Fiona and Adam met during university fresher’s week. “I was attracted by his amazing dance moves – who am I kidding?” Fiona jokes. The two spent a lot of time together in halls and in between lectures, and soon fell in love. In March 2022, the couple took a city break to Lisbon to celebrate Adam’s birthday. He chose the big day to propose as it was the only one they’d had without rain! He romantically popped the question on Praia de Carcavelos beach, just outside the city and the two celebrated in the evening with plenty of wine and tapas. “It was a total surprise to me, but it now made sense why Adam created a competitive race through bag check in at the airport and never let me carry his backpack during the trip!” The couple were living in Bromley at the time, but Fiona wanted to get married closer to her childhood home. They had their hearts set on a rustic venue with ample outdoor space, and when they discovered Priston Mill it fit the bill. “It’s very picturesque and we were sold when we saw the beautiful Tythe Barn and surrounding grounds, especially in late spring bloom,” Fiona explains. So, they wasted no time in securing their date: 27th August 2023. Join us as the bride tells us all about their special day. SETTING THE SCENE The couple opted for gold lanterns to be scattered around the top of the aisle and along its length for the ceremony, as well as choosing a beautiful gold wreath which their florist decorated with flowers and a white drape. “The venue was so gorgeous we felt less was more,” Fiona explains. Their florist had been briefed on their palette and bee theme, and ran with an array of white, yellow and green flowers and herbs. On arrival in the Parlour, guests were welcomed by a sign handmade by the bride, adorned with a green drape to tie in with the palette. The Parlour also had a table, which the couple used for their card box and Fiona designed a ‘Meant to bee’ cork board displaying photos of their parents’ and grandparents’ weddings. Favours were wildflower seed packets, as the couple’s contribution to saving the bees, along with yellow bon bons in little black bags. The theme continued through the table names; each being named after a different type of bee with the top table called ‘the hive.’ The table plan featured hexagons to mimic honeycomb. The reception tables were simply decorated with a gold candle, a gold picture frame containing a named bee, as well as a trio of flower vases. Fiona and mother-of-the-bride Sarah spent a weekend in early August drying out gypsophila and handmaking the place cards, bearing a gold bee wax seal. Outside the venue Fiona and Adam also decorated an old wooden gate with their initials and a floral arrangement. It complemented the rustic vibe of the venue and was taken from Fiona’s childhood home with many memories of its own. The cakes were lovingly made by Maxine, mother-of-the-groom. They were fruit cake and a sponge topped with Colin and Connie Caterpillars in wedding attire. The catering was expertly taken care of by the venue team. The couple opted for a three-course meal followed by tacos in the evening. “Everything was delicious and received plenty of compliments from our guests,” Fiona remembers. LOOKING THE PART The bride looked stunning in Galatea by Rosa Clara. “I loved the halter neck and lace detail with its simple skirt,” she tells us. She accessorised with a cathedral length veil with a lace trim for added drama, finishing the look with a pair of simple ivory block heels. Her beautiful jewellery included a small pair of pearl earrings from Bloom Boutique and her late great grandmother’s ring as her something REAL WEDDINGS 23
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