While at a university event, Winnie and Patrick met at a local takeout eatery and in front of Winnie’s friends, Patrick gathered the courage to walk over and say, “Hello.” After five years of dating, Patrick popped the question in a beautiful, tropical garden centre, Winnie at first not realizing what was happening was real. Cut to their lovely crimson wedding after two years of blissful planning. Well worth the wait.
Wedding Date: Saturday 5 September 2015
Wedding Location: Mercure Manchester Hotel, Manchester, UK
First Dance Song: “You and I” by John Legend
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts: Floral Kimonos, earrings and necklaces for the bridesmaids and customized belts for the groomsmen
Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!
Winnie and Patrick met at a chicken takeaway (takeout eatery) after a University event. Although Winnie was with two of her friends at the time, Patrick worked up the courage after persuasion from his wing-man to ask for Winnie’s number. Winnie and Patrick discovered a shared passion for a number of things – including Nando’s, Mojito Cocktail and Football (even though she supports his rival team Manchester City) – and have been quite the dynamic duo ever since.
After five years of dating, Patrick finally popped the question on Sunday 6th October 2013! Patrick took Winnie out for a walk at a tropical garden centre in Didsbury. He started saying heartfelt words to her, he reached for his pocket and moved toward his knee. Winnie laughed awkwardly, thinking it was all a joke, and then immediately freaked out when she realized…it wasn’t. Tears of joy appeared in her eyes. Winnie later on said that Patrick should have told her he was going to propose, so she could have gotten a manicure!
Wedding Style
Our theme was rustic and classic romance. I wore a beautiful princess style skirt tulle gown by Diane Harbridge with flower lace applique embellishments. Details include a sweetheart neckline and gorgeous belt encrusted with pearls, beads and sequins. Wedding shopping was fun and exciting but stressful in terms of too many options and budget.
Culture
We incorporated my Malawian culture and Patrick’s Nigerian culture. We had a white traditional wedding and changed into our African attire in the evening. Food and music were also catered for both of our cultures.
Memories
Our first dance stands out because it felt like it was just us in the room.
Help a bride-to-be out!
You can plan every little detail but not everything will go according to plan, so plan for the unexpected moments and don’t let it affect your day.
Vendors:
Photography: Obi Nwokedi Photographers
Wedding Planner: Parker Bidwell Bespoke Service
Event Designer: Lasting Memories by Alison Gleaves
Ceremony Location: St John’s Church, Chorlton
Reception Location: Mercure Hotel Manchester
Wedding Dress Designer: Diane Harbridge
Wedding Dress Salon: Cheadle Bride
Bridesmaids Dresses: For Her and For Him
Hair: Bukola Maradarah
Makeup: Michelle Radford
Videography: YSD Media
Florist: Lasting Memories by Alison Gleaves
Cake: Caroline’s Cake Company
Stationery: Winnie (Bride)
Leave a Reply