Your Sussex Wedding - August/September 2020 (Issue 86)

REAL WEDDINGS 29  “We feel our choice of a Greek street-food van summed up our taste in food, and our easy-going personalities perfectly,” Fran says. Guests were welcome to head up to the van any time, where delicious fresh gyros would be prepared for them. In the evening, a mobile bar, housed in a converted French van, served the drinks. Since one of Fran’s bridesmaids is a whizz at making cupcakes, she whipped up a batch or two, which lent themselves to the catering’s chilled-out vibe. Yummy- sounding flavours included Jaffa Cake, lemon and elderflower, apple and caramel, and Victoria sponge. LOOKING THE PART Fran looked simply stunning in Dayton by Modeca, a fitted gown with a wide neckline and lace side panels. She remembers, “I worked really hard to be comfortable with the way I looked for our big day, and wanted to emphasise that.” Given the dress’ high neckline, she chose not to wear a necklace and instead accessorised with a pair of diamond earrings – something borrowed from her mum. Joe wore a grey chevron-patterned jacket and waistcoat with black trousers and brown monk shoes. The groomsmen were dressed in the same style, minus the jackets, so the groom stood out. The bridesmaids wore sage green multiway dresses. “I opted for this design as I had eight bridesmaids of all ages with varying body shapes, so it meant that each could be flexible in how they wore it and feel comfortable,” Fran explains. TIME TO CELEBRATE Lawn games were scattered around for everyone to enjoy, including football and Connect4, plus Fran made capes and masks for the littlest guests, keeping them distracted and entertained all day long. There was even a small rowing boat available for anyone daring enough to go out on the water. Despite being a recipe for disaster and resulting in the odd soggy guest, it still proved hugely popular. Live band The Low Down provided the evening’s entertainment. “They were so friendly and interactive with our guests,” Fran recalls. Guests also got to enjoy bags of photobooth fun with Lola the VW Campervan, which had transported the bride and groom to the venue earlier in the day. The newlyweds jetted off to Cape Verde on honeymoon straight after the wedding, which must have been exhilarating. They planned the great getaway together and spent two weeks away going on excursions and enjoying a trip to remember. WITH THANKS The bride says: “We can honestly say that every single person involved in our wedding made it the most magical day. We were particularly grateful to Emma, our photographer, and her team. Both the images and film of the day were jaw-dropping. I managed to hold it together on the day, but watching our wedding video made me blub! We couldn’t have asked for more.” WORDS OF WISDOM “Don’t worry about the little things. Everyone will want to make sure you have the best day, and they’re your loved ones after all, so if something doesn’t go to plan, they won’t mind anyway,” Fran says.