Your London Wedding - July/August 2020 (Issue 72)

REAL WEDDINGS 41  The bride arrived in a traditional white taxi, while a fleet of black taxis was booked for the groomsmen and bridesmaids. “We’re not sure if it was because of a mix up or nerves, but the guys ended up walking to the venue!” Lauren says. LOOKING THE PART Lauren found her Anna Sorrano dress, Amore , by chance. “We were shopping for my sister’s wedding dress,” Lauren recalls. “I saw it on a mannequin and my heart started racing – I had to try it. I adored the fit-and-flare style and how the fabric shone in the light.” On the day, the dress fit like a glove and the bride teamed it with a sparkly belt, silk veil and a white fluffy bolero for a wintry vibe. “The dress was under budget,” Lauren says. “This meant I could have a second dress for the evening with a bit more pizzazz! I found a white sequinned number with a feathered bottom, which I accessorised with personalised Nike high tops.” Tim’s suave burgundy velvet tux was custom-made by Swatch to Suit. Lauren says, “We chose the fabric and lining and they even added a cigar pocket and embossed our initials on the inside of the jacket.” The groomsmen wore classic black tuxes and looked brilliant next to the bridesmaids’ in floor length numbers. “I wanted them to choose their own styles in either pale pink or burgundy,” Lauren says. “My bridesmaids are all gorgeous and I wanted them to look and feel their best. My dashing bridesman wore a fabulous pink linen suit with burgundy accessories.” IT’S A CELEBRATION Being musicians and wedding professionals themselves, it was important to the couple to fill their day with music and joy. “Our amazing bridal party sang Ain’t No Mountain, complete with a flash mob!” Lauren tells us. “While we signed the register our bridesmaid, Kate, sang Angel of Mine. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.” Tim’s granny is a professional pianist, so between dinner and dancing, she held a Christmas song sing-a-long nicknamed Gran-a-oke, with friends and family joining in and belting out tunes! Guests had a real treat in store, as the couples put together three bespoke bands from the very best musicians they know, starting with a mix of disco, soul and Motown classics. “Our aim was to create an electric atmosphere,” Lauren says. “It was fantastic seeing our friends, parents and grandparents all on the dancefloor.” The party was raging from the get-go, but it kicked up a notch when Lauren’s boss, none other than Rick Astley, took to the stage for a set. “Tim and I jumped up to join him,” Lauren remembers. “We did a rather drunken rendition of Rick’s classic Never Gonna Give You Up – much to everyone’s delight!” What followed was an incredible line-up of bands, a full-scale dance-off and a DJ playing nostalgic garage and RnB hits. “It was more effort for us to organise our own music rather than hire a band,” Lauren explains. “But we trusted in what we’ve built at Next Level Music and knew the show element we offer was exactly what we needed. We put on an event we’ll remember forever!” TIME TO REFLECT When it came to describing how they felt, the newlyweds struggled to find the words. Lauren says, “We can’t believe that it happened. It was such a surreal and beautiful experience. We’ve never felt so loved and supported. There was a moment at dinner when we looked around at all our family and friends and we just felt so proud that we’d pulled it off.” A special shout-out has to go to their photographer, Kirsty Mackenzie Photography, who went above and beyond. “She’s an absolute gem and her work speaks for itself. She’s a genius – so much so my sister has booked her as well!”