where they had a dress that was similar to what I was looking for with a satin overskirt. I got in touch with a former client of mine from Brockencote Hall Hotel called Geraldine O’Brien, who works in fashion and has had the most amazing career to date. She adapted the dress for me and was able to make it fit like a glove. I’m only sorry I won’t be able to wear it again and again!” Adam chose to wear a navy tuxedo and a Tag Heuer watch, which Staci gifted to him on the morning of the wedding. The bridesmaids opted for gowns from ASOS. “We chose a full-length navy design,” explains Staci. “The dresses were a flattering fit on the girls and were finished with black shoes and embroidered ribbons I made. We altered the same dress for our flowergirl, who was nine, so she felt like a bridesmaid too.” TIME TO CELEBRATE “As our guests arrived, we had speakers on the front lawn playing the soundtrack from Bridgerton for an elegant drinks reception, with all our guests in black tie,” reveals Staci. “For the evening, we had the brilliant Apollo Soul perform, who we were so delighted with. I have known them for years through work and we purposely chose a date for the wedding that they were available for. They began the evening with a saxophone set on the back terrace while guests relaxed in the sunshine. Throughout, they delivered amazing vocals and an eclectic musical set-up with six band members. They performed our first dance and delivered a bespoke song list just for us.” MEMORABLE MOMENTS “Although it’s cliché, we really did have the best day of our lives,” shares the bride. “We celebrated among friends and family and were so grateful to those who joined us. One of our friends said in the evening that they didn’t even need to ask how we felt, as our smiles said it all. Adam’s favourite part of the day was the speeches – mostly enjoying the best man’s speech once his was over! It was made even more special by his best man gifting him a signed shirt from Aston Villa player Ollie Watkins. My favourite part was our first dance, as it was not choreographed, but we just shuffled across the dancefloor with some spins. My dad and I followed this up with a little routine from the movie The Parent Trap, based on the handshake scene and that created a sentimental moment for us both to treasure. “A funny moment was when we lost the bridesmaids,” laughs Staci. “They took a left turn instead of right from the church and ended up down some very narrow country roads in a limousine. Luckily, they had stocked up on champagne, so they had a long but fantastic journey to the hotel. They managed to arrive just before Adam and I did, as we went for some photos in a nearby field.” The couple’s friend, Dan, helped make their big day perfect. “He was our hero behind the scenes,” says Staci. “He was the one carrying the flowers from the church to his car and then on to the venue. He had the playlist going for the drinks reception and he introduced us as our master of ceremonies as we entered the room and during our speeches. He really brought the whole day together and made the atmosphere amazing for us and our guests. I couldn’t have asked for more from my bridesmaid, Francesca, either. On top of planning the bridal shower and hen party, she was so helpful in the preparations too, assisting with the designs for the save-the-dates, the wedding website, table plan, invitations and welcome sign.” 26
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=