LOVE Timeless Family treasures, vibrant décor, and meaningful customs shine in Suzanne and Spencer’s countryside celebration Images courtesy of Robert Christopher Photography Suzanne and Spencer met on Christmas Day in 2012 through family friends. “I grew up with his sisters, but this was the first time I’d met him,” says Suzanne. “After five years of flirting and dancing back and forth, we finally decided to make a go of it.” Their relationship soon blossomed, and Spencer later proclaimed his love by proposing during a trip away to celebrate his nan’s 90th birthday. A church venue was very important to the couple, as they wanted a classic and traditional feel to their wedding day. They chose Luddesdowne Church for the ceremony and hired a marquee from Cobham Marquees for the reception, which was set up at Luddesdown Village Hall. “The church and village hall are steeped in history, and the area is surrounded by rolling vineyards,” shares the bride. “The traditional Kentish countryside provided a beautifully simple backdrop for the day.” Suzanne envisioned a simple yet colourful country garden theme, accented with vintage touches. She incorporated a mirror that had belonged to her grandparents, vintage suitcases from her great-grandparents, and tablecloths and vases that once belonged to her nan. “They’re no longer here, so I wanted to make them part of the day,” adds Suzanne. Bud vases were used to decorate the tables for a simple yet effective look, paired with flowers and chandeliers. For favours, guests received personalised fans and bottle openers, while Star Creations supplied personalised cookies and individual gift bags for the children. Catering was provided by Chop & Chip Co. “They were absolutely fantastic,” says Suzanne. “Everybody loved it, with many guests going back for extra helpings. Making sure everyone was well fed with good food was a top priority for us.” Suzanne wore a classic ballgown called Matera from WED2B, a clean and timeless style that perfectly suited the traditional theme. She wore her aunt’s pearl bracelet as her something borrowed, paired with pearl earrings and a hair comb, and completed the look with a stunning cathedral-length lace veil. Spencer opted for a morning suit from Slater Menswear, styled with a grey and blue tie. To complement the overall look, Suzanne’s bridesmaids wore gowns in varying styles and colours from Ever Pretty, each carrying matching bouquets. Entertainment was provided by DJ Tailor B, who kept the dancefloor full throughout the evening, alongside a photo booth from Robert Christopher Photography. “Our first dance was interrupted by our friend, a Zimbabwean artist, who surprised us by singing a medley of his songs to kick-start the party,” adds Suzanne. On the day, the couple felt both nervous and excited to begin their new chapter together as a family. “There were so many standout moments, but one of our favourites was the traditional Zimbabwean singing in the church and the cultural customs we incorporated,” says Suzanne. “It was a wonderful mix of both our cultures. Spencer’s 90-year-old nan made sure she got up to dance with us both – she even held her walking stick in the air! His family also delivered some incredibly heartwarming and funny speeches.” Planning a wedding can be stressful, so Suzanne shares her top planning tip: “Keep a log of everything, sketch out décor plans, and visit your venue to make sure your ideas will work on the day. When the day arrives, relax and enjoy it – whatever does or doesn’t go to plan won’t matter. Just soak it all in.” REAL WEDDINGS 25
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