designed by Xander, who also created the couple’s wedding website and a QR code directing guests share their pictures and videos. Farnham Castle did all of the catering and offered a fun tasting evening beforehand to confirm menu choices. “A number of guests commented that the food was the best they’d ever tasted at a wedding!” adds Cassie. The couple and their guests indulged in: a drinks reception, canapés, three-course wedding breakfast, an Espresso Martini bar – complete with monogrammed drinks toppers – and a pizza oven and barbecue station in the evening. LOOKING THE PART When looking for her wedding dress, Cassie knew she wanted something elegant, romantic and special. “I visited a number of wedding dress boutiques, but I actually had already spotted my perfect dress on an episode of Say Yes To The Dress! Martina Liana 1377 was the most perfect dress for me, it had a little bit of everything; it was romantic and elegant, slightly boho, with lace, beading and sparkle. The statement back was what sold it to me though, the low crossover sparkly straps and the incredible lace train. I also loved the fact it had several layers, including a fully sequinned fitted layer, which gave an extra hint of sparkle in the right light. The plunging V-neck was flattering, and the A-line shape was beautiful and easy to move in. I felt so beautiful and had so many compliments on the dress!” However, when Cassie found this dress at Angelica Bridal London, she also fell in love with Martina Liana 1566! “This was a fitted A-line dress, which was incredibly flattering and supportive – I felt like a Grecian goddess! The bardot sleeves elevated the style, it felt so ‘Hollywood-glamourous’. I managed to find this dress on a pre-loved site, so I could justify having a second dress and lookchange for the evening reception. I had some alterations such as removing the long train (as much as I loved it!) so it could be danced in and putting the bardot sleeves on buttons to make sure I could lift my arms easily when dancing.” Xander loved both dresses, he cried when Cassie walked down the aisle, he was adamant that every element must be kept as a surprise, so he had no idea what to expect! “I accessorised with Charlotte Mills pearl shoes called Henrietta,” adds Cassie. “They were so comfortable even when on my feet all day and dancing! I also had earrings, a necklace and hair pins from Lace & Favour, which tied together the sparkle of the dress and the pearls of the shoes. Finally, I wore a combination of Jo Malone signature scents; Velvet Rose and Oud body crème topped with Peony Suede and Blush Eau de Cologne, which I had found at a Wedding Consultation at Jo Malone London. The was engraved with my married initials, and I have kept it to use for special occasions to evoke memories of the day.” Xander looked dapper in a bespoke, three-piece, dark forest-green suit, custom-made by Gieves & Hawkes of Saville Row, London. With this, he wore a shirt with ‘C&X’ initials embroidered on the cuffs and rose gold initial cufflinks (a wedding morning gift from the bride!). He also had an embroidered handkerchief, matching light-gold tie and pocket square, and chestnut-brown shoes from Loake London. The groomsmen wore stone-coloured three-piece suits from Paul Andrew, with sage green ties, socks and pocket squares, as well as buttonholes to complement the bridesmaids. The bridesmaids’ dresses were from TH&TH, a company admired by the bride for a long time. “I wanted them to be comfortable and confident in what they were wearing, so they each chose a different style and colour,” shares Cassie. “They were a combination of the Isla dress and the Camilla dress in champagne and sage-green colours. I loved how much fabric they contained as the dresses moved so beautifully – they were so swishy! I also treated the girls to hair and make-up on the wedding morning by Spence & Oliver, who also did my hair and make-up in a soft-glam style.” TIME TO CELEBRATE The couple’s biggest priority when planning was ensuring their guests had fun! “In terms of entertainment we had lots!” recalls Cassie. “We started with Surrey String Ensemble, who played five pieces before the ceremony. They then played Sigur Ros’ Hoppipolla as I walked down the aisle, another two pieces we had chosen specifically for signing the register, A Million Dreams from the Greatest Showman and Enchanted by Taylor Swift; they finished our ceremony playing Mrs Robinson (my new name!) as our ceremony exit music. “They then played outside for our drinks reception – some people said they felt REAL WEDDINGS 41
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=