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OUR WEDDING

Paul & Alice | 24th May 2008

THE WEDDING OF THE YEARThe story so far

3 The proposal

4 Alice’s family album

6 Paul’s family album

8 How they met

9 Choosing the dress

10 Spotlight on best man

11 Chief bridesmaid Q&A

12 Stag and hen dos

14 Interview with parents

16 Guest list and thank you

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Contents

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The PROPOSAL‘I realised I had to ask her there and then’

I knew something was up – he had that look in his eye,” remembers Alice of

the day Paul finally, after eight years together, popped the question.

“It was Good Friday and I had gone to get my hair cut. When I called to say I had finished, Paul suggested that, as it was such a lovely day, we go for a picnic. In fact, he had already packed it which I thought was very organised of him so we set off straight away to Hampstead Heath.”

Unbeknown to Alice, Paul had spent the last week scouring Hatton Garden in his lunch hours looking for an engagement ring. With it safely hidden away in his pocket, all he had to do was find the perfect spot to propose.

“We have always loved the heath and would often go for long walks there, talking and making

plans so it seemed the right place to do it,” remembers Paul.

Having found a secluded corner, they stretched out their blanket and Alice was keen to see what food Paul had packed.

“I realised I had to ask her there and then as I had packed a bottle of champagne and I didn’t want her to see it,” says Paul.

And so he did, receiving a swift affirmative in response. With champagne and ring revealed, Alice quickly phoned her parents who were waiting with baited breath for her call. Paul had spoken to her dad John beforehand to ask his permission. “I was so pleased he did that,” says Alice. “It made the proposal even more perfect.”

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Alice’s

One-year-old Alice with her daddy

Still making a din back then on her beloved violin

Aged six posing for the school photo with brother Charlie aged nine

FAMILY ALBUMGrowing up with her family in Bournemouth

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With proud parents Damaris and John at her graduation in Cardiff

One of the many days spent on Bournemouth beach

In training to be the ultimate housewife

Alice was a dedicated Brownie, pictured with Cub Scout Charlie

Alice gets her first taste of weddings as a bridesmaid aged five

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Sporting the coolest of eighties accessories the sun visor in 1989.

Showing his trademark grin, pictured with brother George

Paul’sFAMILY ALBUMGrowing up with his family in Maidenhead

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Younger brother Alex knows his place

Paul, far left, with his school rugby team in 1992

Paul with brothers George and Alex in 1983

One-year-old Paul sitting on his Taid’s lap

A lice and Paul met when they were both taking a Masters at York University. Although their subjects were rather different – Alice was

studying baroque violin and Paul economics – they had mutual friends in common and eventually they were to meet while at a post-graduate party being held on a sunny July evening in 2001. Both, apparently, were attracted by the promise of free food and drink so they had something in common already.

They stayed on in York for a further year but when Paul was offered a job at an economic

HOW THEY MET consultancy in London, they both decided to head south again. They eventually moved in together at the flat they shared with friends in Golders Green, north London before taking the plunge and buying their first home - a two-bedroom flat in Crouch End, also in north London - in the summer of 2006. In fact, they negotiated the sale while travelling around East Africa – a once-in-a-lifetime trip they will never forget.

It all happened that year, as Paul decided to pop the question on April 14th and the rest, as they say, is history.

Both, apparently, were attracted by the promise of free food and drink

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CHOOSING the DRESS

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I always had it in my mind the sort of dress I wanted to get married in but

nothing prepared me for the fun I would have in finding it,” says Alice on choosing her wedding dress.

“At first I was unsure whether I wanted a train at all as it seemed so far removed from what I normally wear and I was worried about how I would cope with it on the day but the more dresses I tried on, the longer the trains got!”

Alice took her mum Damaris along to several bridal shops in Bournemouth to find her special dress. “I loved the way the dresses felt on – they make you feel so special. It really is unlike anything you have worn before,” says Alice.

In the end, Alice chose a dress designed by Augusta Jones, with a mid length veil decorated with crystals and ivory silk shoes with a kitten heel. “The moment she came out of the changing room I loved the dress,” remembers Damaris.

“I thought it suited her perfectly and was ideal for the wedding venue. You need a magnificent dress that will stand up to the magnificent surroundings and this did just that.”

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I first met Paul at school in Maidenhead at the age of 11 which makes him one of my oldest friends.

We shared a love of cycling and would regularly ride from our homes to Windsor and back along the river. We would go away mountain biking at weekends where Paul would live out his love of speed, careering down the slopes without using his brakes and more often than not coming into contact with a tree or two on the way down.

Chris Smith

SPOTLIGHT ON THE BEST MAN

We also loved playing Go and belonged to the school’s club so you could find us most lunchtimes engrossed in a game in one of the classrooms.

Ending up in the same part of London has meant we still see a lot of each other although I think our friendship would have lasted wherever we were. I feel truly honoured to be his best man.”

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Name: Caroline SartinDOB: 25th August 1977

When and where did you meet the bride: I met Alice in 2000 when we were both living in York studying music. A mutual friend introduced us and I knew straight away we were going to be firm friends.

Top memory of the bride: As part of Alice’s degree course she had to do an end of year recital on the violin and I went along to listen. I will never forget how beautiful she sounded although she always plays down how good she is. It really was an unforgettable performance.

Bride’s best feature: I would have to say her caring nature. Not long after we had met,

Caroline Sartin

INTERVIEW WITH CHIEF BRIDESMAID

a group of us had gone out into York for drinks and I went back to Alice’s house to stay over rather than get a taxi back. Although we didn’t really know each other, she stayed up when everyone else when to bed, making sure I had enough bedding, water and everything I needed. I was really touched and her caring nature has shone through ever since.

How did you feel when you were asked to be bridesmaid: Well, I admit I cried a little! I was so touched and honoured to be given such an important part of her special day. And I couldn’t wait to wear the dress either.

Best advice for the bride: Don’t change a thing.

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HEN’S NIGHT OUTA lice had a hen party in London

where she was joined by her friends, first for cocktails and canapés at the couple’s flat in

Crouch End, followed by a three course meal at Covent Garden’s The Grange. Everyone got dressed up for the occasion and unbeknown to Alice, her bridesmaids had gathered together pictures of her growing up which they displayed on the tables.

“It was a fantastic night,” remembers Alice. “It was great to have friends from all walks of my life together in one room and I loved it that my mum and future mother-in-law Beryl were able to come too.”

Where and what really happened

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THE STAG DO The mens’ trip to the

Lake District revealed

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You can say what you want

about Chris, but he knows how to throw a good party,” says Paul of his stag weekend, held in the Lake District. The groom and ten friends set off from London in an A-Team style van to the cottage Chris had hired for the weekend. Curry, plenty of pints and England playing football on the big screen were all highlights but the best moment was when they all dressed Paul up in a Captain America suit and went paintballing.

“Chris had rented the costume and I was made to defend a tower in the middle of an open stretch of woodland,” says Paul. “The bright colours made me perfect target practice for everyone. I was black and blue for days afterwards.”

F ather of the groom Andrew Metcalfe: The moment we met Alice I knew Paul had found the right girl for him. She was so warm and friendly that she

fitted into the family straight away. I am very proud of Paul and all that he has achieved in his life and I wish them both all the happiness for their future life together.

Mother of the groom Beryl Metcalfe: Having had three boys, I always secretly wished for a daughter and now I have one. Alice will make a wonderful wife for Paul and I know they will be happy together. They are perfectly suited. And I am available for any babysitting should they need it in the future!

Andrew and Beryl Metcalfe

THE PARENTS HAVE THEIR SAYon the happy couple

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John and Damaris Eaton

F ather of the bride John Eaton: Having a

daughter is special. From the first time she held my finger when she was just a few hours old I wanted to protect her from the world. So it was very important to me that she found a partner who could care for her and bring her the happiness she deserves. In Paul she has found that person and I welcome him into our family with open arms.

Mother of the bride Damaris Eaton: Ever since Alice arrived into the world, I have been looking forward to her wedding day. We have had a wonderful time planning it together, especially choosing the dress. I knew straight away when she came out of the changing room that she had found the perfect one. Shopping has always been a favourite hobby of ours, starting from when she was just five and I would gather together outfit after outfit for her to try on, much to her great excitement. This was the ultimate shopping trip and I know she will look spectacular in her dress on the day.

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GUEST LISTJohn EatonDamaris EatonCharles EatonAnne McBrideToby GilmoreSue GilmoreJake GilmoreMax GilmoreRobert EatonElizabeth Eaton

Beryl MetcalfeAndrew MetcalfeGeorge MetcalfeNia MetcalfeAlex MetcalfeVicky SeymourCaroline SartinSimon SmithChris SmithJulia Drell

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Thank you to all our lovely guests for coming – we hope

you have a fabulous day

Alice & Paul

Zoe PeachChris PeachDan O’ConnorJulia LungleySian LattimerRoger KellerSarah OakleyPhilip OakleyRachel CarruthersJane Weninger

Herbert WeningerEdward WeningerSusanne WeningerThomas WeningerNiki WeningerToby BarnardLaura BarnardStephen HarveySiona Harvey