Firm Foundations

Katherine Whelan and Ben Fletcher were married on 21st September, 2008 at Cooling Castle Barn near Rochester

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Early days…

Quantity surveyor Katherine,28, and 31-year-old project manager Ben met when they worked together on a construction project. "I am originally from Cumbria and had moved down to London to work for the company Ben was already working for. We were placed on the same project together and after a couple of months we started dating," says Katherine. That was six years ago and Katherine was bowled over by Ben's honourable nature... and, of course, his good looks. "I quickly saw how trustworthy and considerate Ben is, not to mention handsome. It didn't take me long to fall in love with him, and I feel very lucky," she says.
The feeling was mutual and Ben quickly became smitten with Katherine. "I was attracted to her for many reasons," he says, citing Katherine's great sense of humour, beauty, and the fact she wasn't a 'grubby builder!' as reason enough. "Seriously though," he continues, "I knew back then what I know now, that she is the one."

The proposal…

A true romantic, Ben proposed to Katherine at the Eiffel Tower. "He likes to joke that I had the hump that morning and he put a smile back on my face," she laughs. The surprise proposal took place as the couple stood side by side admiring the wonderful view and was accompanied by a diamond solitaire in a white gold band. Katherine is quite keen on her ring: "I love, love, love it!" she says.

Hen and stag parties…

Katherine and 15 friends took a trip to Liverpool for two nights, where a day at the spa proved the perfect antidote to the inevitable over-indulgences. "We had a great night out and everyone had fun. The next day we went to Thornton Hall in The Wirral to soothe our hangovers with a spa day."
Ben went to Edinburgh with 17 friends for three nights, the first of which was spent with him dressed as Buzz Lightyear.

The venues…

"Cooling Castle was the second place we went to see," says Katherine who only agreed to visit because Ben wanted to check out more than one venue. "We had recently visited a venue which I thought was ideal and in my head I was absolutely certain we would be booking it," she explains. "In hindsight I am so relieved we went to view Cooling Castle. It?s an amazing venue, the grounds are immaculate and the remains of the original 13th century castle really add to the scenery."
But Cooling Castle was more than just a pretty face. "All the staff were absolutely faultless and worked extremely hard to ensure our day was a success. I can highly recommend it. We were also able to give our guests a choice of starter, main and dessert from a small menu." Katherine says that she genuinely believes that the success of her and Ben's day should be credited to the staff at Cooling Castle.

The attendants…

"The bridesmaids were my two sisters, Emma and Helen, and the flowergirls were my nieces, Sophie and Olivia," says Katherine. "The bridesmaids each wore an ivory full-length gown with a trumpet skirt and ivory organza belts with subtle beading." The bride also allowed them to choose their own shoes, while their matching clutch bags ensured continuity of style. Katherine's nieces looked lovely in their empire line dresses, which were also ivory in colour.
"The best man was Ben's best friend, and the ushers comprised five of Ben?s friends along with my two brothers-in-law. The pageboys were my nephews," says Katherine. The men all wore grey morning suits and white shirts. Ben stood out in his light gold waistcoat in contrast to the ivory colour of the other men's waistcoats. "They each had a rose buttonhole to finish off their outfits," says Katherine.

The dress…

Katherine's Benjamin Roberts dress was a lovely light gold colour. "It was strapless and made from taffeta with beaded lace appliqué running along the bodice. There was ruching on the left hip, which was accentuated by more appliqué." She combined her gorgeous gown with strappy sandals and a light gold-coloured cathedral-length veil. "My veil was embroidered sparingly with diamantés," she says. "The sparkling effect of the jewellery and the veil really tied in with the dress' embroidery." Katherine dispensed with the something old, new, borrowed and blue: "Fortunately I'm not superstitious," she says.

The flowers…

Katherine had a simple and informal posy of hand-tied toscanini roses, cream lisianthus, cream ranunculus with lavender and sage tied with gold ribbon and beaded ivory organza ribbon. "The bridesmaids' bouquets were smaller versions of mine and the flowergirls' bouquets were smaller still. The buttonholes were one single toscanini rose with no foliage," says Katherine.

The best bits…

"I was extremely nervous before the ceremony," says Katherine. "I was much more relaxed following the vows and from then on I really enjoyed every minute. Even though I was petrified during the ceremony, in hindsight it's the part I remember most fondly. I also loved Ben's speech; it was hilarious and everyone enjoyed it. I know Ben enjoyed the evening more after his speech as he could relax with his duties for the day completed."

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