Your North East Wedding - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 34)

I wanted to marry abroad and say our vows in the sun. However, we also wanted our family and friends there, especially those who couldn’t travel, so the Mediterranean-inspired Le Petit Château was ideal. I visited about 10 bridal boutiques over a few months and tried on at least 50 dresses! Like the venue, I was looking for something a bit different. Plus, the first time my mum saw me in my dress she cried, so I thought it must be the one. Ryan wore a three-piece teal suit with subtle gold checks, teaming it with a gold tie and pocket square and peacock pocket watch. Ryan loves peacocks and originally wanted one to wander around the venue, but it turns out they’re very expensive to hire! I’ve known my maid-of-honour, Rachel, since I was a baby. Our mums were in the same maternity ward, so we grew up together. We even went to the same schools and college, and I couldn’t imagine asking anyone else. My bouquet was hand-tied with a soft trail of blush and peach flowers, including Miss Piggy roses, teal succulents and eucalyptus. The same flowers were used in the table centrepieces, alongside foliage and moss. Our centrepieces were gold and rose gold photo frames. Custom-made with the table names of countries, they included pictures of me and Ryan in the corresponding locations. We also had gold and rose gold geometric frames with candles inside. LAURA’S TOP TIP! “The day will fly by, so try not to be too nervous so you can take it all in. Smile, laugh and enjoy every moment!” 44