottle vases and a three-tier, naked Victoria sponge cake with fruit. It was absolutely perfect.”

A party to remember

Afterward the ceremony, there were reception drinks with lots of photos, a delicious three-course meal and then the long awaited party started. 

“This was made even better by the fact that people hadn’t seen each other for two years or more because of the pandemic,” says Olivia. “We went for a DJ because Alex and I love a boogie at a wedding. So, of course, that’s what we wanted to do all night long at ours!”

My top tips…

“Don’t sweat the small stuff!” says Olivia. “Take time throughout the day to take everything in. Years of planning will turn out to be an amazing day, but it flies by so quickly." 

"If you want something at your wedding, have it. You plan to only get married once, so make the most of it (depending on money, of course)."

"And, if you’re on a budget, make what you can yourself. It saves so much money and adds such a personal touch to your wedding. Finally, relax, breathe and have the best time.”

Olivia’s Dream Team

Venue: Owen House Wedding Barn 

Photography: Lauren Kunckey Photography 

Florist: Ruby Doodles

Caterers: Vanilla in all Seasons

Cake: Bake-A-Licious

DJ: AO Events

Makeup: Sophie Brown Makeup

Hair: Styled by Gee

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. Alternatively, click here to see our full range and find your very own traditional bridal gown.