No.1 for Weddings - Real Life Weddings

Cara & Barrie - “It’s your big day so make sure that you do it your way”

Date: 23rd October, 2010
Venue: Glenskirlie Castle, Banknock

After eight years together, Barrie proposed to Cara on Christmas Eve in 2008. “I was rushing around packing before we went to our parents’ houses for Christmas,” Cara recalls. “I turned around to see Barrie on one knee in front of the Christmas tree. I was so surprised I didn’t even notice that I had my hands full of pants and socks when he popped the question!”

As No.1’s fashion editor, Cara knew what she was looking for when it came to the dress, “I knew that I was looking for something that had a classic, timeless quality to it. My favourite era in terms of fashion is the 1920s/1930s and I wanted something that evoked that time. I found the dress I wanted in Bridal Rogue Gallery in London, everything they do is made to measure which was fantastic for me as I was able to make some little changes to the original design. We made the back lower and added on the extra pleated train – which I adored! Part of the reason I wanted a classic dress is that I love to think that one day I could possibly pass it down to my children or grandchildren!”

The chic, classic design of the dress ended up inspiring the theme for the entire wedding, “Because my dress was so simple I wanted to keep everything else quite simple too so we went for a black and white colour scheme, it’s a combination that never fails!” Cara tells us.

Most people only plan to have one wedding in their lifetimes and so it’s worth getting everything right on your big day, “It’s your day so do it your way,” Cara advises. “And when you find the dress – get it, even if it’s a bit over budget, but doing what I do, I would say that!”

Table Decorations
In order to keep costs down Cara and Barrie opted not to have flowers on the tables and used ornate black glass candelabras as centrepieces instead.

The Cake...
The couple chose a four tier cake with alternating layers of victoria sponge and chocolate fudge cake. It was then decorated with edible sugar sparkles, black ribbon with vintage brooches.

The Flowers...
Cara chose a long stem bouquet of white calla lillies while her bridesmaids had purple bouquets which matched the groomsmen’s thistle corsages.

Wow... that Dress!
Cara chose her 1920s inspired gown and then made a few alterations to the original design. By lowering the back and adding a pleated train Cara ensured that her dress was extra personal to her. She kept her overall look simple and
striking with drop diamond earrings and a chic white birdcage veil.

Photographer: JLS Photography
Web: www.jlsphotography.co.uk