When it came to choosing the perfect venue for their wedding, It was an easy decision for Phil Vickers and David Morant.
David explained: “We celebrated my 60th birthday here. We had afternoon tea in Libby’s (the room where we eventually chose to hold our wedding breakfast) and when it came to deciding where we wanted to get married, it seemed like a no-brainer.”
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And Phil revealed that back in 2005 at a New Year’s Eve party at the Queens, he had dropped on one knee to proposed to David.
When they first met, Phil had been planning to go to America to live and was awaiting his visa but then fate intervened when he met David.
“It took us a while to get round to getting married – we’ve been together 23 years. But when we knew the time was right, there was only ever one place for us to get married,” he said.
From the outset they were clear on what they wanted. It was going to be an intimate ceremony with 30 guests and a relaxed feel.
“I stayed at the hotel the night before and it was great because I could potter around in the morning and make sure everything was ok with the setting up in Libby’s,” said David, who is a warehouse manager.
The pair cut a stylish dash in their cream-coloured suits.
“We knew we didn’t want anything too formal and we wouldn’t be wearing ties or socks. David found his suit first and then he spotted the perfect one for me,” recalled Phil, who works as a Peer Support and Well-being Practitioner for Solent Mind.
The couple were full of praise for the events team who ensured everything ran to plan on the day.
Phil said: “Everyone commented about the staff and how lovely they were. Nothing was too much trouble and they couldn’t have been kinder.”
Looking back on the highlights from the day, David and Phil chuckled as they recalled how David mixed his words up when it came to repeating the vows.
“There were so many things that we loved about the day. I really enjoyed seeing the decoration of Libby’s come together and everyone commented on the flowers that were prepared by our friend Esther,” said David.
While Phil added: “It was so great being able to go out into the garden after the ceremony in the Elizabeth Room.
“And we were able to take some lovely photos on the steps with our great nephews and nieces.”
