Hollie and Ashley tied the knot on Friday 3 June 2011 at Christ Church, Quarry Bank near Brierley Hill, West Midlands. A very warm, sunny day with a little breeze. Christ Church means a lot to both Ashley and Hollie as their gorgeous little boy, Frankie, had been christened there as a baby, so to get married here completed their family union and commitment to each other.
We met Hollie and Ashley for the first time last near at a wedding we were filming at the Ramada Kidderminster. The groom from that wedding, Tom, was an Usher at Ashley & Hollie’s wedding, so it was lovely to see both him and his lovely wife Zoe again. Not only was Tom a big part of the wedding but all the lads who had been friends with Ashley for a long time that were at Tom and Zoe’s wedding also were hugely involved in this wedding! It was after watching Zoe and Tom’s wedding DVD that Hollie and Ashley made a decision to book us to film their wedding. We are so delighted that they did, as we had a wonderful time – great to see some so many famililar faces!
Filming started with some bridal preparations at a local salon by me, before heading off to Hollie’s parents house for her to finish off getting ready. I had already dropped Barry off to film the lads at Ashley’s parents house before they all walked up to the Church Tavern pub for a few beers before proceeding to the church.
Hollie had chosen a gorgeous dress called “April”, in Royal Duchesse Ivory Satin, mermaid style with empire line pearl and crystal beading. This dress is from the MiaMia Bridal Collection belonging to Alan Hannah. I tweeted with Marguerite Hannah wife and designer of Alan Hannah, last night on twitter for assistance in tracking down the name of this dress armed with one of many pictures. After 30 minutes Marguerite had come back to me all the details I needed, her time and assistance was very much appreciated. One thing she did comment on was how lovely the bride looked! You can’t get a better comment than that from the designer herself! Both her and Alan are truly fabulous designers and I can clearly see why Hollie fell for that particular dress! It suited her perfectly!
Going back now to Hollie, who complimented her look with a vintage side headpiece and a full length veil. Hollie’s bridesmaid wore a satin aline dress in heather with the flowergirls wearing ivory tulle dresses. Hollie’s posey bouquet was made up of pastel coloured roses and other pastel flowers to complete the look. The florist had even included a crystal and pearl star flower brooch pin, very much a surprise to Hollie!
The groom and all his groomsmen wore grey traditional tails with Ashley wearing a ivory cravat with the other groomsmen all wearing steal grey coloured cravats. They all looked very dapper in their attire!
The wedding ceremony was carried out by Rev’d David Hoskin and it was a beautiful service. Both bride and groom were all smiles pre ceremony, during and after. During the signing of the registers, the lead choir girl sang the beautiful song “Ave Maria”. You could clearly see on the day the love they have for each other and their little boy. It was great to be a part of it all. Hollie and Ashley chose local Brierley Hill photographer Samantha Pommells of Samantha J Photography a great lady to know and work with on the day!
Once the ceremony had concluded it was off to the Stone Manor Hotel in Kidderminster, a short 9 mile drive away. Hollie, Ashley and Frankie drove off in style in a white vintage Rolls Royce.
After welcome drinks, canapés and a short receiving line, it was time for photo’s in the hotel’s super grounds. All the group shots were taken before the wedding breakfast with Hollie and Ashley’s photos to be taken later on. The speeches were very touching as well as amusing! Each table was named after certain brands of cleaning products as I believe that Cif played a particular part to Ashley proposing to Hollie! On reviewing the speeches particularly Ashley’s, he mentioned that after being together for 10 years, he wanted to make an honest woman of Hollie, so 3 years ago Ashley proposed, in a very unusual way – involving Cif cream and the hob! There he wrote the words “will you marry me”, how sweet is that! One thing for sure, Hollie would not only have a sparkling diamond ring but also one dazzling diamond bright hob!
Hollie and Ashley cake was lovey opting for a layered cupcake design with a small tier that played host to the personalised cake topper of Hollie, Ashley and Frankie. Hollie and Ashley’s Table decorations were tall candelabras filled with fresh pastel coloured flowers and lit by 4 candles.
After the speeches, it was time for Hollie and Ashley’s photoshoot. The sunlight was good and the shoot finished off with Hollie, Ashley and Frankie all taking a foot dip in the hotel swimming pool.
In the evening the wedding guests were treated not only to ice-cream from the icicle tricycle but also traditional fish, chips and mushy peas in newspaper! Our filming concluded a little after the first dance and we thoroughly enjoyed the day and seeing lots of familiar faces once again. Hollie and Ashley then went on to enjoy their honeymoon in Ibiza. Congratulations to you both xx.
Here a various screen grabs taken from our video footage through out the day.
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