An Essex Wedding - Nov/Dec 2019 (Issue 89)

We didn’t want a traditional cake, so we roped Ally’s mum into making us brownies. We also had Krispy Kreme doughnuts, which we layered up on a rustic display of log slices. Ally’s aunt brought a Scottish tablet – a super-sweet fudge. In the evening, we had a stand of s’mores, which we toasted on the fire pit. Ally’s family are Scottish, and he wears a kilt to special occasions. Normally he borrows one from his dad or grandad, but as a present his parents paid for him to have one made in the family tartan. The groomsmen rocked tartan trews and the bridesmaids looked fab in pale pink bandeau dresses teamed with pink Vans. In the marquee, we had two long rows of wooden picnic benches, with a top table for Ally and I with plush green velvet armchairs from Anthology Vintage Hire. We didn’t have a table plan, we just asked our guests to sit where they wanted and mingle. My Kitchen Your Place has an amazing converted fire engine from which it provided incredible beef burgers with American cheese and chutney. For the veggies, there was halloumi, beetroot and avocado burgers. There’s also a kitchen at the venue, so we had pizzas in the evening and bacon sandwiches the next morning. Combine all this with antipasti, cheese boards and a self-serve bar, and we made sure everyone was content. Maddy’s top tip: Don’t panic about the small things being perfect. I promise, no one will care if your flowers are slightly off centre or your chairs are on the wonk! REAL WEDDINGS 57 