Real Weddings Nottingham: Victoria and Conor’s stunning American wedding

A gorgeous WED2B dress was the perfect addition to this happy couple’s stylish American wedding. Our WED2B Real Weddings Nottingham feature reveals more:

Victoria and Conor were set up by two friends. “I had no idea that they were introducing us,” says Victoria. “We met at a concert and he asked if he could buy me a drink. I said yes, but I gave him cash to buy it for me. The rest is history!”

   

Popping the question

The couple live in America and Conor surprised Victoria with a trip away for her birthday. “I had no idea that he was driving me to a beautiful resort in Bluffton, South Carolina,” says Victoria. “I was so surprised! My birthday is the 23rd December, so we decided to exchange Christmas gifts too. I got him a PS4 and he got me a huge box. When I opened the box I discovered empty box after box. I finally got to a small jewellery box, which was ALSO empty. Then I turned around in tears, and he was down on one knee!”

   

A trip to the UK

Unfortunately, Victoria’s grandfather passed away suddenly in October 2017. “We travelled to Nottingham from the United States for the funeral,” says Victoria. “We tried to distract my grandmother as best as possible. She knew she wouldn’t be able to attend my American wedding, so we decided to go and try on wedding dresses. I picked the first one I tried on!”

   

Discovering the perfect dress

“We visited WED2B’s Nottingham store and the experience was amazing, everyone was so helpful,” says Victoria. “The dress I chose was Diana. I felt absolutely stunning in this curve-hugging design. The illusion straps were so feminine and the back was cut perfectly. I adored the buttons running down the dress too.”

   

Choosing the venue

The couple had booked Alhambra Hall in South Carolina for their American wedding. “It’s a waterfront venue with beautiful oak trees,” says Victoria. “We love the water and we wanted to have our ceremony outside, followed by a cocktail hour on the lawn. We booked it for the 1st September 2018, which was an absolutely gorgeous day for an outdoor wedding!”

   

The big day

The ceremony was held at sunset under the oak trees and facing the water. “Conor’s godfather, Brian, officiated the ceremony,” says Victoria. “We loved having a close family member marry us. Brian had seen Conor grow up, so this was very special for him.

    Just as we were being announced as a couple, Conor and his groomsmen started singing ‘Lovely Day’ by Bill Withers. It was a great surprise.”    

Alfresco cocktails

Afterwards there was a cocktail reception with margaritas, the couple’s signature drink, on the lawn. This was then followed by dinner and dancing. The look for the day was lots of neutral colours with plenty of flowers and greenery. 

    “I love simple decorations and neutrals,” says Victoria. “So we decorated with off-whites, pale pinks and also plenty of flowers and foliage.     There was also a vanilla cutting cake but the real showstoppers were our two croquembouches. My Mother’s family is French, so these were an essential dessert.”    

The most memorable moment…

“I loved seeing our family and friends smiling, laughing and dancing,” says Victoria. “ Don’t worry about the small details. Your day is such a whirlwind, just remember to focus on your loved ones.”

   

Victoria’s Dream Team:

Photographer: Lindsey Shorter Weddings  (lindseyshorterweddings.com)

Venue: Alhambra Hall (mountpleasantvenues.com/alhambra-hall)

Wedding planner, florist and catering:  Duvall Events (duvallevents.com)

Croquembouche: Christophe Chocolatier (christophechocolatier.com)

Entertainment: Lee Edwards Entertainment (leeedwardsentertainment.com)

Hair and Make-up: Blo Mount Pleasant (blomedry.com/locations/blo-blow-dry-bar-charleston-mount-pleasant)

   

Did your wedding have the wow factor like our American wedding? If you would also like your big day to be one of our real wedding features send your favourite photo to info@wed2b.co.uk and we’ll be in touch!