Your London Wedding - Nov/Dec 2019 (Issue 68)

REAL WEDDINGS 45  were dressed with hired candelabra hung with ivy to create a warm, cosy atmosphere while place names were wooden decorations, designed to be repurposed on everyone’s tree after the event. And talking trees, the couple were, of course, determined to have a Christmas tree or two at the reception. “We thought over the logistics but sadly it would have been too costly so we decided to opt for fake trees, hired from Event Prop Hire who also supplied the furniture for the wedding breakfast and lounge area,” explains Caroline. OOTD Despite discovering she was pregnant as she made her choice, Caroline chose a figure-hugging, strappy gown from Pronovias, teamed with a cathedral-length veil. “In all honesty, to go through a pregnancy and having a child after committing to a dress, meant I had very mixed feelings about my choice,” she admits. “But I did feel wonderful and in awe of everything my body had achieved in one year.” Greg and his groomsmen, meanwhile, wore grey morning suits, teamed with a spotty navy tie to match the maids who chose individual gowns in navy. “With six bridesmaids – all of various shapes and sizes and two who live abroad – I decided they should choose their own outfits in matching navy,” says Caroline. “Our baby was too little to be a pageboy but he wore a little pair of smart navy dungarees and a shirt to tie in with the colour scheme.” TIME TO CELEBRATE With Caroline a classically trained singer, music was always going to be high on the agenda for the day. “We used music to complement the spaces, set the atmosphere and keep people entertained,” says Greg. “The Grosvenor Chapel choir set the tone, encouraging everyone to belt out the hymns and carols. Then a double bass and piano duo played a fantastic set during the drinks reception, including some Christmas classics and in the evening, we kicked off the party with an electric swing playlist while guests were served cocktails.” As for the dancing, Caroline wanted the wow-factor. “I’m a fan of the ‘big reveal’,” she explains. “We did an informal first dance to Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas (of course!) as the wooden doors were pulled back and the wedding party pulled confetti canons.” Having seen iPop play at a wedding they’d attended together, the band was a no-brainer. “They know exactly how to create a party and provided the atmosphere we wanted for a massive knees-up,” reveals Greg. We’re pretty sure the ‘Pimp your Prosecco’ station, Jager bar and orange gin favours helped somewhat. Luckily, the pasties and cheese tower, chosen to honour Caroline’s Cornish heritage helped line those stomachs. “The dancefloor was such a highlight, for me this is always the sign of a good wedding and something I really wanted for our big day – it didn’t disappoint. The band were fantastic and, mixed with a boozy atmosphere, there were some amazing moves thrown, including a limbo,” laughs Caroline.