Nicola and Jason - how they met

Photography: Andy Smith Photography

Nicola and Jason met way back in 1996, and for their first date went to Barry Island on the May Day Bank Holiday. “We went with two other friends but left them to go for a walk alone and had our first kiss on the promenade,” Nicola remembers. “Now we have two beautiful daughters, Jade, 9, and Jessica, 6 and have just set up our own business!”

Nicola and Jason - the venue

“We were married in The Georgian Suite of The New House Country Hotel, Cardiff. The thing that clinched this venue over some others we saw were the beautiful views over Cardiff, and the gorgeous marquee where the reception was held.”

Nicola and Jason - the dress

“My dress was by Tia by Hollywood Dreams. I met Marina, the designer, at a fab shop in Newport called All About Eve. The ladies in the shop were amazing. Once I’d found my dress, the whole theme just fell into place as it was red, red and more red!”

Nicola and Jason - the maids

“We had seven bridesmaids: my sister, best friend, our two daughters and our three nieces. I wanted the bridesmaids in ivory dresses with a red sash. Jason’s mum made all the bridesmaid dresses – they were perfect.”

Nicola and Jason - the flowers

Nicola’s bouquet, made by Village Flower Studio was made of white calla lilies, wrapped in ivory ribbon and decorated with red crystals and crystal hearts. She further personalized the flowers with family photos: “Hidden inside my bouquet was a locket with a picture of my Nan and Grampy on their wedding day who have sadly passed away.”

Nicola and Jason - the cake

“Our wedding cake was from Cake For All Occasions. It was four-tiered – two of the tiers were chocolate fudge, and two were sponge with buttercream and jam. It had a crystal topper, and crystal ribbon tied around each tier.”

Nicola and Jason - the first dance

“Our first dance was brilliant, we danced to Shania Twain’s You’re Still The One – the words are so true for us,” says Nicola. “We had four dance lessons so we could do a ‘real dance’, not just shuffle around the dancefloor. We nailed it and everyone was so surprised as we’d kept it a complete secret. When we finished with ‘a drop’ everyone cheered and clapped.”