Michelle & Haydn

Michelle & Haydns wedding in May 2011

by Michelle Whitfield

“Haydn and I have been together for 16 years and have lived together for 10 years, so it was on the cards that one day we would marry.

May 2010 we attended a party, the venue was in a marquee on Osmaston Park, Ashbourne. Driving down the long drive and seeing the breathtaking views of the manicured lawns, ponds and the fantastic lake in the background it certainly was a ‘WOW’ factor. We both looked at each other and said “What a fabulous venue for a wedding” we didn’t even know it existed. That was it, over the next few days phone calls were made and the wedding was booked for Monday 30^th May 2011.

One of the first things that I purchased was my dress, then attending a wedding fayre at Uttoxeter Racecourse I saw the bridesmaids dress that I loved in such an unusual colour. The bridesmaids were all of Haydn’s daughters, (how many grooms have 4 daughters as bridesmaids!). I knew they would love them so I made the decision for them!! They did all loved them. I had my twin sister give me away so she had her dress in the same colour but a completely different style.

My sister lives in Doveridge and at the bottom of her garden live a couple called Ben and Hannah of HBA Photography, she told us they do photography, Ben does Saxophone and then they provide the evening disco all as a package. How could we not meet up with them. Great package, great price, booked!

I decided to make my own invitations, order of service, menus, place names etc and after finally finding a flower to match the colour theme, we set to work, hour after hour of making the stationery.

The year was quickly passing and Christmas was fast approaching so that took over for a while, but with Christmas gone and only 5 months to go, I had to motivate myself.

Flowers decided for the church, bouquets ordered, car booked, suits ordered. Only days before I was worried I had forgotten some of the smaller things that men don’t even think about but it was getting to late to do anything about it.

The eve of the day arrived – the bridesmaids stayed over and we ate pizza and drank wine (not too much!). 6am alarm call, coffee, toast and bath it was time to go to the hairdressers. 3 hours later, and hair finished, I arrived home to find Ben and Hannah already there snapping away with their cameras as we were due to be in church for a 12 noon service. I ran upstairs with a glass of bubbly for Dutch courage whilst photos were being taken downstairs – it is the most daunting and quickest make over I have ever done without worrying about getting mascara in my eyes, but everyone was relaxed and ready on time!

Whilst the rain continued to pour down we arrived at church. The service was lovely and relaxed and the time flew by, it felt like a few minutes not an hour. With rings exchanged, hymns sung and photos taken it was off to Osmaston Park. The venue still looked fabulous despite the grey skies and rain but it didn’t worry us, we knew we would have a wonderful day. Some photos were taken during the Pimms and Bucks Fizz reception. We then had a wide arrangement of family and friends photos taken inside the marquee. It was then time to announce in the new Mr and Mrs Whitfield into the room. We had a wonderful 4 course meal, served by Uppercrust Caterers whilst Ben was playing the saxophone in the background, he was so good even some of the guests got up and danced during the meal. Our best man, Malc, gave a great original speech that had everyone in stitches, we then cut the cake.

It all seems a bit of a blur at the moment, everyone says your wedding day will go so fast and it certainly did. The weather cleared and we went out for a short while for some beautiful photos appreciating the venue and its grounds.

The evening guests started arriving at 7.30pm, we greeted most of them but apologies to any we didn’t. Time ticking and Ben asked me the dreaded question “what time would you like to do your 1^st dance”. It was 9pm before we got around to dancing to ‘Heaven’ by DJ Sammy. A hog roast followed, accompanied by numerous salads, breads and a cheese tower and was quickly eaten by all 220 guests.

Night coming to an end and off to Yeldersley Hall for a short 3 night break. The next day was tiring and a bit deflating thinking it was all over!

With huge thanks to everyone who made the day so special but especially to Ben and Hannah whom both showed such professionalism and enthusiasm throughout the day.”