An Essex Wedding - July/August 2026 (Issue 129)

THE DISCO BALL Meet me under Bursting with pink and orange tones, glittering disco ball details and infectious party spirit, Lucy and Alfie Walsh’s wedding at Great Lodge was a celebration of colour, fun and unforgettable moments. Images courtesy of Photos by Gem Lucy and Alfie’s story began through mutual friends while Lucy was at university, with a few messages leading to a first date at the Pearsons Arms in Whitstable, a meeting that marked the start of something special. Seven years later, Alfie proposed on the beautiful Greek island of Symi, asking Lucy to marry him in a secluded spot overlooking the sea. SETTING THE SCENE After hearing about Great Lodge, Lucy and Alfie went for a visit and instantly fell in love with its beautiful grounds, stunning brick barn, and relaxed atmosphere. The dry-hire setup gave Lucy free rein to bring their bright, retro-disco vision to life. They set the date, and on 23rd August 2025 they became Mr & Mrs Walsh. Wedding planning commenced, and Lucy was in her element! Owning a disco ball hire business meant the sparkle was already covered. Alfie’s sister, a talented florist, created bright pink and orange floral arrangements, while the bouquets carried by Lucy’s 10 bridesmaids were repurposed as colourful table centrepieces. Milk churns were overflowing with blooms, and Lucy handmade over 40 metres of ceiling streamers to really bring the couple’s personality to the venue. Lucy adds, “Alfie put his practical skills to good use by building a beer pong table, cornhole boards, and a darts setup, all of which I painted to perfectly match the theme.” DRESSED TO IMPRESS Lucy wore Robin by Eva Lendel; an elegant satin gown featuring a flattering fitted silhouette, Bardot neckline, and a chic slit. Lucy recalls, “I’d tried on lots of dresses and was coming to the end of my appointment when I saw this gown hanging on a rail and felt an urge to try it on. I felt real relief as I loved it so much. I then checked and it was within my price range and Robin was my late grandad’s middle name, it was a sign.” Alfie looked the part in a made-to-measure black tuxedo, personalised with a vibrant pink lining embroidered with the words ‘Best. Day. Ever. 23.08.25’, a special detail hidden inside his jacket. His groomsmen complemented the look in classic tuxedos, finished with striking pink and orange boutonnières. Lucy’s 10 bridesmaids embraced a modern mismatched look, each choosing their own dress in shades of hot pink, baby pink, or orange. The dresses came from a variety of retailers, ranging from high-street favourites to beautiful designs from Martels Bridal Boutique. TIME TO CELEBRATE Amaze-in-Taste provided canapés and a three-course meal, they also ran the bar and service throughout the day. In the evening, the couple had a ‘spritz hour’ with Aperol Spritzes and Hugos for all to enjoy. Alfie had made his own keg bar, so beers were flowing non-stop. The entertainment kept everyone busy, with cornhole, beer pong, and darts bringing out guests’ competitive sides. A vintage video camera encouraged guests to record heartfelt (and hilarious) answers to personalised questions about the couple, resulting in a 40-minute video full of unforgettable memories. In the evening, the horsebox photobooth was a huge hit, complete with props, instant prints, a photo keyring station, and a guestbook overflowing with messages. To top it all off, the incredible band, Fully Funktional, kept the dancefloor packed with interactive fun, from limbo competitions to group dance routines! MEMORABLE MOMENTS “We loved being the bride and groom in the photobooth after seeing so many before us!” THE WALSH’S TOP TIP! “Remember that ultimately, it’s a day to celebrate your love and have fun - try not to let anything stress you out and remember the cake knife (we didn’t)!” REAL WEDDINGS 39

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