understated but beautiful. The stationery was another personal touch. Chantelle’s mum, Karen, designed and created all the invitations and stationery herself, using her Cricut machine to bring the designs to life. Chantelle found her wedding dress at Pete’s Bridal Warehouse in Soham, and it was the only bridal shop she visited. She tried on nine dresses before finding the one. “The other eight had pieces missing, whereas the ninth just felt right. It ticked all the boxes and made me feel beautiful.” The moment was emotional for her family too, with her sisters even shedding a tear when they saw her in the gown. Oli hired his suit from Abigail’s Collection & The Groom’s Room in Colchester, with his groomsmen and father also choosing their suits from the same store for a coordinated look. The bridesmaids wore dresses from Ever-Pretty, completing the classic wedding palette. Guests began arriving at Swynford Manor from 1pm ahead of the 2pm ceremony. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed canapés and drinks while the newlyweds disappeared for photographs. It gave everyone the chance to relax, socialise and enjoy the beautiful surroundings before the wedding breakfast began. The room soon became a party space complete with DJ, dancefloor and photobooth, followed by evening food to keep everyone fuelled for the celebrations. For Chantelle and Oli, their most memorable moment wasn’t something they had planned at all. Having just signed the register and been announced as husband and wife, their young daughter suddenly ran down the aisle ahead of them. Some guests spontaneously threw confetti as she made her way through the room. “It was a beautiful, unplanned moment that we could never have relived without Ian capturing that moment.” It was the kind of fleeting family moment that perfectly summed up their wedding day – personal, joyful and completely their own. For couples preparing to tie the knot, Chantelle and Oli’s advice is to stay calm, particularly on the morning of the wedding. “Any worries or stress will ruin your morning. Remember, what will be will be.” They also recommend being prepared for the unexpected – especially when there is a two-yearold involved! “Everything happens for a reason and always expect the unexpected from your twoyear-old.” REAL WEDDINGS 31
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