IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE, PLAY ON Claire and Kim’s wedding had the perfect riverside backdrop Images courtesy of Tanya Mayfield Photography Claire and Kim met it modern fashion online! “I messaged Kim ‘Hey Pretty!’”, recalls Claire, “and after chatting online, we finally met for our first date in March 2018! We dated nearly a whole year, until February 2019, when we got together on Valentine’s Day, finally!” Kim proposed to Claire on Christmas Day that year, “We had Christmas dinner in our home with family,” shares Claire. “Once everyone had left, Kim set up a ‘treasure hunt’ around the house, without me knowing. She then sent me off on the hunt and the last clue led to the ring.” The big date was set, Saturday 20th September 2025, with Norfolk’s The Boathouse setting the scene. “The Boathouse had been special to us long before we were officially planning our wedding,” says Claire. “As a DJ, I’ve worked at many venues across the region, but The Boathouse always stood out. During a wedding I was working at, Kim saved the day by bringing over a replacement light when one of mine broke; while the celebration carried on seamlessly, Kim found herself watching a beautiful wedding unfold and, from that moment on, The Boathouse became the place she imagined getting married. “From the stunning views over The Broads to the ease of hosting the entire day in one location, it truly ticked every box. The facilities were perfect, the atmosphere warm and welcoming, and the team were exceptional. Belinda, the proprietor, was fantastic and made us feel instantly at home.” Choosing a soft, romantic palette of grey, dusty pink and ivory, the couple naturally gravitated towards their home décor colours, “It felt authentic to us and set a timeless, elegant tone for the day,” shares Claire. “We used mirror balls around the room to add some glitz to the décor, we also as place name holders representing my work in the entertainment industry!” The pink and mirror ball theme was carried through every element of the day, executed by a venue stylist, with the addition of cherry blossom trees, fairylights and giant illuminated letters. For their bridal looks, Claire wore a Martin Thornburg Lysa wedding dress, “After trying on lots of different styles, the moment I stepped into an off-the-shoulder, sweetheart-neckline ball gown, I felt like a princess, and I knew instantly that this was the silhouette I’d been searching for.” Kim wore a Morilee design called Shay, “After initially trying on around eight dresses, Kim wanted to keep an open mind for her second dress appointment – at the same independent boutique where I had found my dress! After chatting with the owner and describing the style she was drawn to, the response was immediate, ‘I think I’ve got something that would be perfect for you’. The moment Kim stepped into that dress, she turned to her mum and bridesmaids and said, ‘This is the one’, before it was even done up!” The bridesmaids wore elegant pink dresses that perfectly complemented the colour palette and overall vision for the day. The dresses featured a flattering V-neck with a softly ruched bust, a style that suited all shapes and sizes beautifully. To complete the bridal party, the flowergirls wore dresses in the same pink tone. For the big day, the couple wrote their own readings and vows which guests enjoyed, Claire adds, “Our music was very fitting too, our exit was to Pretty Woman!” Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed into the drinks’ reception by an incredible singer/saxophonist, creating an amazing atmosphere alongside a Champagne tower. “Guests were also able to enjoy trips on the Norfolk Broads. Our family and friends who’d travelled from across the country absolutely loved this unique experience,” shares Claire. Entertainment continued throughout the day with a fully personalised selfie booth – it was a huge hit and produced some fantastic photos. During the wedding breakfast, each place setting included a bespoke wedding newsletter filled with fun facts about the couple, a ‘she said/she said’ quiz and other personal touches. “We also had four table games on each table; with table names inspired by cocktails we’re known for. Scratch cards were included with the favours, giving guests the chance to win a free drink – always a crowd-pleaser!” shares Claire. As the evening celebrations began, the energy was taken up a level with a DJ and live band (the saxophone played with both). Glow sticks kept the party going late into the night, creating the perfect end to an unforgettable day! Some standout moments for Kim and Claire: “We’d not shared any details on our bridal looks, so seeing each other for the first time and saying ‘I do’ will always be the most important moment of our day; but one of the most unexpected and treasured highlights came just after we were married. Belinda, the proprietor, along with the boat owner, quietly whisked us away for a private boat ride just the two of us. It was something we hadn’t anticipated at all, yet those few moments allowed us to sit back, breathe, and truly take in we were married – it was incredibly special. Our photographer and content creator joined us, capturing some beautiful moments that we’ll cherish forever. “When we returned, another surprise was waiting for us. Our dog Teddy was on the veranda, accompanied by a doggy wedding chaperone – a surprise Kim had secretly arranged for me, having him there made the day even more magical and was truly the perfect ending to an already unforgettable day.” REAL WEDDINGS 23
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