eternal love is After Tendai proposed to Chloe in the Eternal City the couple set about planning a wedding day styled with timeless elegance Images courtesy of Sarah Horton Photography High school friends Chloe and Tendai were reunited years later when Chloe volunteered at the hospital where Tendai worked. They started sharing their lunch breaks and from there a beautiful romance blossomed. Tendai proposed during a trip to the Eternal City, Rome. He chose a quiet moment following a tasting menu experience at a sky-view restaurant overlooking the city. When the two went along to visit Combermere Abbey it felt right. “The gardens and Edwardian glass house were perfect for our summer wedding,” Chloe explains. “We also loved the fact that we had exclusive use of the estate.” To complement the setting the couple opted for a neutral, botanical theme with ivory and green tones reflected in their florals with centrepieces accompanied by glass candle sticks. The team at Combermere laid on a mouthwatering feast for the newlyweds and their guests. The day’s dining began with a selection of three canapés served during cocktail hour alongside cloudy apple Cosmopolitans. Wedding breakfast then opened with a classic tomato soup, followed by roast lamb for the main course and chocolate brownie with ice cream for dessert. “We were absolutely blown away by the service, standard of care and quality Combermere put into their catering,” Chloe remembers. The bride was stunning in her classic, matte, lace, fishtail Stella York gown with cap sleeves. She added a simple tulle overskirt for drama and to create two looks for ceremony and reception. “As a curvy bride, dress shopping was a bit of a tricky experience for me but the ladies at Brides of Chester made me feel comfortable and beautiful,” Chloe says. “I knew I’d found my dress when I came out of the dressing room and noticed my nan, sister and mum crying. It was a special moment I won’t forget.” Tendai wore a beige three-piece suit by Marc Darcy. He chose a green floral tie to match their palette and added brown leather shoes and belt. Meanwhile, his groomsmen were dressed in classic black suit jackets and trousers. “My bridesmaids’ dresses are probably one of my favourite elements of the wedding,” Chloe tells us. The ladies wore sage green gowns embellished with ivory floral details, and each one chose their own neckline and style. “Our wedding reception wouldn’t have been the same without Reece from PC Roadshow,” Chloe says. He went beyond just playing music – he created an experience.” Reece also blended Zimbabwean and English music perfectly, reflecting both the couple’s backgrounds. “He kept the atmosphere buzzing all evening, and our guests are still talking about it,” Chloe recalls. For Chloe, the most magical moment of the day came at the end. Everyone joined the newlyweds on the dance floor for their final song, Unwritten, forming a circle around them. “As the music played we all danced and sang together. It felt as though the whole room was united as one,” Chloe shares. “There was an overwhelming feeling of joy and togetherness.” REAL WEDDINGS 15
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