Annalisse and Greg had known each other as teenagers, but it wasn’t until they matched on Tinder that they really connected. “When I got the notification, I pulled the car over so that I could message her straight back, she’d always had a special place in my heart,” Greg remembers. “Since then there hasn’t been a single day we haven’t spoken. It was always meant to be,” Annalisse continues. Now a couple and due to go on holiday together the following day, Annalisse and Greg were out for dinner at The Ivy in Guildford. The two had just enjoyed their starter when Greg asked: “Do you understand all that palm reading?” Annalisse thought this was a bit random, but assures us that given some of the things he usually comes out with, didn’t think too much of it! He told her to close her eyes, placed a little box in her hand and asked her to marry him. “He apologised for not getting down on one knee but said he knew he wouldn’t get back up again,” Annalisse remembers. They looked at a few venues online and as soon as they came across Reigate Hill Golf Club they went along for a viewing. “The walkway down to the picturesque outdoor ceremony area is beautiful; and the getting ready room is insane, the perfect space for ladies to prepare. There are also three bedrooms, which the lads used on the morning of. Even though it’s part of a golf club, it’s still very private. The price included everything, there weren’t any hidden extras, which was great when working to a budget,” Annalisse shares. So, decision made, the date was set for 23rd August, 2023. Here, the bride shares her memories of the big day and preparations... SETTING THE SCENE Having opted for a blue colour palette the couple set about creating much of the venue styling themselves. For the table plan they spray painted a mirror and decorated it with some artificial flowers. They then put each table’s plan together using an MDF family tree kit. The couple also made their place names using white card, and some black ink, which they used to paint heart shapes with their fingers. The centrepieces were borrowed from a friend. “I saw them at her wedding the year before and loved them. They were artificial trees adorned in battery-powered fairylights,” Annalisse says. When it came to the flowers the bride knew exactly who to turn to, her friend of many years Jackie from The Perfumed Garden Florist. “I showed her my bridesmaids’ dresses and suits and she coordinated it all. I had no idea at all what I wanted but I was blown away with what Jackie delivered,” Annalisse shares. A friend was also enlisted to make the wedding cake, which was an ever-popular naked design. The youngest guests were kept happily entertained by the activity boxes and travel games left on their tables for them, and were treated to a pot of Pringles each, much to their delight. LOOKING THE PART The day Annalisse chose her dress, she hadn’t actually gone REAL WEDDINGS 33
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