I struggled to find a dress because I was 30 weeks pregnant on our wedding day. I decided not to go dress shopping in the traditional sense and ordered a lace dress with cami straps online. I found a fantastic seamstress, Karen Westgate, who added a corset back so that I was able to adjust it to fit. She also added the cuff sleeves and took it up at the front, leaving the back longer to form a train. Dave and I created a playlist on Spotify to entertain our guests during dinner and the evening. We had always imagined having a band and DJ at our wedding (because Dave is a DJ) but we didn’t feel we needed it and we were right. More than 100 guests turned up for the reception, the majority of who were friends and many had not seen in other in years. The night was spent with everyone catching up. It was a fantastic vibe, everyone was so happy and we didn’t stop smiling. We were lucky to have our friend Ben bring his guitar along and play some songs which got guests dancing! We were blessed with a golden hour of sunset wh en our photographer Ellie took us to a field en route to the reception around 5 pm. It was the only time dur ing the day that we got to spend together just us two. Dr iving in Dave’s dad’s Mini Cooper to the location that she’d personally found for us having just said our vows was a really special moment. THE DREAM TEAM Register office, Banbury Registration Office, www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/community-and-living/births-deaths-and-ceremonies /ceremony-rooms/banbury-ceremony-room | Reception venue and catering, The New Inn, 01295 710 978, www.newinnmiddletoncheney.co.uk | Photographer, Ellie Mac Photography, www.elliemacphotography.com | Jewellery, accessories and wedding rings, Maytree Jewellery, www.instagram.com/maytreejewellery | Hair and make-up, Bridal by Charley, www.instagram.com/ bridalbycharley | Suits, Henry’s of Banbury, 01295 251 044, www.henrysofbanbury.com | Flowers, Davids Flowers, 07770 941 444, www.facebook.com/people/Davids-Flowers/100048484467129 | Wedding dress alterations, Karen Westgate Seamstress, 01295 258 908, www.facebook.com/Karen-Westgate-Seamstress-1287330194739813 | Stationery, Etsy | Dresses, ASOS | Boots, Heavenly Feet Craig wore his own blue suit to match Dave’s. Our male family members wore green ties to tie in with the theme. Neither of us stopped smiling all day, the feeling of pure joy and happiness was overwhelming. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t a big festival-themed wedding, it was perfect the way it was, small and intimate. It was our wedding day and just making our promises to each other was all we needed, everything else was just a bonus. Dave’s best man Craig and his partner Stacey gave Dave a pocket watch which they had engraved with our wedding date on it. The chain on his waistcoat made a lovely finishing touch. Dave looked so handsome in a three-piece blue check suit, white shirt, forest green tie and brown shoes. Top tip: “Invest in a talented photographer.The best choice we made was to book Ellie to take our pictures. Ellie did an amazing job capturing these moments which we can now treasure forever.” - Claire and Dave Everybody loved playing the peg game which is one of our favourites! 40
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