One of our very own Merchandisers, Lysann, got married last year in the historic Roman Baths and Pump Room. She shares her story and gift list style.
How did you two meet?
We used to work together but not in the same department. One evening our company sponsored a charity gaming event in London and my colleague and I came early to save the best seats; I saw Andrew and his colleague standing by the stage looking for two spaces to sit. He seemed familiar so I made eye contact and pointed at the free seat next to me. The rest is history.
What's your favourite thing to do together?
We both love the sun so going on holiday is our favourite thing.
What was the best thing about the wedding?
My mum and my mother-in-law hitting the dance floor and dancing hand in hand to Sweet Child of Mine by Guns 'N' Roses.
What tip would you give other couples planning their wedding?
Go your own way. Adult life consists of compromises but it's your wedding day and the day you are starting your own family. It's important that you can enjoy your special day and feel comfortable with your choices. Trust your gut, focus on what you want and ignore the outside noise.
Tell us all about your honeymoon! Where did you go and what did you love about it?
We are mooning in two stages. We went to Las Vegas straight after the wedding for a 'minimoon'. During our wedding planning we played with the idea to elope to Vegas but decided against it, so our compromise was to go there straight after. Our highlights included a helicopter night flight over the Strip, an amazing Grand Canyon tour with a real cowboy and seeing a show called 'Absinthe' in a Spiegeltent in front of Cesar's Palace (of course we had an Absinthe cocktail too!). In April, we are heading off to our honeymoon to The Big Island of Hawaii. Can't wait!
What has surprised you most about being married?
Feeling more connected and more responsible for each other and the fact that our family just got bigger. The rings mean something.
One thing we did before we got married and I'm glad we still do now is...
We still go on date nights and always make sure we have time for each other.
Were you always planning to have a gift list?
Working for Prezola meant having a gift list was obvious, but we always wanted something fun and modern with lots of brands to choose from plus the opportunity to add a honeymoon fund. The traditional concept of a registry in a department store just wasn't appealing to us.
What's your favourite gift list feature on Prezola?
The inspiration lists and quick picks are definitely a big help if you need somewhere to start or if you have the basics already but want to upgrade your interiors and get the beautiful statement pieces that make a home.
What are your favourite brands on Prezola?
My absolute favourite is Artisanne, all baskets are hand-woven in Senegal and the quality is mind-blowing. It's not only a great project that supports the local community but they are better than any basket I ever had and the possibilities of use are endless, I use mine as a bedside table and another as a laundry basket but I plan to get more to use as planter. I also have my eye on their new bowls, coasters and place mats.
What item were you most excited to get on your gift list?
I love art so every print that our guests bought are very special gifts to us and are hanging on our walls now. We also love the Bold & Noble icon tea towels and use them in the kitchen but even the willow planter from Burgon & Ball was a great gift as we could use it to give our garden a makeover. If I had to chose a favourite it would probably be our Georg Jensen Turnip Bonbonniere, it's so elegant and beautifully crafted and is something we wouldn't have bought for ourselves but is a wonderful gift.
That's the beauty of a gift list, you can go wild and put products on your list you would normally not buy for yourself. It's a very fun form of indulgence. Oh, and we love the Lemon Made deckchair, fingers crossed the British summer will be a sunny one this year.
Tell us all about your Prezola delivery day!
It was such an exciting day, all of the gifts arrived wrapped in silver paper and in big, branded Prezola boxes. To be honest, I didn't really wanted a gift table at the wedding as I didn't want to worry how to get them home safely after the wedding party. I wanted to enjoy myself and not worry, so it's ideal that you can pick a date and all gifts are delivered directly to your door.
Is there a gift you wish you had added to your gift list but didn't?
Roberts Radio Ortus Time Alarm Clock Radio was launched last year but too late to make it onto our gift list. And Life of Riley has a new collection out this year which is exciting, I love all of their products! Prezola has added more fabulous brands to the site recently so there would be so much more to discover. Perhaps we can get married again. :)
Supplier credits
- Photography: Dan Pearce
- Dress: Jessica Charleston
- Venue: Roman Baths and Pump Room
- Caterer: Searcy's
- Flowers: Anemone
- DJ: The Wedding Players
