bespoke design,” Jo explains. She accessorised with a simple pearl and crystal necklace with matching bracelet by Jon Richard. She also wore a complementing tiara. John looked dapper in a black tuxedo with satin shawl lapel, black bow tie, double breasted waistcoat and gold pocket watch. It was the lapel that set him apart from his groomsmen, as although they were dressed to match their lapels were peaked. The bridesmaids were dressed in dusky pink, full-length chiffon dresses with lace top and capped sleeves. They paired the gowns with pink diamante heels, diamante bracelets and heart necklaces. TIME TO CELEBRATE The littlest guests were kept entertained throughout the day by a kids’ corner including soft play, mini ride on bikes, small slide, three tipis, colouring books, and personalised treat boxes. As you can imagine, this was a huge hit and kept them well and truly occupied while the adults enjoyed the speeches and their wine. A DJ entertained guests in the evening. “We chose Conversations In The Dark by John Legend for the first dance. I knew it was our song from the moment I first heard it. It was wonderful to share the experience with our son, Theo,” Jo remembers. MEMORABLE MOMENTS Jo says, “I felt a mix of every emotion, but most of all excitement that the day was finally here after waiting so long.” John agrees, he tells us, “I was nervous but excited. The day was a long time coming and it felt surreal that it had finally arrived. For both of us, it was the best day of our lives.” Jo continues, “Driving to the church with my dad was one of the highlights for me. It’s a road I drive down every single day, but this time felt different, like nothing else mattered. I’ll cherish that moment forever. “I’ll never forget the sight of John standing at the altar. He looked like someone out of a James Bond film – so handsome. As soon as I saw him, I immediately felt at ease.” John too shares one of his highlights: “The moment we were announced into the room as husband and wife, and seeing our friends and family clapping and cheering will definitely stay with me, as will the speeches. I was so nervous, but as soon as I started talking, I relaxed and surprisingly enjoyed it.” This success was partly thanks to toastmaster, Mike Culleton, who read the groom’s speech 10 minutes before he gave it and suggested changing the final toast, which worked beautifully. In fact, the couple have a great deal they wish to thank Mike for. Jo shares, “The thought and planning he put into making our day run as smoothly as possible was second to none. From the first meeting we had with him, we knew we were in safe hands. He made us feel like we could just relax and didn’t have to worry about a thing. Every detail was taken care of, even down to him handing me a glass of water at the entrance to the church.” BRIDE’S TOP TIP Jo shares some words of wisdom: “If you’re staying at a hotel on the night of your wedding, try to book an extra night if possible. We did and it was the best decision ever! We were able to spend the next day in the hotel, child free, and treated ourselves to a spa and room service.” “Also, don’t hesitate to change into flat shoes for the evening. I wore gold Converse pumps and it was so good to be able to dance in comfort!” 45 REAL WEDDINGS
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