in skiing. They also had Christmas trees draped in fairylights decorating their venue and mistletoe. “The fires were lit which looked so romantic and each fireplace was decorated with a garland that matched my bouquet,” Laura says. “Instead of being just floral, there was an emphasis on spices including cinnamon sticks, pine cones and dried oranges which, against the heat of the fire created a wonderful smell inside.” SETTING THE SCENE Laura chose a Ronald Joyce dress called Cassandra (style number 69419). She tells us, “Having tried on a variety of styles that didn’t suit me, I knew that this was the gown for me. I loved the beading around the straps, the sparkling layers and the lace detailing (I didn’t want a full lace dress). I had it altered to include more boning in the bodice for added structure. I also chose a veil by Ronald Joyce and my Manolo Blahnik shoes were lace and in a similar shade to my dress.” Hugh wore a royal blue three-piece mohair suit that was tailor-made by Jamie Roxburgh at Norton & Townsend. He tells us, “Under the suit collar, I had a quote embroidered from The Tempest by Shakespeare which read: ‘I would not wish any companion in the world but you, nor can imagination form a shape, besides yourself, to like of.’ I teamed my suit with a white shirt from Turnbull & Asser and a red silk tie from Hermes. My shoes were stylish brown Edgware brogues from Crockett & Jones.” The best man and usher wore three-piece suits that matched Hugh’s. “They had different silk linings for their suits and waistcoats, and wore purple ties,” Hugh explains. Laura adds, “Our bridesmaid looked glamorous in a blue dress in keeping with the theme teamed with a pair of stunning Jimmy Choo shoes!” TIME TO CELEBRATE Laura and Hugh created a slideshow of photographs of each of their guests over the years and played this on a screen located in the main reception room. “It brought back many memories and stories that we hadn’t heard before!” they tell us. “We also had a popcorn machine so that people could help themselves and a sweetie cart.” Laura’s parents had arranged a few surprises that the couple didn’t know about which had been organised with the team at Notley Abbey. “There was a magician who was brilliant both during the drinks reception and at the start of the meal,” Laura says. “My parents had also organised for the singing waiters which was a total surprise. They assisted with the service and, before dessert was served, they broke into song! This got everyone up and dancing, including my grandparents, and got the party started! During the evening reception, Laura and Hugh hired a band that kept everyone dancing into the early hours of the morning with a mixture of live music and DJ sets. The ‘reveal’ was amazing and Laura looked so beautiful. I’m not ashamed to say that I shed a little tear! I loved having our photos before the ceremony, but the ceremony itself was what stays with me the most. For much of it, I felt like there was just Laura, myself and our registrar present.” - Hugh 33 REAL WEDDINGS
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