An Essex Wedding - May/June 2020 (Issue 92)

REAL WEDDINGS 37  LOOKING THE PART Alexandra had her heart set on the Anna Campbell dress Sorrento as soon as they got engaged. “I was given a brilliant piece of advice from one of my bridesmaids,” she says. “She told me to find the designer I liked first, then choose boutiques that stock them to book appointments with.” After trying on Sorrento at Blackburn Bridal, she knew it was the one. “With the help of the team there, I completely redesigned the back of the dress to create a lower back and to replace the bow it usually has,” Alexandra explains. The bride expertly finished her look with a small cluster of pearls in her hair and a pretty veil. The men looked dapper in traditional tails and pink waistcoats, with Piers rocking a slightly paler waistcoat to stand out. “My best girls wore the same dress in three different colours to fit our palette,” Alexandra says. “The sequins mirrored the top of my dress – they looked absolutely stunning.” TIME TO CELEBRATE The couple had the most amazing weather. “We got to have our drinks reception outside in the sunshine,” the bride says. “Watching everyone take photos, drink champagne and smile all day was wonderful.” In the evening, the crowd partied to an incredible band called Electric Ocean. “We cannot recommend them highly enough,” Alexandra says. “I’ll always remember the ushers lifting Piers and I above their heads so we had a bird’s eye view of everyone dancing the night away.” When it was time for the newly married couple to leave, their loved ones had a surprise in store. “Everyone formed a massive archway and we left to Ho Hey by The Lumineers,” Alexandra says. “When we got to the end, our sisters had decorated a quad bike with bunting for us to drive off on. Leaving was the part I was dreading, but doing it in such style was amazing.” A HELPING HAND Alexandra and Piers had the best day of their lives, but they couldn’t have done it without the help of some wonderful suppliers and family members. “My mum making my bouquet was so special,” the bride says. “Our amazing photographer and videographer have captured so many lasting memories, our band created a brilliant atmosphere, and everyone’s speeches were amazing; my mum’s surprise toast was so heartwarming and the only part of the day when I cried!” ALEXANDRA’S TOP TIP: When things get stressful, make sure you bring it back to the reason why you are getting married: you love each other!