An Essex Wedding - Jul/Aug 2019 (Issue 87)

REAL WEDDINGS 41 The groom and father-of-the-bride wore blue checked suits. “Terry looked very handsome with his bright orange buttonhole, which was decorated with a key from a White Rabbit-style pocket watch,” the bride says. The groomsmen and bridesmen wore navy suits and vibrant ties to match each of the bridesmaids’ dresses. “I wanted everyone to be colourful but not matching,” Tara explains. “One of my bridesmen adorned his beard with flowers. They were stuck in with sugar paste, which kept attracting wasps; I can just picture him now running around trying to swat them away!” TIME TO CELEBRATE A magician kept friends and family entertained while the newlyweds were having their photographs taken. “He performed a 30-minute magic and mind-reading show before the meal,” the bride says. “It was amazing, and really got everyone in the party mood.” There were also themed activities such as flamingo croquet, hook-a-duck, splat-the-rat and a Play Your Cards Right game, while Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum boards provided a hilarious photo opportunity. In the evening, guests enjoyed a photo booth and magic mirror for some take-home mementoes. MEMORABLE MOMENTS The duo were super-relaxed on the morning having planned everything to perfection and couldn’t wait for the day to start. It was when Tara saw the room dressed for their big day that emotions took over. “Despite doing a lot of things ourselves, I was totally unaware of how the whole thing would look,” she explains. “It was overwhelming seeing how hard everyone had worked and how well it all came together. There was logic to my madness and scatty planning after all.” The pair had planned for an al fresco ceremony, but the good old British weather meant that wasn’t possible. “Saying our vows inside felt much more intimate and actually made it more special,” Tara says. “Standing in front of everyone and declaring our love was incredibly emotional.” Tara’s top tip: “Get everyone involved and enjoy the whole planning process!” 