An Essex Wedding - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 88)

On the day, we were both very nervous – Philip more so than me. It was amazing having all our friends and family in the same place. Both being from large families, it’s quite rare! The groom and best man looked dashing in slim-fit navy suits with tweed waistcoats. My wedding gift to Philip was a pair of engraved cufflinks. The men looked great alongside my bridesmaids, who each wore different styles but all in navy with lace detailing. The venue was ours for the whole day and I loved getting ready in the dressing room with my best girls. They treated me to a gorgeous bridal robe and a Yankee Candle as well as other presents. Philip and I spent our first night as newlyweds in the idyllic Honeymoon Cottage. I found a beautiful gown by Justin Alexander. It was Chantilly lace in a fit-and-flare style with a sweetheart neckline. I accessorised it with a cathedral-length veil and a pretty hair slide for the evening. The detail of the dress meant I didn’t need lots of jewellery, so I just wore my mum’s pearl drop earrings; they were my something borrowed. REAL WEDDINGS 47 