Chris and Christine met 11 years ago online. “After a while we met for a drink in a local pub,” says Christine. “We were hardly ever apart after that!”

“We’ve visited many beautiful places where I thought he might propose but, after a few years, I didn’t think it was going to happen,” says Christine.

“Then last year, at the end of July, Chris popped the question in the garden. I was surprised but said yes. Although I had to keep checking over the next few days, just to make certain he was sure!”

Shopping for the dress

Christine found her dream dress at WED2B’s Bolton store. “I really enjoyed visiting the store at Bolton,” she says. “I tried on quite a few dresses and the staff were very helpful and patient. Then I went for a coffee to have a think, before popping back to get my dress. I also returned later in the year to get my tiara and lace jacket.”

Christine chose Aden, a strapless Mikado A-line. “I loved the neckline and all the buttons that ran down the back,” she says. “But most of all I loved the pockets!” For similar styles why not take a look at, Samson, Elliana and Preston.

A laid-back June wedding

The couple wanted a relaxed June wedding. “We chose Brockholes Nature Reserve, which really suited us,” says Christine. “The wedding was on 3rd June 2022.”

The big day

“I got ready at home,” says Christine. “The weather was beautiful. Being an older bride, I decided I would walk myself down the aisle. Marc and Kiki, a local duo, sang songs during the ceremony and they were brilliant.”

“We also had one reading, which was lyrics from the Bruce Springsteen song, ‘If I should fall behind’. It’s guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye. A friend should have read it but sadly had a bereavement, so couldn’t be with us. Chris read it instead and it was lovely.”

A little help from our friends

Afterwards, there were drinks and speeches before the meal. “Our first dance was to ‘Fiesta’ by The Pogues. It’s a bit of an odd one, but we danced to the slow bit then everyone joined in to the fast bit. It was such a lot of fun.”

“We didn't really have a theme,” says Christine. “We had bunting that was beautifully made by a friend. The flowers and the cake were also made by friends. Even Marc, one of the singers, was actually the son of a lad I went to school with!”

“We gave guests seed bombs and chocolate favours that we’d made,” says Christine. “Later, there was a DJ who was the nephew of one of my friends. It all made it more special.”

The best bits…

“The most memorable moments were walking down the aisle and seeing Chris at the end,” says Christine. “Plus, all our family and friends being there. It was so lovely for us all to be together. Lastly, our first dance, which everyone joined in with. The videos of it are so happy.”

My top tips…

“Make lots of lists! Don’t be too tied up on the tiny details.”

Chris and Christine’s Dream Team

Photographer: Nancy Lisa Barrett Photography

Venue: Brockholes Weddings

Wedding Dresses : WED2B

Florist: Harrisons Flowers

Favours: Rivington Chocolates

Entertainment: Marc & Kiki

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