Barry and Caroline's Wedding in Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff

Purchasing my dress was a trial. We are no spring chickens and this was both our second marriages, so I was paranoid that I'd look like a moose, or mutton, or worse! But my dress (a Sophia Tolli gown from Once in a Lifetime Bridal, in Stoney Stratford) was incredible and I felt wonderful all day. Audrey (bridal boutique owner) knew what she was doing with the dresses she suggested, and her selection was vast.

We found our florist (Jan Lima) on Wedding Wire. I talked to her a lot on the phone, we visited her and we loved her. She completely understood our vision and delivered the most beautiful flowers, as well as helping to set up the venue. If you’re in Cardiff you should use her!

I'm a graphic designer, so I designed all of our stationery and, of course, had no concerns about how it would all turn out!

My brother Nick was my escort, my long-time very gorgeous friend Nicky was my best woman, my daughters Anna and Olivia were bridesmaids. My son Tom and Barry's son Ollie were ushers and our witnesses, Barry's good friend and business partner was best man. Barry's mum Maggie did our reading. It was a real family affair!

We made all our own decorations. It was the summer of twigs. Barry collected more twigs and branches than we could count and we set to work making centrepiece trees, which we sprayed with paint and glitter, then lit with fairy lights and hung with baubles. We had blue uplighters all around the room, black table cloths and chair covers with silver sashes. It was wintery, glittery and gorgeous. I made all the wedding favours which doubled as place names and also made individual menu cards. It was a mission. I decided to make CDs and each one was different, with music from our wedding, plus personally selected tracks for each person. Every one had a different quote on too, so it did take a while, but the comments were amazing and the effect was perfect. We put them on mini easels that I’d sprayed with black glitter paint (another summer project!). If you have any creative skills whatsoever, making your own is so satisfying, it gives a personal touch and it saves you so much money!

The food - wow! We offered our guests a choice of four dishes for each course and the chef was superb. We had been for a tasting a couple of months before, expecting a little taste of each dish. But no, we had five full sized plates of each - five starters, five mains, five desserts, several bottles of wine and champagne. Our tasting (which was meant to be a day out) turned into an overnight stay and shopping trip (we had nothing with us!) and vast expense! But worth it - the food was spectacular, Every dish perfectly presented, utterly delicious and piping hot. Well done St David’s!

We had a Rat Pack band for the evening. We had first seen Shane Hampsheir at Ronnie Scotts, then at other venues in London and it was our dream to have him and his band for our wedding. We got lucky! They were brilliant. We were a little concerned as the band were playing in Mumbai the day before, but they turned up!!

Then the disco took over - this was provided by the hotel as part of our package, but we had contact with them beforehand, told them what we liked and had great music until the early hours. Our DJ was Steve from Fraser Lawson.

We ate, drank, talked, we danced, we laughed, we loved every moment - and it was all over too quickly. Our biggest tip would be to take a few minutes several times during your day, sit quietly with your beloved, and simply watch what’s going on around you. Take in the view, watch your guests having fun. These will be your memories and they are the best.

We had 90 guests on the day, every single one a good friend or family member, all people we love. These people, who are so special in our lives, are what made our day so wonderful.

We would like to thank all of our guests for being with us to celebrate, Audrey at Once in a Lifetime (for my dress), our photographer Tony (a great friend), hairdresser Doug (another great friend), St David' Hotel (venue), Jan Lima (our florist), Shane Hampsheir and his fabulous band, Fraser Lawson (disco) and specifically Steve who was our DJ. We should also give a mention to Armani in Birmingham, where Barry and his best man purchase their suits - their service was the best, from the bubbly every time we go there, to taking care of the tailoring.

Hope you enjoy our photos - they are a mix of 'proper' and 'snaps'.