“The team were so warm and friendly and never pushed for a hard sell. They took a genuine interest in us as a couple.” They styled the day in a neutral nude and taupe palette, working with florist Stef from Honeys Hideaway to bring their vision to life. “She was open to all my ideas and found innovative ways to make them even more breathtaking,” shares Abi. Much of the décor was handmade by the couple, with their spare room filled for nearly a year with DIY projects including name cards, wedding favours, confetti and the seating plan. Food was a priority for the couple. Guests enjoyed large roaming canapés followed by a threecourse sit-down meal. Instead of a plated dessert, Abi and Dan served their wedding cake alongside a dessert table filled with blondies and brownies from Cinderbake. In the evening, Mitton Hall provided sausage and bacon sandwiches with chips to ensure everyone ended the night well fed. Abi wore D3009 by Essense of Australia. Originally, she had planned to wear her grandmother’s lace wedding dress, handmade in Malta, but sadly it had been given away during her gran’s battle with dementia. When searching for her own gown at Dreamcatcher Bridal Boutique in Kirkham, she described her grandmother’s dress as her inspiration. As she narrowed it down to two options, the boutique team suggested trying on a discontinued gown they had recently taken off the shop floor. The moment Abi put it on, she was overwhelmed. “It was as close as I could ever get to my gran’s dress,” says Abi. “I didn’t want to take it off. I know she would have absolutely loved it.” Dan chose a jacket and waistcoat from Slater Menswear, trousers from Next and shoes from Hugo Boss. The bridesmaids wore one-shoulder, floor-length gowns from JJ’s House. For entertainment, Darren Robinson Magician performed during the drinks reception, keeping guests laughing and amazed. A live singer and guitarist followed the meal, warming up the crowd before Abi’s father-in-law surprised everyone with a song he had written and practised for months in their honour. “It truly took our breath away,” says Abi. “The reaction from all our guests was electric. The evening continued with Paddy Slater singing for us before The DFC Experience delivered a showstopping DJ and live singer set.” REAL WEDDINGS 31
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