Kayleigh and Matt met through mutual friends when they were teenagers. “Our friendship later flourished into a relationship,” says Kayleigh. “Matt was very confident back then and always thought we’d end up together. What attracted me to him was his ability to always make me smile.” Matt proposed after seven years together. “We were on holiday together in Fuerteventura,” shares the bride. “He woke me up at 5am to drag me to the beach to watch the sunrise. We were on a cliff’s edge looking at amazing views of the sea when he got down on one knee and popped the question! I was in shock, and he was a nervous wreck at the idea I’d say no. Obviously, it was always going to be a yes.” SETTING THE SCENE “Originally, we hadn’t considered Weston Hall,” explains Kayleigh. “However they had an open day, so we decided to go and have a look at what the property had to offer. From that day, we both knew it was absolutely perfect. We booked our date the very same day! The building is grand and beautiful, and the surrounding grounds were picture perfect. I was attracted to the top terrace and could picture our guests having their welcome drinks and canapés there. The team at Weston Hall provided the catering, and we had a vast menu to choose from. The food was phenomenal, and all the guests said how amazing it was.” For their favours, the couple gave their guests a key, which doubled up as a bottle opener and keyring. Each one had a card attached that read: ’the key to happiness is love and the ability to open a bottle.’ “Our table plan was very simple,” recalls the bride. “We grouped our families together, but we mixed the other tables in the hope our guests would mingle and socialise with one another. It worked just as hoped, and everyone spoke, danced and laughed together. We named our tables after the years we’d been together, with each one featuring a picture of us from that particular year.” The happy couple chose a mixture of white and blush roses for their flowers from Nadia Di Tullio Flowers. “We dressed the tables with white tablecloths, blush runners, candles and gin bottles,” adds Kayleigh. “We also had a sign situated at the bottom of the main staircase welcoming everyone. We had crates going up the staircase with candles and foliage and a moon gate set up in the ceremony room. There was also an area that had our guest book and pictures of our loved ones who unfortunately are no longer with us.” Kayleigh and Matt’s big-day bake was made by Forrester Cakes. “It was a three-tier design presented on a log to tie in with our rustic theme,” remembers the bride. “It was dressed with foliage and roses to match the bouquets and topped with a Mr and Mrs cake topper. The flavours were Victoria sponge, cherry bakewell and lemon.” DRESSED TO IMPRESS “I was lucky enough to win a competition hosted by The Bridal Rooms where friends and family nominated key worked throughout the first lockdown to win £2,500 towards any dress in the store,” says Kayleigh. “Eventually after trying on several gorgeous designs, I chose Athénaïs by Élysée. I fell in love with the way it hugged my curves, the beautiful lace and the blush undertone. I accessorised with simple earrings and a necklace.” Matt and the groomsmen chose rich blue suits from Suit Direct. Matt’s waistcoat was different to help him stand out. “The bridesmaids oped for multiway dresses that were made-to-order via Jacqueline Louise Bridal on Etsy,” shares the bride. “They were stunning and suited the girls so well.” TIME TO CELEBRATE “We had a band in the evening called The Cave who are an indie/rock group REAL WEDDINGS 33
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