LOOKING THE PART Harriet wore Armeria by Alena Leena. “I really wanted an ethereal-style dress that would suit the venue,” she explains. “It had to be big and have lots of movement and texture.” The sleeves were in fact inspired by her wild card dress, a feature she’d never considered before that moment. “I went dress shopping with such an open mind, and it meant the dress I chose featured details from others I’d tried on and loved,” Harriet tells us. “I also felt like it hid any insecurities, so I felt really confident all day.” The bride’s second dress was an ivory slip with a textured pattern to mirror the crumbling walls of the The Mount. Sam wore a black tux with a white shirt, while his groomsmen were dressed to match. The bridesmaids meanwhile were dressed in olive grey slip gowns with spaghetti straps. CELEBRATE IN STYLE The couple hired a string quartet to provide their ceremony music. They played I Giorni by Ludovico Einaudi as the bride walked down the aisle, as well as Elton John’s Your Song during the ceremony, which prompted guests to get up and sing! “It was pouring with rain during the ceremony and the church was dimly lit by candles.” Harriet remembers. “The sound of the string quartet was incredible. Walking down the aisle to this sound in front of all our friends and family was such a memorable moment.” The string musicians also entertained guests during the drinks reception before live band Switch UK took over in the evening. “We went on minimoon to Barcelona. We were so exhausted after the wedding, so it was perfect to spend time relaxing by the pool. We’re planning a big trip to Borneo to see orangutans next year.” – Harriet HARRIET’S HIGHLIGHTS AND TIPS “All of the speeches were so special, the two best men, Sam and my mum,” Harriet tells us. “My dad also played his Spanish guitar as guests found their seats for the wedding breakfast, which was magical. Katy, my maid-of-honour looked after me all day and always made sure everyone was where they should be and that I had everything I needed. I couldn’t have done it without her. Plus, all of our suppliers were incredible! Faye our photographer, Henry our videographer, Bianchis food and the band. It always helps to get advice from those who’ve been there, so Harriet has some words of wisdom for us: “Try not to get swept up in the wedding madness. You don’t need the best, most expensive version of everything just because it’s your wedding day. Going over budget will cause you more stress in the long run. All that really matters is how you feel and having a good time with your friends and family on the day. Have regular checkins with your partner to make sure the decisions you’re making during the planning process are for the right reasons and are what you want rather than what you think other people want. It’s your day after all.” 31 REAL WEDDINGS
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