An Essex Wedding - Jan/Feb 2018 (Issue 84)

REAL WEDDINGS 53  honour of people that we wish could’ve been there to celebrate the big day with us.” DRESSING THE PART “I was adamant I wanted a figure-hugging gown and had tried on countless designs in this style but felt there was something missing. When I was at Barn Bridal, boutique owner Jane suggested I try something completely different from what I looking for,” says Ashley. “The second I put the design Pearl on everything fell into place and I felt like a proper bride.” Daniel wanted a light grey suit with tan shoes for the big day, which he hired from Moss Bros. The groomsmen were in matching attire so the groom stood out with an ivory tie while his best man and Ashley’s brothers wore different shades of purple to match the bridesmaids. “Our maid-of-honour wore a silver dress, while the four bridesmaids wore the same floor-length gown in two different purple hues,” adds the bride. “All of the colours went beautifully together and the girls wore comfy shoes to dance the night away. Our flowergirls wore ivory dresses with butterflies on and a simple bow at the back.” LET’S CELEBRATE Ashley and Daniel wanted to keep the day as relaxed and fun as possible, so hired a bouncy castle and giant four- in-a-row to keep the children happy, plus football goals to keep the older kids entertained. “During the evening reception we decided to have a photo booth, sweet cart and Rob the DJ, who also done Daniel’s 30 th birthday, as he was such a hit,” says Ashley. “We had song request cards for our guests and asked him to go with the flow and play what he wanted.” The newlyweds opted for a fish and chip van for their wedding breakfast, followed by waffles with whipped cream, chocolate sauce and strawberries. MEMORABLE MOMENTS “Our photographer, Charlotte, was fabulous from start to finish. If I’m honest after the group photos I didn’t even realise she was still floating around taking beautiful natural photos of everyone,” says Ashley. “Seeing how amazing everything looked and all the help we had from everyone to make the day the best of our lives was really special,” she adds. “We really couldn’t have asked for anything more. Spending it surrounded by everyone we love at our home was a dream come true.” BEYOND THE BIG DAY The newlyweds headed off on their honeymoon to Mexico two weeks after their wedding. “We were so excited to have time to ourselves and reminisce about our nuptials,” adds Ashley.