An Essex Wedding - January/February 2022 (Issue 102)

The place names were little wooden keepsakes lasered individually for our guests. On the day, it was a mix of nerves and excitement. The groomsmen kept telling me that Fernando was climbing the walls, pacing backwards and forwards! The bridesmaids wore dresses in a blush/taupe shade in different styles. One was long-sleeved, another was a knee-length wrap dress in all-over sequin, there was a maternity version and two v-neck cap-sleeved versions. Everyone commented on how stunning the bridesmaids’ dresses were – they were perfect for October and beautifully reflected the Autumn sun on the day! Fernando’s vows were just beyond touching. I was stunned by them and how he read them in perfect English – everyone cried! They are something I will remember forever. We had a saxophonist for our drinks reception playing classic love songs – it was the perfect way to be greated after the ceremony. I wanted something A line that was classic, romantic and, most importantly, had a stunning low back. I wore a Stella York gown, number 7083, during the day and in the evening a beautiful dress Lava by White One. Fernando bought me a Swarovski crystal necklace from Peru, the earrings were a gift from J’adore Bridal which matched perfectly. Our cake was a three-tiered design with a ruffle-effect base in a raspberry flavour, and a lemon-flavoured middle layer coated with glitter. Our top layer was engraved with our initials and adorned with flowers. Our favours were mints with ‘mint to be’ on, as Fernando always said we were meant to be ‒ it reflected a little piece of us. I wanted the groom and groomsmen to be in a black, skinny fit tux to keep the classic theme. This was smart and simple, without bringing in too many colours, and the gro om wore a waistcoat too to make him stand out from the others. REAL WEDDINGS 35

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