Your Kent Wedding - Page number 39 - September/August 2021 (Issue 98)

LOOKING THE PART The bride chose a beautiful blush pink Ronald Joyce gown, Nora . “It was so delicate and everything I’d pictured. I felt like it’d been designed just for me,” she says. She’d actually seen it online before heading to Christina K Bridal in Maidstone to try it on, so was super-excited. It was a worrying time when the dress was held up due to the pandemic, but the boutique managed to get it in time and combined with a heroic effort from the in-house seamstress all was well in the end. Charlotte completed the look with a cathedral-length veil, droplet cubic zirconia earrings, a matching necklace, and her nan’s bracelet (her something old ). Steven wore a navy three-piece suit with a subtle tan check. He paired it with tan brogues and a paratrooper-maroon bow tie. The groomsmen wore matching navy suits, which they each accessorised with a maroon tie given to them by the bride and groom. The couple’s son, Vinny, looked super-smart in his matching suit, which he loved wearing. The bridesmaids wore beautifully flattering maroon dresses. Charlotte had bought each of the ladies a pair of sandals and blush pink flowers for their hair, which were included in their thank-you gifts given to them the night before. TIME TO CELEBRATE Celebrations had to be scaled back due to Covid restrictions, but the couple are in the process of planning a one-year anniversary reception disco, lovingly referred to as their happily-ever-after party. But all assembled on the wedding day still had a great time safely! After the wedding breakfast and speeches everyone took part in a Mr and Mrs quiz. The family had been staying in touch during lockdown with Zoom quizzes, so this seemed like the perfect activity. The winning table was awarded a bottle of wine, which the champs didn’t hesitate to crack open then and there! After they’d cut the cake the newlyweds made their way to their hotel while guests stayed on chatting, singing and generally having the best time. “What a beautiful way to introduce our families to each other. I genuinely couldn’t ask for more. My family are my world,” Charlotte shares. MEMORABLE MOMENTS Charlotte remembers, “We both thought we’d be nervous, but I’d waited a long time to marry my soulmate and couldn’t wait. Once the walk down the aisle had happened, I was relaxed all day. “I was so pleased with all of our suppliers. Everyone was incredibly understanding at such a difficult time for the industry. I’m particularly grateful to our photographer Nandi. She made us feel so comfortable while she was taking the getting-ready shots. She just felt like one of my bridesmaids and I think the pictures turned out better for it.” When people were losing their loved ones and livelihoods, however disappointing it was to cut things down, or worry about ‘what if,’ it felt miniscule in comparison to what others were dealing with. REAL WEDDINGS 39