ROLL CREDITS Venue, The Lost Village of Dode, www.dodevillage.com | Photographer, Matt James Photography, www.mattjamesphotography.co.uk | Dress and suits, The Kent Wedding Centre, www.thekentweddingcentre.com | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Coast and Maya Deluxe | Jewellery, accessories and wedding rings, Custom & Co, www.customandco.com | Hair and make-up, Toni Dee Hair & Make Up, www.facebook.com/Tonideehair Cake, Nikki Bakes Cakes, https://nikkibakescakes.org | Flowers, The Wright Choice, www.facebook.com/thewrightchoiceflowers | Moody Blooms, https://moody-blooms.co.uk | Stationery, Squidge Makes, www.squidgemakes.co.uk | Catering, Flying Pig Kitchen, http://www.flyingpigkitchen.co.uk | Glitter, Luxurious Glitter, www.luxuriousglitter.co.uk | Bar, The Neigh Bar, www.theneighbar.co.uk Entertainment, Tristan Mackay Events, www.tristanmackay.com | Second photographer and venue set-up, Liudmila Vologozanina, www.facebook.com/Wild.Berries.By.Liutas along the top. The youngest bridesmaid, Nicola’s daughter, wore a moody lilac, off-the-shoulder, tulle maxi dress with sequinned finish. TIME TO CELEBRATE Live acoustic, singer/songwriter Tristan Mackay performed during the drinks reception. “He has an incredible voice and a laid back, chilled, bluesy vibe,” Nicola tells us. Having seen him in concert a couple of times and followed his journey for the last ten years or so, the pair were keen for him to sing his own songs as well as covers. Having decided against a DJ the couple created their own playlist for the day. Each song was relevant to them, with either the title, tune or lyrics connecting to a memory or person. They asked each guest for their favourite songs and made sure there was something for everyone across genres and decades, creating a smooth transition from day to night. One of Nicola’s oldest friends, Rut, wrote a song and performed it live as the newlyweds’ first dance song. “Every word stirred a memory and emotion, and just connected to us in a way that no other song could. They were the words of our love story,” Nicola shares. “The minute we walked out of the church, my shoes were off. I wanted to be barefoot for the day and was so chuffed to be able to do it.” MEMORABLE MOMENTS Nicola shares with us the highlights of the big day: “I felt proud of us both, especially Andrew as he’d had to overcome so much. He said he felt amazing because he couldn’t wait to marry me, but anxious because it was the most important day of his life. Seeing his little nervous face relax as I walked in will be something I’ll always remember. But most of all, Lenny’s best man speech was just perfect.” There were also some super-fun moments, that will no doubt bring smiles to the couple’s faces as they look back on their day for years to come. Nicola says, “Andrew decided, as the night wore on, to give us his rendition of New Kids On The Block’s Cover Girl at the top of his voice – brilliant! It certainly pulled the crowd in!” Finally, the bride leaves us with her top wedding-planning tips: “Don’t think you can do it all yourself! I was really poorly the week of the wedding and couldn’t do everything I’d planned. Have a back-up plan and what will be will be. Nothing else matters except for the end result of being together. Make sure you have some videos of the day. A picture may speak a thousand words, but to hear someone’s voice, laughter or even a song in the background means everything once the day has passed.” 36
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