Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wedding - December 2020/January 2021 (Issue 86)

The couple chose a carvery option that guests could eat and enjoy at their own pace. "The food was phenomenal," Nicola tells us. "We are both well-known for our love of puddings so the caterers did an amazing platter of three not-so- mini treats for each guest which were delicious! Because the team at the venue have such a close relationship with the caterers, Absolute Taste, they performed a fun routine for us. The carvers were pre- selected by us ahead of the wedding and then these unsuspecting guests were quietly taken away after the speeches and given a quick overview of their responsibilities, dressed in aprons and chef's hats and given an entrance fanfare ahead of the delivery of the food! We chose J ingle Bell Rock as their entrance song, and they rose to the occasion, joined by some of our younger family members, in a dancing parade into the dining room.” Later in the evening, the couple and their loved ones enjoyed pizza from the built-in pizza oven at the venue and guests were also treated to a chocolate wedding cake (to reflect the couple's love of chocolate) and Nicola's mum had baked a fruit cake. LOOKING THE PART Nicola chose a simple A-line bridal dress by the designer Stella York that she had customised. “I had the neckline altered, and sleeves and extra sequins added to the lace detailing on the bodice for a little bit of extra sparkle that looked fantastic twinkling under the fairylights,” Nicola says. “My bridesmaid looked stunning in her full-length navy gown, and Nick looked so handsome in his tailored blue suit teamed with brown shoes and a belt.” The couple allowed their groomsmen to wear their own suits, although asked them to stick to dark colours, and they all had matching ivory pocket squares and ties. TIME TO CELEBRATE Nicola and Nick provided a box of fun props for their guests to dress up in and take photographs using an old phone on a selfie stick. "Some of the most memorable photos came from here," Nicola tells us. "Nick's parents had previously attended a wedding in America where they had been introduced to the national sport of beer-pong. Knowing our friends were also semi-pros at this sport, and with the permission of the venue, we were able to erect a table in one of the side rooms and several battles ensued! We also had a fantastic DJ who kept everyone on their feet throughout the evening and because it was dry outside, we were able to provide seating and blankets which allowed guests to sit around the chiminea and enjoy being outdoors." REAL WEDDINGS 49