An Essex Wedding - Page number 53 - September/October 2021 (Issue 100)

We had a big vintage bus from the 1950s to transport our guests from the ceremony venue to the evening venue. We hired the groomsmen’s suits from Anthony’s Formalwear in Billericay. Hubby went for the navy trousers and jacket with a Prince of Wales waistcoat and bottle-green tie. The best men wore the same but with a navy tie, while the dads and rest of the groomsmen all wore navy suits with Prince of Wales ties. We bought mother of pearl cufflinks and tie pins to tie in with the heel of my shoes. We had a sit-down meal during the day and I had always liked the idea of ‘welcome cocktails’. I created my own cocktail and named it Ticket to Ride after the Beatles song. We then had stone baked pizzas passed around to the evening guests – perfect grub to scoff between drinking and dancing. My Jesus Peiro gown was the first dress I found and loved, we all felt it was a massive sign! I wore my friend’s veil, my something borrowed , with a very simple oval clip above my bun. I felt everything needed to be very clean and simple to fit the classic ’60s-vibe. My dress was a two- piece so I bought a simple elegant bridal skirt from Catherine Deane so I could be more comfortable in the evening. My shoes were a classic court with a chunky mother of pearl heel and ankle strap from Freya Rose London. The bridesmaids wore beautiful, long, straight, fitted navy dresses featuring a crochet neckline and cap sleeves. I let them choose how they wanted their hair and make-up as being a make-up artist and hairdresser myself I understand how personal this can be – I wanted them to all shine in their own way. REAL WEDDINGS 53