Flowers, fanfare and FIREWORKS Navy and pink florals, show-stopping music and a spectacular fireworks finale brought Abigail and Matthew’s elegant celebration to life Images courtesy of Paul Aston Photography For Abigail and Matthew, what started with a cheeky message on Hinge quickly turned into coffee dates, lazy Sundays in country pubs and long walks that somehow always ended with a glass of wine or a pint. Before long, they each realised they’d found their forever person and couldn’t wait to make it official! On the way home from a spa trip one day, Matthew suggested they pay a visit to their favourite beach, Oxwich Bay, for a walk. Abigail started to suspect something might not be all as it seemed when Matthew kept insisting he needed his coat despite it being 24 degrees out. During their walk, Matthew challenged Abigail to a race up a sand dune. “When I got to the top, I turned around happy I’d won, to find him down on one knee, pulling the ring box from his coat pocket,” Abigail remembers. “Safe to say it was the best surprise I’ve ever had.” For the couple, Clevedon Hall had the wow factor, and both got that gut feeling telling them it was the one. “From the gorgeous lavender outside to the beauty of the building, and the use of various rooms to help the day flow nicely, it was truly stunning,” Abigail explains. By her own admission, Abigail struggled to envision what she truly wanted in terms of a look for the wedding. Consequently, the only brief she felt able to give her florist and stylist was “pretty with lots of flowers.” Happily, the team was able to run with it, creating bouquets in a variety of pinks. The stationery suite was navy with pink and white writing, while the centrepieces featured flowers to match the bouquets. A rose arch used at the end of the aisle and behind the top table proved to be the perfect focal point. The bride wore Ollie by Made With Love Bridal. She’d discovered the designer while shopping with her best friend for her wedding dress in 2024 and knew that when it was her turn she’d have to explore the collection. “Ollie was the first dress I tried on, and I felt amazing in it. Most importantly, it felt like me but also made me feel special,” Abigail says. Matthew wore a custom-made two-piece tuxedo to suit the evening-chic vibe, while his groomsmen were dressed to match. The bridesmaids were elegant in navy stretch-satin dresses. Guests were entertained throughout the day by music – and lots of it! The day began with a bagpiper playing in the courtyard to greet guests. “Matt and I knew from our getting-ready rooms that it was really happening once we heard him playing,” Abigail remembers. Before and during the ceremony, a harpist played some of the couple’s favourite songs, and just before the bridal party walked down the aisle, military State Trumpeters played a fanfare. Then, as the newlyweds signed the register, the harpist performed a piece written by the bride’s father. During the confetti toss, the bagpiper resumed his playing, which was followed by a military brass quintet performing a range of hits from the musicals during the drinks reception. The evening’s celebrations were kicked off in style by live band Tux Fizz. “No one wanted to leave the dancefloor – they were so good!” Abigail remembers. Abigail’s highlight of the day was marrying Matthew, of course! “Nothing will ever beat the moment of seeing him standing at the end of the aisle,” she shares. A very close second for them both, though, is the firework display set to music. “I just remember thinking in that moment that life couldn’t get any better,” the bride concludes. REAL WEDDINGS 21
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