Real Wedding - Kristina and Matthew
2nd Mar 2022
Kristina and Matthew met almost a decade ago whilst at university. After Matthew popped the question in 2018 the couple began their search for an intimate New Forest wedding venue and came across The Montagu Arms. The couple married in January 2022 surrounded by their closest family and friends. We caught up with Kristina and Matthew to see how their special day went ...
How Did You Meet?
"We met 9 years ago whilst at University in Bournemouth. We were both local to the area and living at home with our parents. Matt moved away for his first graduate job but came back every weekend. Luckily it didn't take long to get a job more locally and we moved in to a flat together in Poole. We've enjoyed lots of amazing holidays together and welcomed our incredible daughter in August 2020."
The Proposal
"Just before Christmas 2018 we took a trip to London and Matt got down on one knee at the top of St Paul's Cathedral. We'd been together for five years at that point and were just waiting to move into our first home together in the new year so it was a really exciting time."
Why Did You Choose The Montagu Arms For Your Special Day?
"We had put off planning our wedding for quite a while because we knew we wanted an intimate wedding but we couldn't find a venue that felt right. We wanted a ceremony with close family followed by a really special meal. We found The Montagu Arms online and immediately booked to go and see it. Once we visited The Montagu there were no other contenders; it had the cosy, homely atmosphere that we had been searching for and made us so excited to start planning."
The Flowers
"I'd seen that Jo Hicks had done the flowers for so many of the weddings at The Montagu Arms which all looked beautiful! Once we met, I showed her my Pinterest board and she instantly summed up in a few words exactly what we were after! I love the warmth of autumnal colours and the flowers were even better than we could have imagined. As the omicron variant was increasing just before Christmas I was convinced the wedding wouldn't be able to go ahead. Jo called and told me when she'd need to put the order in for the wedding and was so reassuring that whatever happened it would all be fine. So even with a late flower order, they were just incredible. I bought all the vases second hand from charity shops and online then painted them all. I was really happy with them, although, Jo told me afterwards that I'd forgotten to seal them so any drop of water made the paint peel! This must have been such a nightmare for Jo so I can't thank her enough for sticking with them."
The Food
"The food we had was incredible! We chose Salmon Ravioli or Ham Hack Terrine for starters, Confit of Duck Leg or Chicken Breast for mains and then an Orange Creme Brulee or Dark Chocolate Cremeux for dessert. We also added a sorbet between the starter and main courses and a cheese board for after dessert. The food was even better than at the tasting and we loved it."
The Photographer
"Having looked through many websites and the social media accounts of various photographers we came across Jonny (Gouldstone) on Instagram. The Montagu Arms had shared some of his images on their Instagram page and we really liked the style of his photos - very natural and warm. It was a pleasure to have him with us on the day and I've looked at the photos most days since we received them. We decided to see each other before the ceremony and had some photos in the garden, this was Jonny's suggestion as being January we knew there wouldn't be much light after the ceremony. It worked out really well because I think it eased our nerves and it was nice to have some quiet time together."
The Outfits
"I got my dress from Isobel's Bridal in Poole and I loved it's simplicity. Matt and the Groomsmen bought their suits form Moss Bros, we're really happy with how well the brown suits matched the rest of the wedding decor."
What Were The Highlights Of Your Wedding Day?
"Everyone at The Montagu Arms made us feel really welcome and Clara made the planning so easy, there were a fair few changes in table plans and rooms etc. but Clara was so accommodating and made sure everything ran smoothly. All of our family commented on what an amazing venue we'd chosen and we will all look back with such fond memories of a perfect day spent with our family."
If you are looking for a wedding venue in the New Forest, choose The Montagu Arms Hotel for a wedding day completely bespoke to you. Call 01590 612324 or contact Wedding Coordinator Clara Earp online.
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