REAL BRIDES - Kim Grute

Posted by Amy Bellamy on

Kim and Paul Grute said 'I Do' on 9th December 2020. They chose to say their vows at Newton Abbot Registry Office and followed with a celebration at the Dartmoor Lodge in Ashburton

Kim explains, "We had originally booked a different venue but, due to the pandemic, our dream big wedding had to postponed. Our plan was always to get married in a registry office and then renew our vows a few days later to save budget on the registrar coming to the venue. Doing it this way meant we were still able to get married on the 9th Dec 2020 at 10am as planned. Which we were so happy about!"

Under tier 2 restrictions (which Devon was at the time) the couple were able to have a sit down meal as a reception. Kim said that the Dartmoor Lodge provided an amazing service under extreme circumstances and made sure that their day ran perfectly. 
 kim and paul grute

To make sure she shone on her big day, Kim chose a beautiful wedding dress by Ronald Joyce called Dulina. With a beautifully flattering sweetheart, off-the-shoulder neckline and show-stopping fishtail silhouette, this stunning wedding gown in lace, tulle and soft satin ticked all the boxes for Kim. But it wasn't the first dress she went for, as she explains... 

"I had already purchased a different dress from Amica, and I was having a major wobble about it. I spoke with Amy and Amanda and they suggested coming in with someone I completely trust to try it on again. This job fell to my dad. When I tried on my original dress and showed him, my dad's response was 'it's lovely but what else do they have here', at which point I knew he didn't think it was the dress. I was feeling really deflated".

Here at Amica we are as accommodating as possible and will do all within our power to make sure you feel completely sure on your final choice. Kim explains, "I had seen Dulina on Instagram, and by chance it was new in store that week. I asked Laura if I could try it on and when I did I got 'the one' feeling!! It had sleeves (which I wanted originally) and the train was beautiful.  I felt absolutely stunning in it. My dad welled up, and I knew I'd found my dress." 

dulina wedding dress ronald joyce

 Kim speaks about her experience of Amica Bridal, "The moment I stepped into Amica I felt like family. I was made to feel so welcome, and so were my guests. I originally went with my sister, my best friend, and my auntie. I lost my mum 2 years before and it was not going to be an easy experience. Amanda completely understood this and was really sensitive to this fact, giving me time to gather myself before I showed each dress to my people. I felt so safe with the girls at Amica, they understood everything I was going through and it was all treated with support and love. Nothing was too much trouble. I always left feeling so confident.

She explains the importance of your support network when making big decisions, "My Amica experience wasn't just about me. I have to thank the girls for how they looked after my guests. Choosing a dress without my mum was never going to easy but it wasn't easy for my guests too. Special mention to Jane who looked after my dad, who had a bit of wobble when I was trying on my dress, realising his daughter was getting married and his wife wasn't there to see it. I highly recommend Amica and have sent many of my friends there".

Kim chose red roses and winter foliage, with white freesias in memory of her mum and the beautiful arrangements were created by Lorna French at Gardenia Flowers. Kim dyed her Rainbow wedding shoes red to match her accessories and they were an incredible addition to her outfit. So fun! 

Because of the pandemic, Kim did her own make up and creative friend, Steph did her hair. Kim explains how it pays to have talented friends! "Steph also stepped up and made my cake. This was always the plan, however with lockdown and restrictions there was a question mark over whether we needed a cake. I'm so grateful Steph manage to complete such a stunning cake in a week!"

Due to the pandemic only Kim's daughter was able to be a flower girl (not the four bridesmaids Kim had originally planned). The adult bridesmaids will get to wear their beautiful red bridesmaid dresses from Amica Bridal Boutique when the couple renew their vows in 2022.

We asked Kim what it was like to have a wedding under lockdown restrictions and she shared these wise words, "This was not the wedding we planned. From timings to guests... everything had to change to fit in with tier two restrictions! However I married the man I love. When I saw my husband waiting me for in the registry office. He got so emotional and cried when he saw me".

She says, "If having a covid wedding has taught me anything its not to get caught up in the plans because its the marriage and commitment to each other that was important. We planned our day in a week when we knew what tier we would be in. Friends and family stepped up in ways I never imagined, and it was such an amazing day. I also get to do it again in 2022 when we renew our vows in our original venue, with all the guests we want".

We absolutely loved helping you to find your dream dress Kim. What a truly beautiful testimony of your special day, thank you so much for sharing it with us. With love and happiness for your future, 

Amica xx

 

 


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