Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 76)

REAL WEDDINGS 45  was beautiful and reminded us of Beauty and the Beast ,” says Emma. “Our florist Natalie suggested having tall floral centrepieces as the room was quite long. We decided on brushed-gold candelabra with sprays of flowers on top. We chose ivory and soft pink blooms with lots of greenery and eucalyptus.” To reflect the setting, they had personalised bookmarks made as favours with guests’ names and the wedding date written in gold calligraphy. “We thought they’d be a lovely keepsake and a reminder of our celebration. They also doubled up as place settings too,” adds Emma. She created the table plan using an ornate gold mirror from an antique shop which was decorated with foliage by her florist. They chose lemon and raspberry; salted caramel and vanilla sponge for their three-tier cake, which was decorated with buttercream and had a personalised seal made from icing to match their wedding invitations. There were also four mini toffee apple cakes around the base and a tower of Emma’s favourite Ferrero Rocher chocolates. Beales Gourmet did the three-course wedding breakfast as well as delicious canapés for the drinks reception. “They even prepared an individual selection for us so we didn’t miss out,” adds Emma. TIME TO CELEBRATE The evening party kicked off with a live Michael Bublé experience by Liam White. “He has a fantastic voice and sounds just like the real thing,” raves Emma. “Everyone was up dancing before we headed downstairs to the St Giles Bat Cave; an amazing nightclub in the cellar. Our DJ Blake then kept the dancefloor busy all night.” One of her highlights of the day was the song Simon performed for her after his speech. “His piano was set up in the corner of the room and everyone cheered and whistled as he made his way over to it. The song was all about me, to the tune of My Baby Just Cares For Me ; I was totally in awe!” They were both delighted that Simon’s 102-year- old grandmother was able to be there on the day too. “Simon gave her a special mention in his speech and all our guests applauded. She is an incredible lady and it was quite a special moment,” Emma adds.