Your Kent Wedding - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 76)

REAL WEDDINGS 39  The table plan and welcome sign were both created in the same font, layout and colours as the save-the-dates and invites, each completed with a small diamanté. Also, taken from the stationery design was the couple’s own monogram. Keen for there to be no obstacles to dancing that evening, Sharah supplied a basket of white flip-flops for her guests. Also for the evening, they treated loved ones to bags of penny sweets and a doughnut wall. Each layer of the mouthwatering three-tier naked cake was flavoured differently, with lemon sponge and lemon curd filling for the bottom tier, salted caramel with toffee sauce for the middle and chocolate cake for the top. LOOKING THE PART The gorgeous bride wore a Justin Alexander sweetheart neckline gown. “I’d tried on at least 30 dresses and had a picture in my mind of what I wanted, but when I tried on gowns in that style, I really didn’t like it,” she says. “So I became more open-minded and started looking at different silhouettes. I knew I’d found the one when I didn’t want to take it off. I stood in the mirror swishing it around and spinning like a child in a princess dress!” Sharah accessorised with two veils – a cathedral-length one for the ceremony and a more practical, shorter length to wear over her face as she walked up the aisle and to keep on for the reception. Sam and Sharah took a trip back up to Manchester to shop for his wedding suit, where they were met by Mark, the best man. The groom chose a blue tweed three-piece suit, with champagne detailing and a cream waistcoat. The groomsman wore matching suits with blue waistcoats. Sharah’s bridesmaids all wore full-length champagne dresses embellished with gold sequins, part of the Stephanie Pratt range from Goddiva. The bride says: “These added a real touch of glam, and the colour complemented my dress.” CELEBRATE IN STYLE A string quartet performed during the ceremony and at the drinks reception while the couple went off for their photographs. A magician was also there to keep guests entertained during this part of the day, as well as in the evening while the band were setting up. Sharah recalls, “He was a great hit. He’s fantastic at what he does. Our guests are still trying to work out his tricks even now!” A live band and saxophonist performed in the evening. “I would recommend a live band every time,” Sharah says. “You really can’t beat live music.” Sam had specifically requested that the saxophonist be with the band, and she played 30 minutes of Ibiza-style dance tunes, which started the party atmosphere with a bang. There was also a photo booth on hand for more fun. The couple received an album of the photos snapped that night, complete with guests’ messages. “It’s got to be the funniest thing we’ve ever seen – it’s great!” Sharah laughs. AN EMOTIONAL START The bride says: “I spent the day so chilled. Even our toastmaster and make-up artist commented on how relaxed I was. I think it was because I’d planned every detail meticulously, and I trusted our suppliers implicitly. I was marrying my best friend, so there was really nothing to be nervous about.” The groom says: “I felt at ease throughout the whole process, but when I stepped out of the car at the venue, a sudden sense of nervousness struck me. To this day, I still don’t know why!”