An Essex Wedding - November/December 2022 (Issue 107)

Louise met Dewar at an Annie Mac gig when they were there with mutual friends. “My dad owned a motorbike shop, and after chatting we realised Dewar had bought his first bike there before we even knew each other!” says Louise. “I loved that Dewar was confident, but not cocky, and he made me laugh all the time – plus he’s very easy on the eye! He says it was my hairstyle at the time that attracted him to me – which was red and shaved down one side! – as well as my quirky personality.” Dewar proposed to Louise on her 30th birthday at Leigh on Sea restaurant, The Boatyard. “The waitress asked if we’d be happy to sit upstairs, which I thought was inconvenient as we had our youngest, Archer, in his pram. However, Dewar said it would be nice to look out at the sea, so we went upstairs – and there was nobody else there! I assumed it was just a quiet lunchtime, but after we sat down Dewar passed me his phone and told me to watch something. I’m a huge fan of the Netflix series, Selling Sunset, so was shocked to see a video from one of its stars, Maya, wishing me a happy birthday, and saying she hoped I said ‘yes’ to the proposal. At this point I looked up to see Dewar on one knee, alongside our four year-old son, Maddox. Dewar told Maddox to hand me the ring box – which he promptly threw at me! – and I opened it to see a stunning ring inside. I always said I wanted a low-key engagement, so this was perfect, and I was so overwhelmed. I of course then FaceTimed my mum and sister who were just as hysterical as me!” The couple set the date for the 12th August, 2022, choosing Creeksea Place for their big day. Here, Louise tells us more about their amazing wedding… ACCIDENTAL HERO The couple originally discussed getting married in Devon, but soon realised it wasn’t logistically possible with all of their guests. “I found Creeksea Place by accident when I was looking for outdoor venues,” continues the bride. “I checked their website and saw they had availability for a twilight wedding in just four months, so my sister and I went to have a look around a week later. As soon as we pulled into the gates, I knew it was going to tick all the boxes, and it ended up being the first and only venue we looked at. The outdoor ceremony area which they call The Orchard is breathtaking, and it made for the most beautiful setting.” Louise and Dewar fell in love with Creeksea Place not only as a venue, but also due to its attentive staff. “Our wedding planner Claire was incredible from the moment we made our booking, and we became friends throughout the process,” says Louise. “Michelle, another coordinator, and Jon-Paul, the owner, were also amazing on the day. Nothing was too much trouble, and they ensured our day went without a hitch – and that we both had a drink in hand at all times! I honestly cannot recommend Creeksea Place enough.” GO FRESH When planning their wedding the couple wanted everything to look fresh and natural, deciding on a white and green theme. “I own a wedding stationery business, so made all of our wedding invitations, order of the days and welcome sign,” continues Louise. “I used a Perspex sheet for the sign, with sage green paint and artificial flowers to give our guests an idea of our colour scheme as soon as they arrived. It was also important to us that our wedding was mainly about everyone having a great time celebrating our marriage, so our sign read ‘Let’s Get This Party Started’, which was very fitting!” Louise and Dewar’s flowers and centrepieces also followed the same theme. “My bouquet consisted of white English roses, ranunculus, eucalyptus and clematis leaf,” continues the bride “My sister, who was my maid-of-honour, had the same flowers in a smaller bouquet, while my other bridesmaids had large gypsophila bouquets, with the flower 37 REAL WEDDINGS

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=