MEMORABLE MOMENTS “We were both getting nervous in the lead up to the ceremony as it was late in the afternoon so we’d been waiting and prepping all day,” April remembers. As the wedding car pulled up at the front of the Pavilion the bride was met by friends who were no longer able to attend due to restrictions. They’d all gathered to welcome her as she stepped out of the car and made her way towards the aisle. “This meant a lot to me and Lee,” she tells us. April walked down the aisle to The Rose by Bette Midler, played on the harp. Lee even got his request in with the harpist for a bit of Metallica as they signed the register. LOVE IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS April and Lee’s wonderful wedding day was the culmination of many months spent planning and re-planning throughout the pandemic. In fact, the pair had planned no less than three wedding days, each one being downsized in line with evolving restrictions. Things were still changing two-weeks before the big day when they were forced to cut the guest list down by half. April says, “We tried to remain grateful throughout as the date was special to us and we decided no matter how limited we were by the restrictions, as long as we were allowed to marry on that day, we would. So, to be able still to marry in the Music Room and have a lovely sit-down meal with our nearest and dearest was amazing. Of course, we missed many people, but we had Zoom on and hired a videographer, who sent on a short film of the day’s highlights to them. “We realised that no matter what happens beforehand, the moment you say those vows, nothing else matters. All in all, we had an incredible day that we’ll never forget.” THE GETAWAY The duo turned to Hove-based Blake Private Travel to find them an extra special mini-moon in the Cotswolds. We understand they had a terrific time despite returning home a week later only to head into another lockdown. “We went to Farncombe Estate and stayed in a luxury treehouse. Our travel agent Katie planned the whole itinerary and ensured we had an extra special stay,” April shares. WITH THANKS The newlyweds are incredibly grateful for all the love and support they received in planning and re-planning their big day, not least to their right-hand woman, April’s mother, Joss. “We couldn’t have done it without her,” April remembers. What also stood out for the pair was the exceptional service and support they received from the lovely Charlotte at The Royal Pavilion and Charlotte at The Grand Hotel. “Both were so attentive, supportive and creative with ideas as circumstances kept changing due to the pandemic. I can’t recommend them both enough,” April tells us. “I’d recommend an on-the-day coordinator to take away any stress and problem solving. It also avoids the need for the wedding party to get involved, so everyone can just enjoy the day.” REAL WEDDING 35
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