Steve and Lesley Crook married at Stanmer House Brighton, on 10th September, 2011. The theme for their special day was Victorian seaside, with the couple giving customised sticks of rock and Brighton fridge magnets as wedding favours.
The stunning bride wore an unusual dress made of ivory and silver grey organza, which perfectly matched the pearl that Steve had bought for her on the first anniversary of their meeting. Lesley wore her late mother’s wishbone engagement ring on the day so as to ensure that she was part of her special day.
At the ceremony, Steve’s father, Dick Crook, played the saxophone as the newlyweds walked down the aisle. The guests then moved on to the reception where they enjoyed a disco with a twist. The bride and groom invited their guests to take a 15-minute turn at being DJ, which they said was “great fun!”
As the evening drew closer the beautiful Stanmer house was lit up in themed seaside colours of pink, blue and yellow. Then came an extra special surprise; fireworks went off over the stately home, with guests presuming the pair had planned the display.
In actual fact, it was pure luck with Brighton and Hove football club setting them off at the perfect time! Lesley described their day as “extra special” as her father, Maurice Cleps, had suffered a stroke just 3 weeks prior to the event, but he showed enormous strength and on the day Lesley got her wish for her dad to give her away.
Lesley and Steve would like to make a special mention to the maid of honour, Jan Vidal as her mother sadly passed away the morning of the wedding. Lesley said, “Jan showed great strength and courage” attending the wedding despite receiving such sad news. In honour of Jan’s mother, Jill Williams, donations can be made to Macmillan via this link: www.justgiving.com/jillwilliamsmenhenett