This week I caught up with Stephanie Leonidas who is about to celebrate her one year anniversary to Robert Boulter this New Year's Eve.
So why did you decide to get married on New Years Eve?
A winter wedding had sort of always been on the cards for us as its the easiest time to take off around work. So we embraced it from the very beginning really. We pondered with Christmas ideas, loving the idea of a warm candle lit wedding, the twinkly lights, etc, and then my best friend suggested New Years Eve which happened to fall on a Saturday. It felt right from the very start. It's a night that most people are up for a party, it creates a buzz naturally and you have a theme to run with. It was perfect.
Would you recommend it to other couples?
100% yes! It was everything we hoped for and more. The atmosphere was incredible. I think it gave the wedding an extra spark, it was exciting and fun. Seeing our 200 (!) guests up on the dance floor counting down to the New Year was a moment we'll never forget. The dancing went on until the early hours. Lots of our guests told us they felt like it took a pressure off them on New Years Eve, so they all let go and it felt like the very best party we could ever have.
Did you use a wedding planner?
We did yes. And she was brilliant. It was so comforting to have someone there on the day to support us and be there should we need anything. We watched all our plans that we had been through with her unravel in the most magical way. I'm pretty good at planning events, but I highly recommend getting someone in on your wedding day, it really does take the pressure off. I actually missed her when it was all over!!
Tell me about your favourite part of the day.
There were so many moments. I'll never forget walking into the church and seeing all our family and friends there. It was sort of mind blowing. I knew they were coming of course, haha, but walking in and seeing them all there for us, I'll never forget that. And of course watching everyone throw their best shapes on the dance floor, myself included . That was pretty special.
What would you say to other Brides who are considering a New Years Eve wedding?
Firstly, go for it. Embrace it. You will not regret it! One thing to be aware of is the cost. Anything to do with weddings is a premium anyway, but add New Year's Eve to that and you could be doubling up. We booked as far in advance as we could, which helped, and we negotiated costs with all of the vendors as much as possible. So bear this in mind but don't let it stop you as there is always a way to make it work.
Is there anything you'd do differently?
Not much to be honest. There were small things here and there, but on the day, the truth of it is, you have to let go and remember to enjoy it yourself, no matter what. Everyone says it, but it really does go by in a flash, and the best advice is to soak it all up as much as possible.
Can you tell me about some of your favourite Wedding details.
We didn't go mad with a theme as such. We had a nod to New Year with clocks on our save the dates and invitations . We also sprayed some old fashioned looking alarm clocks and put one among the flowers on each table, so everybody could get excited with counting down to midnight. We chose specific songs to lead us up to the New Year, and blasted a cool version of Auld Lang Syne . Our wedding planner brought out a huge basket of props and poppers for everyone, and champagne was topped up ready to toast. It kept the party exciting and gave it an atmosphere that I think only New Year could bring.
I had an amazing florist who created everything I had imagined in my head and more. I went with a wilder looking theme, with deep masala reds in between more ivory colours and wild greenery and mosses, with candles scattered through her designs. Deep red velvet curtains ran through the large hall so it all looked pretty gothic. I also hired some tall plants entwined with warm fairy lights. We wanted it to feel warm and cosy but fun and exciting all at once. The venue (Porchester Hall, Bayswater) really helped that. We made place names and stuck them in champagne corks, we placed scratch cards under each place setting and a corner sweet and snack bar went down a treat.
What was the hardest part of planning your own wedding and what was the most fun?
I was working away from home in the lead up to the wedding, so it was another great help having my wedding planner on hand. She made me feel relaxed and it definitely took some of the chaos off my shoulders.One of the stand out highlights was our food tasting session with our caterers, Strong Flavours. The food was sensational, they catered for so many different needs like it was the easiest thing in the world and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
The team behind the magic
Wedding Planner: Lesley Healy - Hamiltons Events
Photographer: John Hope Photography
Venue: Porchester Hall
Caterers: Strong Flavours
Florist: Michelle Rust
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