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

32 flowers, with the plan printed on ivory card backed with copper glitter. Guests were treated to Tiptree Jam mini jars. “We chose strawberry and champagne as well as apricot and armagnac,” Gemma says. “The deep red and orange jams fit in with our autumnal palette.” The pair added personal touches to make the venue their own. “We printed Polaroid-style photos of us and hung them from a string of lights,” Gemma explains. “There was also ivory bunting hanging from the wooden beams.” Neither Gemma or Rowan like icing, so a naked cake was a no-brainer. “We went for a consultation with Little Lucy’s Bakery and got on with Lucy straight away,” Gemma says. “We also loved the samples! We had three delicious tiers of chocolate orange, carrot and vanilla with Oreo cream, finished with seasonal berries.” The catering was provided by the venue. “We drank warm Winter Pimm’s with our canapés,” Gemma says. “Our three-course sit-down meal was followed by a kir royale toast. In the evening, we dined on fresh stone-baked pizzas from a converted horse box.” LOOKING THE PART Out of all the dresses she tried on, Gemma’s Mark Lesley gown was the only one to make her mum cry. “I really felt like a bride,” Gemma says. “It flattered my figure and I felt so comfortable.” Rowan and his groomsmen wore bespoke fitted tweed suits from Jennis & Warmann, with Rowan standing out in blue. Gemma didn’t want a traditional style for her bridesmaids. “I found these beautiful aubergine-coloured maxi dresses,” she says. “The cold-shoulder embellished style suited all my girls perfectly.” TIME TO CELEBRATE Rowan knew he wanted a magician on the big day. “We managed to hire a brilliant one called Russ Styler at fairly short notice,” Gemma remembers. “He was great at breaking the ice between friends and family members who hadn’t met before.” In the evening, a DJ from Aurora Pearl got everyone partying. “Everything was run so brilliantly by Paul at the venue that there weren’t any long intervals with people twiddling their thumbs,” Gemma says. MAKING MEMORIES The ceremony was a highlight for both the bride and groom. “It felt amazing to be in a room full of people you love to share such a huge moment,” Gemma recalls. “We took time after the vows to stand back and take it all in. It felt so surreal.” After 18 months of planning, the couple were so relieved that the day was finally here. “Rowan was nervous about his speech, but he relaxed as soon as it was done,” Gemma says. “Unexpectedly, I didn’t feel nervous at all. I put this down to the fact that we had such a wonderful team of suppliers working to make the day go smoothly. Our photographer, Gemma Giorgio, really stood out. She went above and beyond to capture the happiest moments, and she slotted into the day like a friend.” GEMMA’S TOP TIP: Have ten minutes together as newlyweds to take everything in. It goes so quickly.