Your East Anglian Wedding - Page number 27 - October/November 2021 (Issue 51)

S ummer love turned into forever after for Alex and Charlie. They met when they were both 19 while working as waiting staff during the summer holidays in the restaurant at Norfolk’s Dunston Hall Hotel. “We had lots in common and it felt like our paths should have crossed may times before,” says Alex. It was meant to be and after nine years together Charlie asked her to marry him at the same place where they shared their first kiss. “He popped the question during a weekend visit home. It was on Winterton Bay Beach in Norfolk where we first went camping with our work friends and had our first kiss,” remembers Alex. “It was a complete surprise, although not to my parents. He’d asked them seven months prior to the proposal and they almost thought he had changed his mind because he took so long!” They set the date for 10 th July this year and opted for a relaxed country theme with a subtle colour scheme of soft mauve, sage and pastel shades. THE TIME AND THE PLACE It was always going to be Norfolk when it came to choosing where to wed and from the moment they first saw Hales Hale with its magnificent barn and glorious gardens, they knew they’d found their perfect venue. Surrounded by picturesque countryside and wild meadows, it ticked all the boxes for their dream wedding. Alex explains, “We could picture our long-haired sausage dog running around the grounds, the barn is stunning even without decorations and we were able to hire the venue from Friday to Monday to prolong the celebrations. There’s luxury accommodation available on site too and you can put your own stamp on things as there’s no restrictions on suppliers and caterers.” LOOKING THE PART Alex looked stunning on the day in a shimmery Rowland by Sottero and Midgley A-line wedding gown. “It was a total wildcard picked for me by Pure Brides,” she reveals. “Helen Martin made my bespoke veil which was incredible and had Swarovski crystals dotted all over it to catch the light.” Charlie and the groomsmen wore light coloured suits to fit with the cool, relaxed feel of the day. Not forgetting the important four-legged wedding guests who sported smart green, rubber-duck print bow ties. The bridesmaids complemented the colour scheme in long dresses in two different styles and a range of burgundy and mauve tones. THE ‘I DOS’ The ceremony was particularly moving for them both. “We were on cloud nine,” recalls Alex. “After almost 10 years together and a year-and-a-half of COVID and lockdowns, to be surrounded by our friends and family celebrating such a happy event was an incredible high. We had been so busy organising everything that when it came down to standing in front of each other and exchanging our vows it was really emotional.” As an extra sentimental touch Alex had her REAL WEDDINGS 27