Weddings

Elizabeth & Tymour at Chilston Park

Read a Bride's review of her special day at a Hand Picked Hotel..

The wedding of Elizabeth and Tymour at Chilston Park Hotel in 2010 - real brides

Elizabeth and Tymour met in New York in July 2006. Elizabeth and a friend she was visiting were out one evening at a cocktail lounge when she first saw Tymour. They hit it off immediately and talked until the early hours. The following day they went out for dinner before Elizabeth went back to England. After staying in touch for several weeks by email and phone they arranged to meet in Rome for a second date and then continued their long distance relationship across the Atlantic, with one of them flying over to see the other every three weeks or so. After seven months Elizabeth moved to New York to be with Tymour.

The Ceremony and Reception

As Elizabeth is British, Tymour is American and they live in the US, American immigration wouldn’t recognise their wedding in England. As a result they decided to hold a simple legal ceremony in America, allowing them to come to England and hold a big ceremony after. They held the blessing outside by the lake at Chilston Park Hotel in Kent. They both wanted a ceremony outside and the fact they had already legally married enabled them to do this.

The Photographer

The wedding photographer was Bruce Neville of Inframe Weddings. Elizabeth fell in love with Bruce’s work as soon as she saw his website – he really captures some wonderful moments.

Bride’s Top Tips

“Have an idea of what kind of wedding you want and look at lots of real weddings online and in magazine for inspiration.”

“Have a hair and make-up trial to make sure you will feel happy on the day with how you look.”

“Always look for special offers in magazines and websites - I found a 25% voucher for my wedding cake. Little things like that here and there can really help.”

Groom’s Top Tips

“Support your bride if she is doing most of the planning and remember to keep a close eye on your budget.”

Best Buy

“Our little bird cage lanterns which were around £20 in most places but I found them at an online wholesaler for 70 pence each!”

Bride’s Beauty Tips

“Look after your skin, take your make-up off every night and use a good moisturiser. I had regular manicures to keep my nails healthy, ate plenty of fruit and vegetables and drank lots of water about six weeks before the wedding.”