DRESSED TO IMPRESS “Sustainability was a really important part of our wedding day and with each detail, we tried our best to keep it in mind, which included my choice of wedding dress,” reveals Harriet. “Threads Bridal was the perfect solution – a boutique selling pre-loved wedding dresses. They had so many beautiful styles to choose from, and the owner, Laura, was very supportive in finding my perfect dress. It was a great way to create a little less waste and be a little kinder to the planet. I accessorised with small gold hoop earrings from Norfolk brand Monica Vinader and a stunning pair of red berry velvet high heels from British designer Harriet Wilde. “The idea for our bridesmaid dresses was a design that could be worn again, for another special event or as an everyday dress,” continues the bride. “Emily, my maid-of-honour, is luckily very nifty with a sewing machine and after a lot of research and planning, she created gorgeous apricot pink linen dresses in a casual wraparound style. We sourced the fabric from Merchant & Mills.” MEMORABLE MOMENTS For the couple’s evening entertainment, the Norwich band The Collective performed. “They were absolutely brilliant and got everyone dancing,” says Harriet. “It was most definitely one of my favourite memories of the day. “The day felt extra special because of all our wonderful friends and family who helped us put the day together and worked so hard in the week leading up to it,” adds Harriet. “So many elements were handcrafted with the help of our loved ones, from the benches that our guests sat on at the ceremony to the bridge they crossed to get there. The whole day was a rush of love and happiness. We felt as though we floated through the day, surrounded by all those we love. Walking through the confetti tunnel was a particularly special moment; seeing so many familiar faces smiling back at us was one of my favourite photos of the day. At the reception, we had arranged various games and activities for guests, including a somewhat precarious rope swing that led to one guest taking a plunge in a ditch! After a thorough mopping down with paper towels, she was back on the dancefloor, smelling not so sweet. We were also pleased to create a day that celebrated small businesses, was as sustainable as possible, and reflected our love of the seasons and nature. It was wonderful to see all our plans come together.” HONEYMOON For their honeymoon, Harriet and Bernie spent three weeks travelling. “We went around Europe, through parts of Belgium, Switzerland, Italy and the south of France, staying in a different location each night,” shares the bride. “We had such a wonderful adventure and although it wasn’t a traditional honeymoon, it suited us perfectly.” 41 REAL WEDDINGS
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