When it came to the table plan and remaining design aesthetic, Angela wanted to focus on flowers and candles. The reception was set up with one long table to seat their 30 guests, which was adorned in black and white blooms and candles. “The cake was just perfection,” Angela remembers. Simple yet elegant, we’re told it was also very tasty. Despite the fact they wouldn’t describe themselves as traditional, they thoroughly enjoyed the planning process from cake tasting to choosing wedding rings. “I think what I loved the most was the food tasting at the Hotel du Vin,” the bride remembers. To make sure they didn’t miss a memory, the couple provided an Instax camera for guest book photos. Guests had fun taking part as did the newlyweds while reading the resulting messages. DRESSED TO IMPRESS Angela knew what she wanted to wear on her big day even before getting engaged. “I’m 5ft 2in and petite, so I knew I didn’t want a princess or big dress. I also felt that would be too much for a registry office wedding.” She discovered the perfect outfit online – Gia by Sarah Seven New York, found a UK stockist and ordered it. But when it arrived three months beforehand it didn’t fit. “I panicked and bought another dress from The White Outlet, also short, and booked to have it altered to make it just perfect. I brought the original one with me and lo and behold, two months before W-day, it fit me!” Angela tells us. So, she decided to wear the original for her ceremony and keep the second for the reception. She finished her outfit with a long veil, about which she’d like to point out: “My wedding took place before the Kardashian’s – so I wore it first!” Chris was a bit last minute choosing his wedding attire and Angela ended up booking him in at Clifton Suits herself just a month before the wedding. He chose a traditional black and white suit. “It was perfect,” says his bride. TIME TO CELEBRATE The pair decided to have their couple portraits shot before the ceremony, allowing them to join the drinks reception straight after the “I dos.” Guests loved the open bar cocktail hour, where they could all mingle and chat before they sat down to the wedding breakfast. The venue offered three options for each of the three courses, so everyone loved the variety of choice. As the bride has no family she chose to give her own speech, which went down a treat! Angela says, “I’ve never attended a party where I felt so happy and relaxed. Chris had a great time, he never thought a wedding could actually be fun! It showed in all our photos, there was so much laughter.” THE GREAT GETAWAY The newlyweds set off for Athens and Santorini, Greece, on honeymoon and stayed for eight days. Three days after the wedding, Angela had to sit an exam for her masters course, so they flew out after that. “It was the most stressful week of my life, but I passed,” Angela shares. “Skip traditions that don't fit your style. It's your wedding. Do what makes you happy.” 29 REAL WEDDINGS
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