Your Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wedding - Apr/May 2019 (Issue 76)

G race’s first Tinder date turned out to be a big success in that she met her future husband – perhaps something of a surprise, bearing in mind Sean’s exaggerated online profile. “He told me three lies before we even met,” says Grace. “He said he was nearly 6’0”, that he didn’t like watching football and that he liked shopping.” Then, on the first date, he told her he was arriving in a Lamborghini rather than the courtesy Corsa he was actually driving. “I came away not knowing anything about him, but after a few dates I realised what a kind, funny and ambitious person he actually was – all qualities that were attractive to me,” says Grace. Sean’s plans for a proposal while in Bali in 2017 nearly fell apart when Grace got stung on the face just beforehand, as she shares: “He’d planned the whole evening, and I said I couldn’t go because my face was swollen. Luckily, he got me to the restaurant, which was on the river, with 300 candles, petals on the floor and even menus with pictures of us. Sean organised a playlist of all my favourite songs. His proposal after we had eaten was a moment I’ll never forget.” SETTING THE SCENE When it came to deciding a venue, there was no choice. “We didn’t look at any other venues, as Hedsor House felt perfect, with its amazing chandeliers and high ceilings, and we loved how the day would flow throughout the rooms of the venue,” says Grace. “It was also very private, with stunning grounds and views, and it had a huge bridal suite, which I needed with six bridesmaids.” Finding the bride’s dress didn’t prove so easy. “I think I tried on about 70 dresses before finding Sage by Casablanca. The back was very low with a lace trim, which was what I liked about it. I made a lot of alterations to the front, redesigning the neckline and adding satin buttons to the back. It had a long train, and I wore a simple long veil with a satin tip. I also wore a specially designed hairpiece on my bun.” For flowers, they had peonies and roses in white, blush and dusky lilac. On the wedding morning, Grace’s mother and sister gave her a brooch that previously belonged to her great-grandmother, which she attached to her bouquet of roses. THE CEREMONY Despite storm warnings, there was lovely sunshine all day. “We felt the happiest we have ever felt,” says the bride. “It was so special to have all our loved ones in one place, and we felt very lucky to have everything we could That’s amore Grace and Sean’s special day at Hedsor was full of surprises – just like the groom himself Images courtesy of Wendy Aldiss Photography REAL WEDDINGS 41 