team ran the bar and food service,” Charlie says. “We had a longer canapé reception to allow our guests to mingle. The canapés included lobster and crab choux puffs, crispy duck in gem lettuce cups, and chicken tikka tostados.” This was followed by feasting food consisting of slow-roasted Persian lamb served shredded and sprinkled with pomegranate and mint leaves, Moroccan chicken braised with spices, white wine, olives and preserved lemons and salmon en croûte with sides of grilled peach, prosciutto and a summer green salad. “We both love food, and so it was important for us that no one went hungry and there was plenty for everyone,” Charlie tells us. “A highlight was our dessert bar, including chocolate cones, gin and tonic jellies, margarita and lime cheesecake bites and espresso martini shots. We also had a cheese stack as our wedding cake, and our midnight snack was bacon rolls and veggie sausage rolls, which went down a treat with our guests!” Charlie tried on many dresses in 12 bridal boutiques before finding the one for her. “I purchased my dress from & She Loves, run by the amazing Rochelle, who was so lovely and helpful,” she tells us. “I chose a gown by Allure, style no 3601, that I teamed with a Tara Lauren Easton skirt and sleeves to go over the top. I was recommended the amazing Mei Sarson, a seamstress based in Tilehurst, who transformed the dress to include mini cap sleeves, lace added to the back of the dress and the overskirt.” Charlie had her hairdresser, Shelly, create her bridal hairstyle. “This felt special as she has been there through many milestones,” Charlie says. “My sister helped her do the make-up, which also added a special touch.” Will wore his No 1 Dress uniform for the ceremony and then changed into a morning suit by Moss for the reception. “Our groomsmen wore Moss morning suits with a waistcoat of their choosing and the same tie gifted as a wedding favour,” Charlie says. “Our bridesmaids chose a dress they could wear again, so they all had different options, designs, materials, and colours.” “We had the incredible Hobo Chic, who is a pedal artist and musician that we first saw in Meribel, France, in 2023 when he was performing at an aprés ski bar,” Charlie says. “We thought he was amazing and interacted so well with the crowd, so we messaged him on Instagram and asked if he could entertain at our wedding. He played two sets of chilled, relaxed music during our drinks reception and then performed two sets of upbeat, party music after dinner. After his final set, we enjoyed a silent disco which continued until the early hours of the morning.” “The entire day was magical, and we both loved every moment. A highlight was the speeches that resulted in laughter and tears in equal measure.” - Charlie and Will REAL WEDDINGS 29
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