mirrors for the ladies to freshen up their make-up. The father-of-the-bride had a collection of classic cars, and they made their way to the church in his black Bentley, a car that had been part of her life since childhood. After the ceremony, Max drove them away in a classic green Mercedes. Once everyone was at the drinks reception, Max and Julia made a grand entrance with Truffle in the convertible parked outside the marquee. LOOKING THE PART The bride chose a lovely day dress from Alma Novia called Lori. She tried on six dresses, and this one was the fourth. When she caught her reflection in the mirror, she couldn’t help but say, “Wow,” and tears began to form – something she hadn’t experienced with the other options. It felt so comfortable when she first tried it on. Although she planned to shed a few pounds before the wedding, she felt fantastic in that dress just as it was. It was flattering, lightweight, and perfectly matched the beachside setting. Additionally, she had a custom evening dress created because she always believed her legs were her best asset and wanted to highlight them. Her goal was to look like a princess while keeping the vibe casual. She comments, “I was just relieved it had all come together, I was comfortable in my dress as it felt so me.” The groom opted for a classic style, donning a black herringbone morning coat and traditional striped morning trousers. He complemented his outfit with a buff double-breasted waistcoat and a black and silver houndstooth tie. He added a white rose corsage to match the bride’s floral bouquet. The groomsmen followed suit, wearing morning suits paired with grey waistcoats and yellow spotted ties. TIME TO CELEBRATE The couple planned an amazing evening for their guests, featuring a fantastic 10-piece band that kept the energy high all night. During the band’s breaks, they smoothly transitioned to a DJ set, ensuring the music never stopped. They also arranged for a delightful three-piece ‘spritz trio’ who set the perfect vibe for the drinks reception. To add to the fun, they included a photo booth for two hours after dinner, which they discovered at a wedding fair just a week after their engagement. One of the highlights of the evening was their surprise first dance. They decided to learn a special routine to This Will Be by Natalie Cole and kept it a secret from their guests, making it a delightful surprise for everyone. The band was a massive hit, playing diverse songs that appealed to all ages, and the dynamic between the male and female lead singers really energised the crowd. The photo booth was also a favourite, complete with fun props, and it added a unique twist to the day. Each photo session produced two prints, one for guests to take home and another for a guest book where they could leave messages alongside their pictures. It turned out to be a wonderful keepsake!” MEMORABLE MOMENTS The wedding was such a serene experience for the bride. Thanks to the great advice from Elke and Carolyn about timing, she was wellprepared and had plenty of time to spare. She felt completely confident in her choice to marry Max, with no second thoughts. As she entered the church, her heart raced with excitement at the sight of Max waiting for her. When the doors swung open, she was greeted by the smiling faces of their friends and family, and it hit her—this was happening! There was overwhelming support from everyone present, cheering them on. The whole day was truly filled with love. Julia comments, “Walking down the aisle and standing together as we made our vows to commit to each other and then signing the register while listening to my brother singing and playing the piano was so special. Another key part that stood out was walking into the marquee to see all our guests cheering and clapping just before sitting down for the wedding breakfast and speeches. “The best man gave an incredible speech and had everyone laughing. REAL WEDDINGS 47
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