An Essex Wedding - Mar/Apr 2019 (Issue 85)

REAL WEDDINGS 49  C assie and Harry first met at university, where they lived in the same halls of residence. After a year of being friends, the pair decided to take the plunge and haven’t looked back. Fast forward nine years and the groom-to-be asked for Cassie’s hand in marriage while they were walking through the countryside near their home one winter morning. “Harry had written a letter to my parents to ask for their blessing and waited until there was no one else around to pop the question,” says the bride. “We had discussed marriage and our future together so I knew it would happen at some point, but I was surprised on the day.” Here Cassie tells us more about their wedding... SETTING THE SCENE The couple wanted a laid-back venue that gave them a plethora of choices, rather than pre-set packages. “The Compasses at Pattiswick allowed us to have the bespoke wedding that we wanted – it was perfect for our special day,” says Cassie. “There were already flowers hanging from the wooden beams and bunting decorating the walls, so we didn’t feel the need to add anymore. We chose not to have a table plan and allowed our guests to sit wherever they pleased.” The flowers were designed by Jane at the venue, the bouquet and buttonholes were a collection of colourful, wild and summer meadow blooms and the aisles were decorated with jam jars filled with lavender and gypsophila, which were later placed around the venue. “Our cake was a naked three-tiered design in the flavours vanilla, chocolate and carrot, decorated with mixed wild berries,” shares the bride. “We placed pictures of our parents wedding days either side it and presented a selection of our favourite images from throughout the ten years we’ve known each other.” LOOKING YOUR BEST Cassie always knew she wanted a sleek dress that would suit the relaxed vibe of the venue and chose Romantica of Devon’s Katrina design. “The back of the gown was stunning, which made it easy for me to choose to have my hair up with a hairpiece,” says the bride. “I accessorised with a pair of diamond drop earrings and white silk Jenny Packham shoes.” Harry donned a light blue three-piece French Connection suit, paisley yellow bow tie and brown shoes and his groomsmen wore the same but with a tie instead. “I opted not to have any bridesmaids, which allowed my three best friends to comfortably wear whatever they wanted on the day,” adds Cassie. TIME TO CELEBRATE The happy couple set up a variety of garden games, including archery sets and giant Jenga. “There wasn’t