When/how did you first meet?
We have actually known each other through friends for about nine years now! We occasionally bumped into each other in pubs when socialising at the weekend, and we always seemed to get on really well. One night whilst out in a pub, we had a chat and realised both were single — we exchanged numbers and the rest, as they say, is history!

When in the relationship did he ‘pop the question?’ How did he propose?
We went on holiday to Australia to spend time with friends who live out there. Whilst in Sydney in January 2010, we had booked to go for a meal at the city’s famous 360 Degrees restaurant.

We arrived and were told to come back later as the wind was so bad we couldn't go up.
I wanted to eat elsewhere but Andy insisted on waiting.

Once we were allowed to go up, we had a lovely meal, during which Andy got down on one knee next to the table, and asked me to marry him!

Which elements did you decide upon first?
We immediately knew that we wanted to incorporate the ceremony and reception into one venue — we’d made that decision before even getting engaged! Neither of us are particularly religious so we didn’t consider a church wedding. The date was the next major decision, followed by the venue — as soon as I arrived at Hemswell Court my mind was made up!

Was planning your big day fraught or enjoyable? Did you both contribute ideas with equal enthusiasm?
There were stressful moments, but luckily there were also periods of calm during the planning stages! The last few weeks were pretty hectic, but by this stage we were more excited than anything!

The suits were Andy’s only responsibility. Apart from that, my mother and I were happy to take care of the majority of arrangements!

Any pre-wedding nerves?
Bride’s View: Both of us felt the nerves kick in just before I walked down the aisle.
I managed to remain calm up until that moment — then my eyes began to well up and I thought I was going to cry! Luckily, after a couple of deep breaths, I remained composed enough to hold back the tears.
I knew Andy was nervous when his voice began to wobble during the vows, but we were both so focused on each other by this time, any apprehension quickly vanished.

Who did you choose for your bridesmaid and attendants, and why?
We chose my best friend Tammie to be my chief bridesmaid and we also asked one of my oldest school friends, Rachael.
We decided to ask Abbey and Aimee — the daughters of family friends — too.

Andy’s best men Stoo and Sean have all been friends for a very long time, so there was no question over their roles in our big day! Sean and his wife travelled all the way from Australia to be with us, so we felt very honoured.

What made you choose your dress, and can you describe it?
I went to Tickled Pink, and the service was brilliant! I found a dress in the shop which I’d already admired online, and before it was even zipped up I knew it was the one! It was strapless with a sweetheart neckline, and the material ruched together to look almost like flowers.

It had a much bigger train then I had imagined, but I absolutely loved it and felt like a million dollars in it!

Where was your reception held?
Both the ceremony and the reception were held at Hemswell Court. It really does have the most stunning surroundings, and everyone said it was one of the best places they had been for a wedding — we absolutely loved it!

Did anything funny or particularly memorable happen?
Andy gave me a gorgeous bracelet that matched my jewellery which was a lovely gesture, and something which I’ll always remember.

Later, in the midst of the day’s excitement, Andy actually forgot to print his speech out, and had to read it from his iPad, making it a real 21st century affair! The four speeches were also hilarious, and had everyone crying with laughter!

Finally, during the cake cutting we were struggling to get the knife to cut through — Andy joked that we needed a chainsaw, and then we suddenly realised that we were trying to cut the cake board! Andy, our photographer, took got some very good pictures of us laughing!

Did you have a honeymoon? If so where, and most importantly, did you enjoy it?
During his speech, Andy took me completely by surprise, and revealed that he was taking me on an extended honeymoon!

We’d planned to go to the lakes for a short three night break — but I had no idea Andy had booked us five nights in New York too! We thoroughly enjoyed our time away — the Big Apple is a definitely a place everyone has to visit at some point in their lives!

Anybody you’d like to thank or recognise?
First and foremost we’d both like to thank my mother and father, Helen and John, for everything they did and their continued support throughout! We’d also like to say a huge thank you to Andy’s mum, Wendy, for her kind contribution and our fabulous honeymoon in the Lakes.

Tam did a great job organising my hen weekend, and I’d like to thank her for generally putting up with wedding talk for so long!

Massive thanks to Stoo and Sean too for making all the arrangements for Andy’s stag weekend, and for returning him in one piece!

We’re grateful to everyone for joining us on our day and for being so generous — we really did have the most wonderful time!

Anyone you wish to recommend?
We’d recommend so many of the people who made our day memorable! Firstly, Tickled Pink who provided me with my dream dress — it made me feel so special!

Next, Andy at Amba photography did a really fantastic job of our wedding photography too — he captured some brilliant moments which we’ll cherish forever, so we’d certainly like to recommend him!

Tina Brocklebank did a great job of my makeup, whilst Connells Flowers at Gainsborough made our venue, Hemswell Court, look beautiful.

In addition, the staff at Hemswell Court were fabulous, and Jackie Ryder, who made our cake, was equally brilliant!

How are you finding married life?
Married life is wonderful, but it’s pretty much business as usual! We’re really happy and I’m beginning to get used to my new name!

We can’t believe were married though, and Andy has to keep reminding me by saying; “Amy, you're my wife!”