top table. The guest tables were lined with hundreds of bud vases containing white and dark calla lilies, and white anemones with inky blue centres. “This looked spectacular against the glow of the candles and the darkness outside,” Charlotte explains. The three-tier big-day bake was flavoured with limoncello, and raspberry and white chocolate. It was flecked in gold leaf to continue the metallic theme and was decorated with palette-fitting flowers. “To Have and To Hire’s creativity was incredible,” Charlotte shares. “We wanted to bring a contemporary, disco chic and glam feel to the venue and they encapsulated this perfectly!” The main focus was the Threshing Barn where everyone ate and where the dancing would happen later. To Have and To Hire provided more than 100 candles for the tables and hung a stunning ceiling installation of metallic orbs and disco balls. “It had the real wow factor as you walked in,” Charlotte remembers. The stage was screened off with backlit drapes adding an ambience of warmth on a winter’s day. Later, the stage was revealed with a neon sign which read: “I bet you look good on the dancefloor,” setting the tone perfectly. Coopers of Goodwood provided the couple with a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud in racing green with a silver roof. “Owner Cilla was incredible at making the process seamless from start to finish and the car was beautiful inside,” Charlotte shares. “Due to the time of year, she very thoughtfully bought an extra heater so we weren’t cold.” The couple laid on buses courtesy of Woods Travel to get loved ones from ceremony to celebrations. Roots Catering at Southend Barns supplied the day’s delicacies in the shape of canapés, the wedding breakfast and evening food. “We’re still getting compliments on our wedding food today,” Charlotte says. Proceedings were opened with a round of delicious canapés, followed by a three-course wedding breakfast. In the evening all assembled were treated to shredded pork carnitas wraps and Mexican street corn croquettes. DRESSED TO IMPRESS Charlotte looked spectacular in Liana, an ivory fitted dress design with a front slit by Savin. “The moment I tried it on I knew it was the one,” Charlotte says. “It was classic, sophisticated and fitted like a glove.” The bride accessorised with a floorlength veil embellished with tiny pearls. During the evening, she switched up her look, changing into a backless, beaded and sequined dress by Zavana. Tom wore a blue morning suit with orange Ferragamo tie with turtles on it as a nod to his Dutch heritage. His groomsmen were dressed in suits to match the groom. The bridesmaids, meanwhile, wore emerald green, sequined, fitted, fishtail maxi dresses with faux fur stoles from a store on Etsy. TIME TO CELEBRATE Drinks and food flowed throughout the day and music was supplied by Groove Addiction. The couple also booked a guitarist and singer for the drinks reception and as the day transitioned into night, the entertainment alternated between a seven-piece band and a DJ to keep the dancefloor full. The newlyweds also hosted a cocktail hour serving espresso Martinis and margaritas to keep the energy high. Guests were also treated to a firework display between the wedding breakfast and evening entertainment. MEMORABLE MOMENTS “I was nervous, but most of all I felt lucky,” Charlotte remembers “Lucky to have the support of our friends and family and lucky to have found the one to marry.” Among her highlights the bride lists: the wedding ceremony address, the moves witnessed on the dancefloor, and seeing the Threshing Barn, which her suppliers transformed to perfection. “All of our suppliers made our day! From the in-house teams at Southend Barns and Roots Catering, to To Have and To Hire, Groove Addiction, Selstar Fireworks, The Floral Artisan and of course our photographer, Weddings by Liav, for preserving our memories in pictures and film.” REAL WEDDING 29
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