Other oh-so cute decorative features included a tree-stump post box carved by the groom and an order-of-the-day sign designed to look like the type you might find in the woods to direct you to the fairytale castle. It was decorated with ivy and fairylights, which were turned on for the evening. LOOKING THE PART Rebecca wore an Allure Bridals gown from the 2022 Disney Fairy Tale Collection, Aurora. From the moment she found out that this line was sold in the UK, she knew she had to at least try one on. So, she wasted no time in making an appointment at Victoria Elaine Bridal in Maidstone, the only stockist in Kent and one of only a handful in the UK. “I tried on a few princesses but fell in love with Aurora from last year’s collection, as it was off-white and despite it having several layers of tulle, it was comfortable and not heavy at all,” Rebecca explains. Her veil, also from Victoria Elaine, was named Fantasia as it was adorned in little pearls placed to look like Mickey Mouse heads. Julian and his groomsmen all went for the same suit: a brown check tweed with orange and wood detailing. They all accessorised with wooden cufflinks with the bee logo on them, along with orange ties. The bridesmaids wore floor-length dresses in dark green. Rebecca was happy for them to choose whichever style they preferred as she wanted them to love their dresses and be comfortable all day. The bride also gifted each of the girls a piece of silver jewellery bearing the bee logo, as well as a silver hairpin, which they all wore in their half-up styles. TIME TO CELEBRATE Entertaining their guests was an important factor to Rebecca and Julian. A fabulous cello and violin duo performed before and during the ceremony. They continued to play following the “I dos,” as guests gathered on the Castle’s terrace for drinks and canapés. “I asked them to play movie soundtracks, and guests had a great time when they recognised a tune they knew,” Rebecca tells us. Afterwards, the newlyweds officially opened the archery in the grounds and following the wedding breakfast, they welcomed evening guests with the cake cutting and toasts. Loved ones then met in the grounds once more for a bird of prey show featuring falcons, owls, flying demonstrations and meet-and-greets with the birds. The evening entertainment kicked off with the couple’s first dance: a very apt waltz to the music from Cinderella. They’d been taking dance classes and choreographed a routine themselves to make it something truly special. A 50s-style band played two sets later on into the evening and we’re told they rocked the house. “I was a bit concerned about how our guests would react, as 50s music is quite niche but the dancefloor was full the entire night,” Rebecca remembers. As a special extra, the couple also hired a live painter. She started with a blank canvas in the morning, and painted one of their couple shots throughout the day as guests looked on. The finished article was then handed to the newlyweds following the wedding breakfast and it remained on display for the rest of the day. Throughout the night, loved ones frequented the photo booth, capturing snaps for the couple’s guest book as well as for their own fridge doors when they got home. WITH THANKS “Our photographer, Edward, went above and beyond,” Rebecca tells us. “He was everywhere, and despite many guests not speaking too much English, he was funny, charming and kept us to our timeline without making us feel rushed. Our photos are absolutely stunning too! “The Castle’s team were also incredible. We almost lost the venue as it was being sold, but the new owners honoured our booking and we were their very first wedding! The team went absolutely above and beyond ensuring Julian and I had plenty of food and drink, and a genuinely great time. The new owner came by specifically to congratulate us and left us a present, which was so much appreciated.” REAL WEDDINGS 33
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