A last minute wedding dress panic was averted just in time for Karlie and Andy’s stylish December celebration...

Andy and Karlie first met when they were 11 years old. “We went to school together,” says Karlie. “However, we went our separate ways when we left school and I moved away. Then Andy sent me a random ‘Happy Birthday’ message via Facebook 14 years later, on my 30th birthday. We got chatting about our children and what our lives had looked like since school. Soon after that we had our first date and went for coffee and cake. The rest is history."

A romantic proposal at home

“On the anniversary of our first date, not long after lockdown, Andy suggested we get all dressed up for a night in,” says Karlie. “He cooked a fabulous meal and then got down on one knee.”

Last minute wedding dress shopping…

“I already had a wedding dress, which was an impulse internet buy,” says Karlie. “However, five weeks before my big day I panicked and decided it wasn’t the dress for me! I frantically searched the internet for last minute wedding dress ideas and came across wed2b. Then I headed to the Swindon store with my daughter and best friend the very next day. I loved being able to try on dresses in my size there and then. It was great seeing dresses in real life and getting a feel for what I wanted. We were also given the time and space to make sure I’d made the right choice. Nothing was too much trouble. I took my dress home that day and went straight to the seamstress. Stress over!”

The perfect style

Karlie chose Elton, a luxurious strapless ballgown by Anna Sorrano. “As soon as I put the dress on I knew it was ‘The One’”, she says. “My bridal party heard me say, ‘Oh wow!’ from the dressing room and we all knew it was for me. I felt elegant and beautiful. Everyone on my big day thought the dress had been made to measure! The internal corset was a God send, as I felt supported and comfortable all day and night. The pockets were also a huge talking point. I was, and still am, so in love with my last minute wedding dress and it brought a tear to my new husband’s eye.”

A countryside venue

The couple married at Hadley Park Manor House, in Shropshire, on 1st December. “Our wedding venue was a beautiful, privately owned manor house,” says Karlie. “Last year I took my mother there for afternoon tea and fell in love with it. Andy and I booked the wedding there and then. We just knew it was the place we wanted to get married and share our special day with those closest to us.”

The big day

“I woke on my wedding morning to the most beautiful frost,” says Karlie. “I was quickly joined by my four lovely bridesmaids, my flower girl and mother. We spent the morning at the venue with bubbles, breakfast and a whole team of people helping us get ready. I knew Andy was on the other side of the building with his groomsmen and I even got a sneak peak of him in the grounds having his photo taken! My 11-year-old son walked me down the aisle and my maid of honour was my 14-year-old daughter, Darcie. Andy also stepped away from tradition and had his daughter Scarlett as his best woman. We wanted our special day to be all about our new family and it was just perfect.” 

Cocktails and canapés

After the ceremony everyone celebrated with winter cocktails and canapés. “We knew the day would fly by in a blur, so we made a promise we wouldn’t leave each other’s side, and we succeeded,” says Karlie. “We shared a beautiful wedding breakfast with our guests, which swiftly lead to the evening reception. Our first dance was to ‘Wild Love’ by James Bay before a live band started. I was even invited up to sing a song or two, which went down a storm!”

Elegant black and white

“We had a black and white colour scheme, as we wanted a sophisticated affair that we would look back on in years to come and it be timeless,” says Karlie. “The bridesmaids and groomsmen were in black and my husband and I chose ivory. We included little personal touches too, such as a memory table for absent loved ones, a ‘flip flop and glow stick’ station and a sweetie table.”

The best bits…

“My most memorable moment was locking eyes with my soon-to-be husband as I walked down the aisle,” says Karlie. “We were both so emotional and everyone said we only had eyes for each other. It was also great seeing all our guests so relaxed and happy and enjoying all the little touches. People described it as the wedding of the year.”

My top tips…

“Take your time!” says Karlie. “I made a rush decision with my first dress and regretted it. I am so glad I had time to find my dream dress at wed2b. Also, ask for help. My bridal party were incredible and so supportive. What I didn’t have covered, they did!”

Karlie and Andy’s Dream Team 

Photographer: Skye Photography

Venue: Hadley Park House

Wedding dress: wed2b

Cake: I Do Wedding Cakes 

Makeup: Rachael Davies Makeup

Hair: Kassi McFarlane 

Band: Hard to Handle

If you would like us to feature your big day, like Karlie and her last minute wedding dress story, then please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. Your nearest WED2B is closer than you think, click here for your nearest store and here for what to expect when you visit.