An Essex Wedding - Page number 45 - May/June 2021 (Issue 98)

FALL IN love S imone and Jonathan’s story began when they both swiped right on Tinder, while living in London. “Our first date was at the Founders Arms on the Thames,” Simone tells us. “It was a hot August evening and we instantly clicked over G&Ts!” When it came to popping the question, Jonathan managed to keep it a complete surprise. “Jon proposed on holiday in Mexico,” Simone says. “All my family were there to celebrate my 30 th and my dad’s 60 th – or so I thought! Jon’s sister even flew out from France to be with us.” The pair started planning their dream wedding at That Amazing Place. However, their plans for a 100-strong guestlist were scuppered by the pandemic, and they were left having to change their date with 24-hours’ notice. “We had to reduce numbers to just 30 people, then again down to 15,” Simone explains. “This meant we had no bridesmaids, less groomsmen and missing relatives from abroad.” The pair took it all in their stride, and had the most beautifully intimate day on 3 rd November, 2020. Simone tells us how they did it… Simone and Jonathan’s micro-wedding was brimming with pretty autumnal touches Images courtesy of Aaron Crowe Photography REAL WEDDING 45