Rustic Spa Resort Wedding in Colchester, England: Micole + Mischa

Photos by Becky Bailey Photography

I, Mischa, was born Deaf, to Deaf parents, two brothers and one sister — also Deaf! I work as a Deaf Instructor for a primary Deaf school. I’m transsexual and dated mostly men, but I’ve always have been bi-curious. Micole was born Deaf to hearing parents, with one Deaf sister and one hearing brother. She works as a postwoman for Royal Mail (and has always been a lesbian.)

We knew of each other through the Deaf community but we never really talked until a friend’s birthday party. I remember thinking “Wow, I really like her!” The sparks were there, and I really wanted to kiss her. One thing led to another, we just ended up kissing non-stop all night.

We started non-stop texting. It was such a new feeling for me — I’ve never fallen in love before and I’ve never had a proper relationship, too!

Our first date was two days later. As soon as we met up, we knew that this was something special and have been glued ever since. I actually told her that I loved her two weeks later.

We got engaged in a beautiful woodland and we had champagne in hot tub afterward.

We wanted to have a family. That was always something that attracted me to her, the need to have a big family, so we decided to get married within five months and then started working on it right away! We’re expected a baby on 1st April 2020.

How and why did you pick your wedding venue?

We used the [UK-based] app Bridebook. You can use it to filter caterers, photographers, entertainment, number of guests, the cost range, distances, etc. It was more convenient for us because we are Deaf, so there is no phone calls that needed to be made as they all had email addresses.

We visited Stoke by Nayland first and we were lucky that they had already set up for a wedding the next day so we can see it in its full glory. We really fell in love with all the rooms because the size was just perfect ,and the large windows look out onto the gorgeous fields behind. The two large chandeliers were also a bonus, it made it looked even prettier. It is very convenient that we could have the ceremony AND the reception in one place, and the guests could stay on site, meaning we could save on transportation.

What did you wear?

We stuck to “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue”. Almost.

Micole wore a lace A-line dress, paired with her mother’s veil for “something old”. Her earrings were “something new” that I bought for her, and she “borrowed” one of my bracelets. Her blue shoes completed the rhyme!

I wore Grecian dress and earrings that belonged to my mother for “something old” and “something borrowed”. My mother added a lace strip in my dress to make it more interesting, and the lace was “something new”. She also added a diamante applique on each shoulder and around the waist as a belt.

I was meant to wear a blue French knickers for my “something blue”, but under the natural daylight they were too visible!

What special elements did you include in your wedding day? Were they symbolic in any way?

We had sparklers at the end of the nights because we remembered the first night that we met, it was like everything sparkled and our feelings were just so powerful. It truly felt like fireworks going off. I think that was when I fell in love with her instantly. We also had my sister to lead the group into Greek dancing to honour my grandmother’s background.

What did you splurge on?

I think we splurged on photos the most, as it was important for us to have a great photographer that could communicate with us well. I’d worked with Becky Bailey at a Deaf primary school and had always admired her work. Once we got engaged, there was no doubt who would be our photographer. The photos are AMAZING!

What, in retrospect, could you have skipped?

I think we were too worried about the food and we should have more faith in our wedding co-ordinator. They do know best and they have worked at the hotel for many years. We had SO much food leftover.

What is your best planning advice to other couples?

Definitely look on Pinterest and try to do things YOURSELVES. It makes it even more special that you both have created this and not someone. You will also save A LOT of money. Follow your gut instinct too – we just knew at the first visit to Stoke By Nayland that we wanted to get married there.

Why are you excited to be featured on Catalyst?

This is an amazing magazine that could also be inspiration for other LGBT+ readers and maybe gain a tip of two. I loved reading about different types of weddings and about their love story too, how true love conquers all. This is more alternative as well, none of these mainstream weddings in other magazines.

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Vendors

Venue & Catering | Stoke by Nayland Hotel

Florals | eBay/DIY

Photographer | Becky Bailey

Videographer | Lena Reading (friend)

Mischa’s Make Up Artist | Mischa: Joanna Holmes

Micole’ Make Up Artist | Nikki Harrigan