Elina & Iain Dewale — Wotton House, Dorking
Elina and Iain met several years ago when Iain lived in North London. Elina was invited to a BBQ by a mutual friend and they were introduced. They didn't become a couple until approximately three years after that first meeting, and were together for almost four years before Iain proposed.
How they met
The proposal
Iain sought permission from Elina's mother to marry her in June 2016. He proposed on 21 September 2016 while they were punting along the river Cam in Cambridge — the location of their second date. It was a beautiful sunny day and Elina had no idea until Iain was on one knee. There were plenty of tourist groups punting on the river, so when Elina said yes they had a loud round of applause.
On the day of the proposal, Elina's mother was visiting from abroad, which made the day even more special.
The three-stone platinum engagement ring featured a round centre sapphire (Elina's birthstone) flanked by two side diamonds. The bespoke ring was designed by jewellers in Hatton Garden, London.
The dress and groom's suit
A backless wedding dress with a modern high neckline and classic, romantic lace by Stella York, style 6500 — featured in Wedding magazine in November 2017, the month of the wedding. Both the groom and the groom's party wore Jack Bunney's suits.
Finishing touches
- Flowers by Flowers by Elaine in Dorking, Surrey
- Hired a Starlight Backdrop and Post Box from Harper's Events
- Donation to Cancer Research on behalf of each guest (including children) as wedding favours
- Children had a play table with sweets and games during the reception
- A thank-you note attached to a white rose for men and a blush pink rose for women, placed at each setting
- Clear crystals scattered on the tables; rose petals and crystals on the cake table
- A toastmaster who made the day effortlessly smooth
- A pianist during the wedding breakfast
- Singing Waiters as a surprise just before the speeches — a wonderful surprise for Iain and the guests
- A five-piece band that saw them into the night
The wedding day
It was exactly as planned. They knew it would be a happy occasion when they pulled the curtains that morning to clear blue skies and glorious sunshine.
The night before the wedding, Elina was surprised by a beautiful necklace and a bespoke card delivered by her bridesmaid from the groom. On the day of the wedding, Elina was again surprised by another bespoke card from Iain and a Rolex watch — the black-screen watch matched Iain's Rolex and had sentimental value.
They had a beautiful ceremony, took plenty of pictures while guests drank in the 1879 bar, then enjoyed the wedding breakfast (their first meal as husband and wife). After the singing waiters and speeches there was a coffee break, then wedding cake, first dance and evening canapés. Everything went smoothly and as planned — absolutely perfect, but the day went so fast.
Favourite part of the day
Hard to choose one part — the ceremony was perfect, as were the food and entertainment. They are over the moon with the pictures.
Why Wotton House
After looking at approximately 70 venues online and across the country, Elina found Wotton House and they both thought it was perfect from the minute they saw it. A beautiful venue overlooking the exclusive Roman Gardens, with stunning 17th-century detailing and modern luxurious touches — the wow factor.
Ceremony and reception music
- Guests sitting: Canon in D Major by Johann Pachelbel
- Walking down the aisle: A Thousand Years (instrumental)
- Exchanging vows: River Flows in You by Yiruma
- Walking down the aisle as a married couple: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden
- Evening entertainment: Ronnie Scott's Rejects — absolutely fabulous
- First dance: Perfect by Ed Sheeran
Advice for other couples
"Try not to stress about the day and enjoy the fun time like menu or cake tasting or choosing your dress — those are very special moments which make the big day even more special. If possible, have a date the week before the wedding. Take your mind off the wedding. Anything that helps you both relax. And of course, enjoy the day as it goes so fast."
On working with Beziique
"They are the best — such a creative, fun and professional couple. We don't really need to say much because our beautiful photographs say it all. We enjoyed having them and wish them the best of luck with their wedding this year."
Suppliers
- Photographer: Nick and Aimie — Beziique
- Videographer: Craig Doolan
- Rings: The Diamond Shop, Hatton Garden
- Wedding Cake: Sweet Rose Cakery, Upminster
- Florist: Flowers By Elaine, Dorking
- Transport: Iain's Aston Martin DB9
- Invitation/Design: Ted & Dolly's
- DJ: provided by the band Ronnie Scott's Rejects
