vendors making the experience smooth. Picking a venue based in Plymouth was very personal because we have spent most of our lives in the city.” Nadene and Steve purchased a wooden arch online and decorated it with leaves and pampas grass the evening before their wedding. “It looked beautiful,” they tell us. Nadene created the table plan with the help of Monica. “It was important to us that every guest felt included and no one was left out so Monica suggested a layout of five tables with six guests at each one sitting opposite the head table so that everybody had a good view of the speeches,” she says. “I purchased the sage green place names from Etsy. They were displayed on miniature wooden logs we found at Hobbycraft. We had five tables and we named them after things personal to us, for example where we had our first date (Jack Rabbit), where we met (Nuffield Devonshire) and our dog’s name (Willow). Nadene and Steve’s centrepieces were rustic-inspired to tie in with their theme. “We had a white runner down each table and on top was a trail of eucalyptus with white candles dotted around,” Nadene tells us. “Our placemats were wooden log slices which added a nice touch.” Hunny B Florist in Plymstock provided the couple’s fabulous flowers. “The owner, Suzanne showed me a catalogue of flowers because I wasn’t sure what I wanted and guided me through the options,” Nadene says. “I was over the moon when they arrived on the wedding morning because they looked more beautiful than I had ever imagined. I took plenty of photos and kept some petals in resin to preserve them.” Nadene’s mother’s company, My Scottish Tablet and Fudge created the favours based on the couple’s favourite sweet treats. “Mint creams were made for me and vanilla tablets for Steve,” Nadene explains. “They were wrapped in silver foil and presented in beautiful miniature boxes with our initials and wedding date.” A family friend made Nadene and Steve’s three wedding cakes. “We had a Victoria sponge, a chocolate cake and a carrot cake layered on each other,” Nadene tells us. “They were covered with frosting and we added thistles as a nod to my Scottish roots plus a cake topper featuring our married name. It looked fantastic and was easy on the budget!” The delicious catering was provided by the talented team at the venue. “There was a great selection which made it hard to choose just three options!” Nadene and Steve tell us. “Our friends and family often tell us how much they enjoyed the food on our wedding day, it was something special!” Nadine travelled with her dad to the venue in 1927 Franklin 11b Sedan which was 97 years old. “The sun was shining and everyone was out and about taking pictures and shouting ‘congratulations’” Nadene tells us. “We drove around The Barbican and waterfront to make the most of the journey, I am so glad we enjoyed that wonderful experience together.” LOOKING THE PART Nadene purchased her wedding dress from the Bridal Corner in Crownhill which was the first bridal boutique that she visited. “As soon as I tried it on, I knew it was the one and paid for it there and then,” she tells us. “It was an ivory silk and satin gown with a low neckline and wide straps. I had a thin beaded belt added to the waist and opted for a floor-length veil with subtle sparkles which caught the sunlight beautifully on the day. I also wore a pair of pearl earrings, a delicate pearl pendant, a pair of Ted Baker heels with bows on and later changed into a pair of flat shoes for dancing!” Nadene adds, “I would recommend the Bridal Corner in Crownhill, I couldn’t have asked for better service, they made sure that my bridesmaids, mum and I felt REAL WEDDINGS 29
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