Your Sussex Wedding - April/May 2021 (Issue 90)

“At the end of the day it’s about you getting married. Focus on the key elements that you can’t imagine your wedding without.” palette of Hawick tartan, from Chris’ hometown, and blush. The father-of-the- bride and his partner were also on hand to make goodie bags filled with the service sheet, a pen for the guest book, a ribbon wand (since confetti was banned) and a little wedding favour from The Botanical Candle Co. Since the guest list had to be restricted with only immediate family and Vicky’s maid-of-honour present, the couple got in touch with WedStream who were able to live stream the “I dos” to friends and family unable to be there in person. “We were incredibly touched that so many joined us live from all over, with many more friends and family watching on catch-up in the days that followed. It was definitely a worthwhile investment and a way to treasure the day’s memories,” Vicky shares. LOOKING THE PART Vicky first laid eyes on the dress of her dreams in a bridal boutique several years ago and the designer’s name, Naomi Neoh, stuck in her mind. She tracked the gown down after Chris proposed and luckily, she fitted the sample perfectly. Vicky tells us, “It was double my budget, but amazingly the boutique agreed to sell me the sample within my price range. Local tailor Katie Fitzsimons and Sarah Lacey Dry Cleaning carefully brought it back to prime condition and it was the most wonderful dress to wear.” Chris is a proud Scotsman but decided against wearing a kilt in favour of ‘trews’ made from his hometown’s tartan, Hawick. Katie created an incredible three-piece suit from the specially-sourced fabric, and he accessorised it with his grandfather’s pocket watch, a Hawick tartan tie and a matching pocket square. Meanwhile, the groomsmen wore grey suits, but also accessorised with tartan ties and pocket squares for a cohesive look. Sadly, only one of Vicky’s bridesmaids was able to attend. She wore a burgundy, knee-length dress with a pair of rose leaf earrings gifted by the bride. MEMORABLE MOMENTS Vicky and Chris are dearly loved by their friends and family, many of whom had gone the extra mile to support them on their big day during such unprecedented times. Vicky explains, “Our family and my maid-of-honour travelled hundreds of miles to be there before heading straight back again. Our vicar moved his holiday so that he could marry us. My hairdresser got her husband to take a day off to look after their kids so she could do my hair. Our photographer was amazing and gave us extra time. Our florist put together an amazing package to fit our budget. Our wedding was a real ray of sunshine in the Covid gloom.” THE GETAWAY After saying goodbye to family, the pair headed to Ashdown Park Hotel for a minimoon. “It was the perfect end to a perfect day and they very kindly upgraded our room. We enjoyed a glass of Ridgeview together, so relieved to finally be husband and wife,” Vicky remembers. “We don’t feel short-changed at all. We had an incredible day that was so intimate and personal to us. It was our wedding and we wouldn’t change a thing.” REAL WEDDINGS 39