Your Herts & Beds Wedding - Dec/Jan 2019 (Issue 77)

REAL WEDDINGS 35  as it was probably the only time Shane and I were actually alone together. It was lovely,” she says. BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS “We didn’t have a particular theme but I knew that I wanted a simple, elegant and classic look with hints of dusky pink,” says Christina. Being a digital designer, Christina designed their stationery. “I love peonies so I did an illustration of one and it was included throughout. It became a symbol for our wedding,” she says. Their blooms were neutral in colour with just a touch of greenery. “Peonies were our main flower as they have a really positive symbolic meaning to them. There are a lot of different representations but the one that drew me most was that it represents a sign of happiness in a marriage,” she explains. “Our floral arrangements were exactly what I envisioned. I remember walking into the Romanov Suite, where we held our wedding breakfast and thinking how magical it looked.” The traditional throwing of the bouquet took place in style. “After I threw it for the women, Shane decided he wanted to do it. No one realised that he’d orchestrated this with all the other men taking part and instead of running towards the bouquet they all ran away from it! It was so unexpected and comical,” says Christina. SWEET TREATS The duo opted for a three-tiered cake with flavours of coffee, almond and lemon zest and it was finished with cascading flowers down one side and delicate pipework. “We also had some vegan cupcakes that were decorated with ducks! Shane loved rubber ducks when he was younger and it was a running joke within the family. His mum asked if we could add that in somehow and so we did,” says Christina. “We gave our guests a traditional Indonesian bite size pastry with pineapple jam in it for the favours. It’s where I grew up and Shane loves them so much. They went down well with our guests,” she says. The table plan was based on all the places they’ve visited together that hold special memories and they placed a photo of that particular holiday on each table. PARTY TIME Into the evening a live band got the party started. “The lead singer got our guests singing along. It was so much fun to see everyone up and dancing,” says Christina. “We also had a magic mirror booth with lots of props that was interactive and fun. Seeing all the photos after was a good laugh.” When it comes to a top tip Christina recommends investing in a great photographer. “Splurge on someone who can narrate your dream day through beautiful imagery. We did this and Julia has given us a set of stunning memories that’ll last forever.”