I was beginning to panic a little until I went to Pure Brides in Norwich and they couldn’t have been more helpful.” She ended up going for a classic, A-line Essense of Australia dress, style D3080, the opposite to previous styles she’d tried on. “I was so glad I went with their recommended seamstress for my alterations too, as she was absolutely amazing!” Joseph had a clear vision of what he wanted and found his three-piece green suit on ASOS. “It was super-skinny and looked amazing with his red hair,” adds Francesca. The bridesmaids completed the picture in matching deep blue dresses. THE ‘I DOS’ “When I saw Joseph, my eyes filled with the happiest of tears. He cried too before I’d even got down the aisle and one of my favourite photos from the day is of him wiping his eyes,” recalls Francesca. “The ceremony was incredible. Joseph says that seeing me walk down the aisle with our children was a memory he will never forget. It felt really special to include them and for the older two to be of an age that they will be able to remember it. We stood facing our guests for the ceremony which made the occasion feel even more intimate,” she adds. Despite being overcast the day before, the weather was beautiful too with clear blue skies and glorious sunshine. Their florist Nichola made eye-catching hoops with greenery and coloured ribbons to hang in the woods and then reuse for the reception afterwards. The bouquets were a mix of bright blooms and each of the matching buttonholes for the groom’s party included a thistle in a nod to Joseph’s Scottish roots. The wedding car was actually Francesca’s dad’s. “It was a Volvo SP1800, the one The Saint used to drive to be precise. It had been sat as a shell in a garage for more than 30 years and when Francesca asked her dad if she could have it for the wedding, he made it his mission to get it ready. It was a bit hairy as to whether it would be ready or not, right down to the day before! Fortunately, it all worked out for the best and her dad drove them both to the ceremony,” explains Joseph. THE PERSONAL TOUCHES The table plan for the reception was a DIY affair made from a picture frame with strings and pegs for the printed names. The floral centrepieces were also homemade combining small vases and tea light holders which Francesca decorated to go with the wedding colour scheme. “I drew flowers and hearts on the vases and a zigzag pattern on the tea light holders, which matched the colours of the table names. The tables were named after gig venues they’d been to during their relationship. “We got our children to write and decorate the table name cards as we loved the idea of them being involved and they were really excited to be part of the planning,” explains Francesca. “Music has always been an important part of our relationship and we named our top table The Village Underground as that was where we saw our first gig together.” As favours, they gave their guests personalised pots of Strawberry and Champagne Tiptree jam as it was one of Joseph’s late mother’s favourite flavours. Special pin badges were also attached to the place names in aid of the charity they recently launched in memory of their son Felix who died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). ALL IN THE DETAIL Their three-tier cake was a fresh take on the traditional with a bottom Snickers layer, followed by pistachio, white chocolate and raspberry and carrot cake on top, all decorated in keeping with the colourful, floral theme of the day. The Asian-inspired food was another highlight with a selection of canapés, chicken REAL WEDDING 39
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