Your Sussex Wedding - April/May 2024 (Issue 108)

“Trust your suppliers.You’ve spent so much time researching them, speaking with them and planning your timelines with them.Your wedding is their time to do what they do best, so step back, pour yourself a drink and just enjoy!” – Jess ceremony to the reception, which we did, even the bridesmaids’ bouquets were later used to adorn the grazing table and bar,” Jess explains. Proteas featured in the bridal bouquet and in the table plan arrangements. In fact, the newlyweds even took them on their minimoon so they could enjoy them for a few more days! The cake was a four-tier bake with sugar flowers including the beautiful protea, aiming for a classic and romantic style. The delicious flavours were Nutella with Nutella buttercream, and lemon with lemon curd and buttercream. The venue supplied the three-course wedding breakfast and midnight snacks, which were pulled pork buns and hot dogs. The couple also used Fig and Flower Grazing for a beautiful spread with edible flowers on top of the incredible produce. SIMPLY STYLISH The beautiful bride wore an Essense of Australia dress. “I was looking for a simple, fitted gown with a beautiful train to complement the manor house surroundings. I fell in love with its deep V- neck and illusion lace beading,” she tells us. Jess personalised her dress by ordering custom-made detachable wings instead of a veil – “A veil didn’t really feel like me,” she explains. She wore these during the ceremony and in the evening swapped them for custom-made sheer sleeves and a bustle. “My handsome hubby wore navy blue tails as did his groomsmen who accessorised with dusky blue ties and a single-breasted waistcoat,” we're told. Jonny finished his look with a double-breasted waistcoat and a white tie. The gents had a whisky and watches photo before the ceremony, and as a complete surprise to Jonny his bride gifted him a love letter and a watch that’d he’d been admiring for some time, the Tudor Black Bay watch, which she purchased at Wakefields in Horsham. “He wore his medals too, which looked incredibly smart and Prince Charming-like!” she continues. The bridesmaids looked beautiful in their dusky blue maxi dresses with gold shoes and matching gold earrings. THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT! A magician and MC did a fantastic job of entertaining guests with tricks and comedy. “Months later, our guests are still talking about how brilliant he was,” Jess shares. The clay laser shooting was also a huge hit, with everyone joining in, even the bride’s nan! “We had a regional shotgun champion at the wedding, who lost to our bridesmaid Carla who’d never shot before, which was pretty hilarious,” Jess laughs. A live singer performed during the meal, James Junior. The couple also received plenty of compliments on his talents. “We even stopped for a dance mid-meal service,” Jess remembers. During the evening, the manor house and surrounding trees were lit up in blue, while inside a DJ got the party started. “We had a flash mob doing the Jerusalema dance when our guests filled the dancefloor and we all gave it our best! Having lived in three African countries, afrobeat is very central to our music choices. There was also a photo booth available for everyone to enjoy, as well as a sparkler and confetti photo to provide further activities. “We also made sure to provide some quiet pockets in the venue for some time to relax with a drink or two,” Jess says. Especially as the drinks were designed by Merlin Griffiths from First Dates exclusively for the Gilchrist Collection of which Highley Manor is part. “Each of our suppliers were truly outstanding. They’re all at the top of their game and couldn’t do enough for us,” the bride tells us. “We really couldn’t have pulled it off without them and they all played their crucial parts flawlessly. I’ll be forever grateful.” “After the ceremony, we made sure we stuck by each other’s side and the world kind of melted away.” – Jess REAL WEDDINGS 39

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