ELEGANCE Timeless Erika and Connor celebrated their love with a timeless and elegant wedding at Swynford Manor, featuring delicate touches of white and baby blue throughout Images courtesy of October James Photography Erika and Connor met through mutual friends, and from the start their conversation flowed effortlessly. Their first date, dinner followed by a trip to the beach, was Erika’s dream date. “I loved that Connor planned the day around the things I enjoy most,” Erika says. “That thoughtfulness has carried on throughout our relationship. He always pays attention to what matters to me.” Connor proposed in 2022 during a weekend away to celebrate their fourth anniversary. “We love marking special occasions with trips,” Erika explains. “Connor told me he’d arranged for the hotel’s reception to take some photos of us, and they suggested a beautiful backdrop.” The couple were led into the chapel, where the lights were dimmed and rose petals scattered across a table. As they reached the front, Connor dropped to one knee. “It was so unexpected,” adds Erika. “I cried with joy, it was such a special moment.” When it came to choosing a venue, the couple viewed several before Erika discovered Swynford Manor online. “As soon as we stepped inside, we knew,” she says. Flooded with natural light, the modern reception room felt like a blank canvas they could personalise. The food was equally important. “We wanted something exciting and different,” shares Erika. “We absolutely loved their menu and drinks options.” They chose an elegant theme with touches of white and baby blue woven throughout the day. Clear charger plates dressed the tables, while their sweetheart table was framed by a white faux-flower arch, with matching blooms used across the venue for a cohesive look. An easel from GDC Weddings & Events displayed their table plan, alongside individually printed place cards from Mea Prints Studio. Tall black stands topped with white roses and gypsophila created striking centrepieces. Guests were transported from the church to Swynford Manor by coach, while Erika and Connor travelled in a white Rolls-Royce Phantom VII. Their cake, created by Amber at Love Wedding Cakes, was a three-tier white design with fondant icing and delicate sugar flowers in white and pale blue. Their initials were embossed on the middle tier, and each layer featured a different flavour. Erika wore a lace mermaid-style gown called Amy from Pure Brides’ Iconic collection. Wanting a more fitted silhouette rather than a princess gown, she knew almost instantly it was the one. The dress originally featured off-the-shoulder sleeves, but seamstress Michel Mulcahy redesigned it with elegant long lace sleeves using the same fabric. Connor complemented her look with a three-piece blue suit and waistcoat from Moss, while the maid-of-honour wore a pale blue Six Stories gown. Music played a huge part of their day. During the drinks reception, live singer Amy Morris performed alongside a keyboard player. “I found Amy on social media and fell in love with her voice,” says Erika. “Our guests kept commenting on how beautiful it was.” In the evening, Lovelight Entertainment took over the party, joined by saxophonist Greg, known as The Sax. After sharing playlists in advance, the couple enjoyed a dancefloor packed all night. “I think I left for about 10 minutes in total,” Erika laughs. A photo booth from Picture Perfect Pod added another layer of fun, keeping guests entertained throughout the evening. Their standout moment was the first dance, which was secretly choreographed in advance as a surprise for their guests. “It was so hard not telling anyone,” Erika says. “But it went better than we ever imagined, especially the lift at the end! Despite having no previous dance experience, Connor mastered the routine.” The couple credit their suppliers, particularly October James Photography and content creator The Mystery Guest, for creating such a relaxed atmosphere. “They hyped us up, made us laugh and made us feel completely at ease,” explains Erika. From the heartfelt best man’s speech to guests who danced the night away, Erika and Connor’s celebration was everything they had dreamed of. It was elegant, joyful and filled with unforgettable moments. REAL WEDDINGS 23
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