Your Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wedding - Feb/Mar 2020 (Issue 81)

It was a big surprise, Gary is quite unorganised so I was shocked he had planned it all!” The happy pair set the big date for 20 th April, 2020, at Lillibrooke Manor. Here, we find out all about the finer details of the day... SETTING THE SCENE Looking for a rustic but modern barn, Kate and Gary found this in Lillibrooke Manor, and with pretty grounds and exclusive-use to boot, what more could they ask for? “We had seen a few similar venues but what stood out for us at Lillibrooke was the fact they had a separate room for the ceremony to take place in so no room changeover was needed,” adds, Kate. “As it was spring, there were some beautiful blossom trees as well which looked great as a backdrop for pictures. When we visited, we just could envision how the day would flow and it just felt right.” As the wedding was on Easter Saturday, the couple felt they should acknowledge that in the wedding favours, which were organza bags filled with mini eggs. The place names and cards fitted the barn theme perfectly, and they kept it simple with table numbers. “We hired a great company called Seventh Heaven Events to decorate the venue,” shares Kate. “They took care of the flower arch which we got married under, the candles and lanterns to line the aisle and the jars of flowers. They then moved it all from the ceremony room to the barn for our wedding breakfast centrepieces and the arch was put at the entrance of the barn.” Opting for a springtime colour palette of blush pinks and lilacs, these were also the bride’s favourite colours. “The cake was quite simple, a rustic looking buttercream cake decorated with flowers provided by the florist,” shares Kate. “The catering was provided by the venue and the choices were really varied and we felt we could pick something that was more ‘us’ so we selected pie and mash for the wedding breakfast and pizzas for the evening.” LOOKING THE PART Kate looked picture-perfect in a San Patrick gown from Ann Louise Bridal. “I had tried on about seven dresses and then the owner of the boutique suggested this one based on the feedback I had given on the others – I felt some were too revealing and I didn’t feel comfortable in anything too fitted but also felt too swamped in a princess dress! As soon as tried it on, it felt right but I also felt like it was missing something so we added the San Patrick Jacket and the sparkly belt. I loved being able to take the jacket off in the evening and change the look of the dress − it was also easier for dancing!” Gary was keen to wear a navy suit which is quite popular for weddings at the moment so he decided on tails so that the wedding party would stand out from the rest of the male guests. “We added the grey checked waistcoat as felt this made the look a little less formal which suited our style and venue,” shares Kate. “Gary had an extra buttonhole to stand out from the rest of the groomsmen.” Choosing four bridesmaids, including one that was 50