An Essex Wedding - July/August 2020 (Issue 93)

REAL WEDDINGS 31 G emma and Rowan met in 2007, but Rowan was at boarding school so they kept in contact via Myspace and MSN Messenger (that’s a blast from the past!) before meeting up again at Reading Festival in 2008. “We spent the whole weekend drinking and watching bands together,” Gemma remembers. “After that, we started dating.” The pair went on holiday to St Ives, Cornwall, where Rowan had a surprise up his sleeve. “He set up a small tent so we could have a picnic watching the sunset, with Cornish pasties and cider,” Gemma says. “I was changing our daughter’s nappy, and when I turned around he was on one knee.” We can’t say it was a total surprise, as Gemma had seen the ring hidden in the changing bag beforehand! The date was soon set for 5 th October, 2018, at The Compasses at Pattiswick. We caught up with Gemma to get the lowdown on their big day… SETTING THE SCENE The couple loved the vibe of The Compasses at Pattiswick as soon as they walked through the door. “A warm log fire was burning and we immediately felt at home,” Gemma says. “Great local food and spaces for all the family to enjoy made it the perfect setting.” The couple used the time of year as inspiration for the colour scheme. “We opted for autumnal purples, dusky pinks, reds and copper,” Gemma says. “Oak slices and copper cans filled with flowers added to the seasonal look.” They used the talented Alison White Flowers to create their floral arrangements. “We wanted the main bloom to be a protea, as the clasp on my engagement ring is shaped like one,” Gemma tells us. “The rich shade was also ideal for our theme.” The flowers were rustic and free-flowing, and Gemma’s bouquet was a messy teardrop shape brimming with lush green foliage. The table plan was a personalised crate filled with Seasonal touches and a rich colour palette worked beautifully for Gemma and Rowan’s October wedding Images courtesy of Gemma Giorgio Photography  LEAVES Autumn