LOOKING THE PART Abi looked breathtaking in a Mark Lesley gown. She accessorised it with a veil that was her something borrowed, as both of Jason’s sisters had worn it at their weddings. Her something old and blue was a Norwegian krone coin that once belonged to Jason’s grandfather, with a blue ribbon tied through the hole in the middle. Jason wore a charcoal grey suit with a white shirt. To stand apart from his groomsmen, he paired this with a more detailed tie in a different purple shade with a paisley design. He also wore personalised cufflinks, a gift from Abi, engraved with the wedding date and the words, “For keeps,” which is something Jason has always said about their partnership since the start. The three bridesmaids wore plum dresses with a tiered ruffle hem and metallic gold heeled sandals. Each had a different hairstyle accessorised with gold slides and pearl pins. TIME TO CELEBRATE Loved ones were treated to a sweet table fully stocked with sweeties and cookies, which needless to say went down a storm! The couple also hired a magic mirror, which was similarly popular. “Our guests loved taking pictures on it, especially with the props provided. Everyone got a copy of the photo to take home and Jason and I got copies in a presentation box, as well as a USB stick with everything on. For the evening, a fabulous DJ entertained all assembled and kept the dancefloor full. One of Abi’s highlights was their first dance to Taylor Swift’s Lover. Then, when twilight fell the couple headed out onto the balcony for sparklers. Jason remembers, “Only the bridesmaids were asked to join us for this moment as we assumed the groomsmen wouldn’t be interested. But I thought it best to go ask them and went inside to find out. They practically ran past me without saying a word. I’ve never seen three grown men so excited to get their hands on sparklers!” MEMORABLE MOMENTS One of the bride’s standout moments was during the ceremony. She tells us, “I didn’t feel nervous until right before I went to walk down the aisle, then it hit me that this was it! I set off to How Long Will I Love You by Ellie Goulding, and the moment I saw Jason and he smiled at me, I instantly relaxed. I don’t think I stopped smiling from there on in, it really was the happiest day.” The newlyweds will always remember the spectacular sunset that evening. Jason says, “I was the last to enter Fifth One after the wedding breakfast, and seeing my new wife, friends and family out on the balcony with the sunset behind them, smiling and having a great time, was unreal. The venue could have cost twice as much and that moment would’ve still made it worth every penny!” THE NEWLYWEDS’ TOP TIPS Abi says, “Your wedding is about you and your partner, don’t get sucked in to thinking what you should and shouldn’t have. Just do what feels right for you and it will be perfect.” Jason adds, “A lot of people take the week of the wedding off in order to get details sorted. By all means, book the time off work, but do everything you can to get as much organised as you can at least two weeks before the big day. I didn’t, and I think I aged 50 years in that week, trying to get everything done at the last second. Instead, use that time to relax, practice your speech, see family and friends, and to be with your partner.” REAL WEDDINGS 23
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