COMFORT FOOD Feeing their guests warm and filling dishes was an important aspect of the couple’s big day. “We opted for no starters, but for the main meal enjoyed beef and turkey sandwiches, along with unlimited roast potatoes and boatloads of gravy,” says Lauren. “Our vegetarian guests feasted on halloumi burgers and roasties, while the kids tucked into fish, pizza and chicken nuggets and chips. Our night-time buffet was a delicious range of pubs classics, such as pizzas and bao buns, which were the biggest hits. Everyone raved about them – especially the tempura-battered cauliflower balls!” The couple’s wedding cake was another huge hit of the day. “We wanted our cake to match the minimal, rustic theme, with the whole vibe being very woodland,” adds Lauren. “The top tier was white chocolate and raspberry, with the bottom tier a chocolate orange flavour. The cake rested on a tree trunk slab, which was supplied by our venue. I think designing and tasting the cake with our supplier, Marielle, was one of our favourite parts of the process. She made everything a breeze, and is one of the nicest humans I’ve ever met! She even gifted us our cake because of all the stress we’d been through with the wedding! Regardless of her generosity, the cake was everything we could have wished for and more.” HAPPY SHOPPERS Two brides meant two wedding dresses, with Robyn and Lauren shopping in different stores. “Robyn wore a fit and flare gown with a jewel neckline in full lace,” says Lauren. “Creating an illusion of a sweetheart neckline, the back of the dress was lace with a trail of beautiful buttons. She also added a belt, which was stitched on to the front with several smaller jewels either side, leading to a large centre jewel. Of course, Robyn had the easiest dress shopping experience ever! She went in looking for a plain dress and tried one on, before realising it wasn’t for her. She then tried on a second – and instantly knew it was the one! I don’t think I’ll ever be able to put into words how beautiful she looked in her dress. On the morning of the wedding the videographer even said, ‘You are the prettiest bride I’ve ever seen’ – which seemed to be a common theme throughout the entire day!” Lauren’s dress shopping experience, however, wasn’t that simple. “I’d visited several dress outlets and was starting to feel deflated,” she says. “My body’s changed over the years, and in my head I wanted something plain and simple, as I hate standing out. I then went to Brides and Beauty in Gateshead with my mam, who saw a dress and asked me to try it on. At this point, we were running out of time, so I agreed – and it was perfect! I was most surprised at the sweetheart neckline, as all along I’d been telling everyone that I wanted something that covered my boobs!” SING FOR YOUR SUPPER With a famous singer in the family, music had to be an integral part of Robyn and Lauren’s celebrations. “Robyn’s dad is Shaun Foster Conley, who you’ll have no doubt seen many a time perform on the hit ITV show, Benidorm,” continues Lauren. “We wanted to kick the night off with songs we knew everyone would get up and dance to – and Shaun totally nailed it! His voice sounds very much like Tom Jones, so he was an excellent addition to our entertainment. After he had performed everyone was up and ready to party.” The singing, however, didn’t end there. “Prior to Shaun’s set, we also got our guests to all sing Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” says Lauren. “When the ceremony ended, our friends and family were handed out laminated lyric sheets; then the music started, and every single person sang the song as we walked up the aisle. It’s a memory we will never forget!” Even Lauren herself got in on the singing action, which came as a huge surprise for new wife Robyn. “I cannot sing in the slightest, but sang Valerie on the karaoke regardless!” she remembers. “It was totally acapella, but everyone was up dancing and having the time of their lives!” KNOWING ME, KNOWING YOU You know a couple are meant to be when their little touches make all the difference. “Before the wedding, Robyn told all our suppliers to steer clear of my room wherever possible,” says Lauren. “She did this as she knew I’d be stressed – and a tad Bridezilla! – which in turn would make my mam anxious. Instead, Robyn invited everyone into her room as a ‘chill out zone’, but in fact it had the opposite effect. One by one all the vendors walked out of Robyn’s room back into mine, laughing at how nervous Robyn was. I, however, was happily lying on the bed, stress-free, reading the best things to do in Gateshead!” REAL WEDDINGS 37
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