An Essex Wedding - Page number 33 - July/August 2021 (Issue 99)

in a hoop and suspended from chiffon-wrapped piping,” Catherine explains. “Inside, the venue was draped with wisteria and hanging arrangements of fresh hydrangeas, roses and delphiniums. On the tables, we created a medley of high and low centrepieces, with trios of teapots, cups and saucers alongside tall glass vases.” Catherine and Haider decided against a traditional cake, instead opting for 150 delicious red velvet, chocolate and coffee cupcakes, with a larger one in the middle so they could have their cake-cutting moment. Guests were treated to tiny glass bottles containing inspirational love quotes as favours, and the place settings were Alice in Wonderland -themed playing cards, with each guest’s name hand-calligraphed by a friend. AISLE STYLE Catherine looked stunning in Prunelle by Pronovias, with its delicate floral detailing and buttons running down the back. “I accessorised it with a waist-length veil and lace bridal boots by Irregular Choice,” Catherine says. “Haider wore a light blue suit with a brocade waistcoat. We stopped at an outlet shopping centre on the way home from a planning meeting. Annoyingly, after all the boutiques I’d visited, he went into the first shop and bought the second suit he tried on! It was ideal.” For the bridesmaids, Catherine chose two sets of dresses in different styles, but with the same blue floral pattern. “I wanted them to have a choice to flatter their body shapes, so they felt confident and beautiful on the day,” she explains. TIME TO CELEBRATE A classical harpist set the scene for the ceremony, the delicate music filling the meadow as guests arrived. After the I dos, loved ones enjoyed garden games and the children went on a bunny hunt. At The Barn Brasserie, a pianist got everyone in the party spirit – upping the tempo as the meal progressed, before a DJ took the reins. “Our DJ played a unique mix of Asian beats and chart songs,” Catherine says. “He had some great desi mixes of pop songs, which went down a storm. The dancefloor was packed until 1am!” A HELPING HAND As a wedding florist and events designer, Catherine decided to design and create all of the floral arrangements and d décor herself. “In the weeks leading up to the wedding, Haider helped with chainsawing posts, painting signage, sourcing pallets and painstakingly creating our selfie booth,” she says. “The day before the wedding I made all of the centrepieces and bouquets. On the morning, instead of relaxing, we headed to the venue to set everything up! Haider looked after the meadow, while I took charge of the barn. My bridesmaids were amazing, and we had a team of family and friends who went above and beyond. We couldn’t have done it without them, and it touches my heart that they helped us create our dream wedding.” MEMORABLE MOMENTS The bride’s dad acted as celebrant for the ceremony, giving it a real personal touch. It also meant that Catherine was able to walk down the aisle with her brother, who was the man-of-honour. “At the reception, Haider’s sister gave the most thoughtful speech, we were both so touched,” Catherine adds. REAL WEDDINGS 33