ROLL CREDITS Photography, Neil Bailey Photography www.nsbailey.com | Venue, Gosfield Hall www.gosfield-hall.co.uk | Videographer, Mooncast Films www.mooncast-films.com | Laura’s dress, The Wedding Dress Shop www.theweddingdressshop.co.uk | Hair and make-up, HMU Atelier www.hairandmakeupatelier.com | Michael’s suit, The Savile Row Company www.savilerowcustom.com | Cake, Cakes by Nina www.cakesbyninaweddings.com | Flowers, Cherubs Florists www.cherubsflorists.co.uk | Stationery, Say It With Print www.sayitwithprint.co.uk Rings, Mappin and Webb www.mappinandwebb.com | Table Plan, Welcome Sign, Venue Dresser and Stylist, JF Styling www.instagram.com/jfstyling | Table Numbers, Name Places, Signage for Guest Book and Cake, Laser Made Occasions www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LaserMadeOccasions | Sparklers, Dynamic Fireworks www.dynamicfireworks.co.uk | Crazy Golf, Mr Tee’s Crazy Golf www.mrteesmobilecrazygolf.co.uk | Photobooth, Smiles Better Photobooth www.smilesbetterphotobooth.com | Live Painter, Stephanie Paints Things www.stephaniepaintsthings.com | Strings, London Strings www.londonstrings.co.uk “Our base tier was white chocolate and raspberry, followed by a tier of cookies and cream,” says Laura. “The third was a controversial walnut and buttercream, without the coffee – much to Mike’s horror – and the top a vegan-friendly chocolate cake. The results spoke for themselves, as a cake of this size should have fed around 180 guests – and there was barely a crumb left from the 67 guests that attended!” Laura and Mike even made sure that friends and family who stayed at Gosfield were well catered for. “We decided that rather than having table favours we’d have food hampers in each guest room,” continues the bride. “We gave them a selection of fresh sandwiches and wraps as well as cakes and sweet nibbles, which were supplied by the venue. We coupled them up with personalised cards for each room, thanking them for joining us for our celebration. Some had travelled a fair distance to be with us, so we felt this was a nice touch.” FACE THE MUSIC When it came to music, the couple decided on a string quartet to greet guests for the ceremony and while they found their seats. “They also played a classical version of Simply the Best when I walked down the aisle,” said Laura. “They then gave our guests, and Mike, the treat of playing The Imperial March from Star Wars as we exited the ceremony. Mike is an avid fan, so it got a fair few laughs!” There was plenty of other entertainment for the guests of Mr and Mrs Gallagher to enjoy. “We hired a live painter, who started her work prior to the ceremony,” says the bride. “Over the course of six hours she produced an amazing painting on canvas of us saying our vows. It was great to see our guests watch her work, many of whom stood talking to her throughout the day waiting to see the finished result. It has given us the most perfect piece of artwork to remember our day.” The couple also hired an interactive magic mirror photo booth – and mini crazy golf on the lawn. “The photo booth was a lot fun, and our guests were given a copy of each photo to take home. We were also gifted a little album of all of the photos to keep, which was a nice touch. The mini golf was also a great hit, especially with Mike and his closest friends, who hold a friendly golf tournament every year. Sadly, walking around in heels with a train and veil meant I was at a major disadvantage – I did not score well compared to my new husband!” The couple’s night was intended to go out with a bang thanks to an incredible firework display, however, due to the extreme heat it was deemed that the venue’s grounds were too dry to safely go ahead. “Instead we had a sparkler exit in the courtyard, which captured some great photos of us spelling out ‘love’ with the sparklers,” says the bride. “It’s a moment we’ll remember forever.” LAURA’S TOP TIP “Don’t take everything too seriously! Things go wrong; plans go awry – but it still becomes the most perfect experience if you don’t allow it to get to you!” 40
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=