Your Sussex Wedding - October/November 2020 (Issue 87)

REAL WEDDINGS 43  down the staircase in the main barn. It was important to the pair that their MG Midget, Frank, play a part in their day. “She’s the first classic car we’ve owned,” Chloe explains. Luke ensured the car was decorated in ribbons as a surprise for the bride, and her dad drove her to the barn for the ceremony. FOOD FOR THOUGHT A mutual friend, Emma, made the big-day bake, which boasted three different flavoured tiers – spiced apple, salted caramel, and lemon. It was finished with mini macarons in teal and copper, and decorated with flowers. Another friend, Laura, from Malthouse Ceramics, made a bespoke cake topper in the form of the classic MG Midget, with the bride and groom sitting inside. “We were both absolutely blown away when we saw the finished cake,” Chole remembers. The venue furnished the couple with a list of approved caterers, and they eventually settled on Good Taste Catering, who created a three-course meal for the wedding breakfast. “We just wanted cosy, homely food, because we were expecting the weather to be fairly cold,” the bride explains. The meal began with sharing antipasti platters, which were followed by either pork in cider sauce, or beef carbonnade. They finished with a trio of desserts, including sticky toffee pudding, chocolate tart and a meringue topped with rhubarb and ginger. In the evening, guests were treated to a barbecue. LOOKING THE PART The bride had always dreamed of a tea-length dress – “I knew it would be easier for dancing, and I was very aware that it might be a wet and muddy day,” she explains. However, she’d struggled to find the one , until she was advised to look at A-line gowns that could be taken up. This opened up a new world of possibilities and she found her dream dress at a sample show. After a local seamstress altered the length, the mother-of-the- bride used the spare fabric and lace to make the veil. Given they’d be on show all day, the shoes had an important role to play. Chloe says, “I decided I wanted two pairs, so I wore a glittery teal pair to complement the bridesmaids’ dresses, and then changed into a pair of Irregular Choice heels for the evening.” The look was completed with a teal faux-fur stole that she slipped on for warmth during the outdoor photos. Luke wore a blue herringbone three-piece suit, while the groomsmen complemented him in navy suits, teamed with herringbone waistcoats. All of the gentlemen, including the groom, went tieless, and wore pale blue shirts, instead of white, for a casual and comfortable look. The bridesmaids wore matching teal, knee-length dresses, with a lace finish. These were paired with flame orange shoes, which matched their bouquets. They all wore their hair down, with springs of eucalyptus pinned in. Both bridesmaids and groomsmen wore accessories handmade by Chloe, featuring ceramic leaves in necklaces for the ladies and cufflinks for the gents. TIME TO CELEBRATE A local band, Taylor Maid, entertained guests at various points throughout the day. They first appeared as a trio playing a selection of jazz and blues tunes during the canape reception. Then, they returned with more musicians for the evening ceilidh. “We decided to have a ceilidh early on in our planning. They’re a great way to get everyone of all ages and abilities up and joining in. It was a big hit with our guests, and even those who didn’t want to dance enjoyed the show,” Chloe tells us.