Holly and Cory met while working at a nightclub when they were 18 and 19. “We were completely lost in the world, not knowing what we wanted to do in life,” says Holly. “We’d have never thought that 12 years later we’d have a house, be married and have two children!”
Cory proposed during a break away. “I had planned a trip to New York as a surprise for his 30th birthday,” shares the bride. “We went to Central Park at Thanksgiving, which was full of people and there wasn’t an inch of it without a tourist with a camera. We walked for hours while Cory tried to find the right place for us. Finally, we found a place called the Cop Cot. Sitting there, we decided to say what we were thankful for, in true American tradition. We discussed the journey we’d been on as a couple, our two beautiful children and just as we were about to leave, Cory explained he had one more question before we left. New York will forever be our special place.”
The team at Hensol Castle share what wedding insurance and corkage fees are.
"Before booking your wedding venue, we advise making sure they have up-to-date insurance, but it is also a wise decision to invest in your own wedding insurance once the contracts are signed. It offers peace of mind against unforeseen circumstances like vendor cancellations or extreme weather, allowing you to focus on celebrating without financial setbacks.
"A corkage fee is when a couple pays the venue so that they can bring their own drinks on-site. We don’t offer a corkage fee at Hensol Castle; however, we do provide a comprehensive selection of drinks to accommodate your guests and your fairytale wedding celebrations."
Rachael and Sam met through social media. “Sam had not been in New Zealand long and we instantly struck up a friendship,” says Rachael. “We chatted for a few months before we finally organised a date. It was truly love at first sight. All though our connection was instant, our relationship was a slow burn, as I have two daughters who were six and ten at the time. I had to make sure Sam was a keeper before he met Ava and Amelia, but he had me at hello, and his morals, ethics and loyalty would last me a lifetime.”
Sam proposed in a seaside village called Akaroa in New Zealand. “It was my birthday, so Sam had booked an apartment for the weekend right on the waterfront,” shares the bride. “On the Saturday morning, he was bouncing around wanting to go watch the sun rise at the lighthouse, while I wanted coffee in bed! Finally, I gave in, and I must admit, looking out across the water was a beautiful start to the day. I turned around and there he was down on one knee, pale as a ghost. While I contemplated in shock that he was proposing, I noticed his face. Apparently, I was taking too long and the poor guy actually thought I was going to turn him down, which of course I did not. That night friends and family turned up and my birthday dinner turned into an impromptu engagement party.”
