TO REMEMBER A weekend Elegant minimalism, heartfelt moments and exquisite food combined to create this wedding Images courtesy of Katie Ingram Photography Kirsty and Rikki first met in a bar in Coventry. What began as a spark of attraction quickly grew into a deeper connection. Years later, Rikki surprised Kirsty with a proposal in the breathtaking 13th-century Church of Saint Pietro a Toccolo, hidden in a cave once used by Christian ascetics. The historic setting, followed by the modern luxury of the Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel, blended sacred tradition with contemporary elegance. The couple’s wedding, set for March 2025, was designed as a weekend of great food, flowing drinks, and effortless connections. The couple chose Hampton Manor, the renowned “foodie estate,” with two awardwinning restaurants. The venue’s subtle décor enhanced the atmosphere without overwhelming it. Neutral tones in flowers and the overall theme created an elegant setting. Highlights included a circular plinth and runway aisle, a personalised welcome mirror, a custom Ciara Aloisio bloom wishing well, and floral clouds on plinths. Long tables set a grand yet intimate tone for the wedding breakfast, and the centrepieces featured cloud-like white hydrangeas and roses in stoneware pedestal vases, while ivory Ester and Erik candles in gold holders added warm, ambient light. Place and table names continued the clean, minimal aesthetic with soft gold accents, and personalised menus added an elegant touch. Favours for guests included handmade Barnaby Bars, complementing the 818 Tequila table. On the big day, guests enjoyed canapés at the drinks reception, followed by a three-course meal of confit salmon with horseradish and wild rice, slow-braised ox cheek with artichoke, bone marrow, boulangère potatoes, and hispi cabbage, finished with a rich milk chocolate delice with hazelnut and vanilla ice cream. Evening food added a playful touch with classic chicken and chips. We can’t forget about the classic off-white heartshaped cake with delicate piped details, simple yet elegant. Kirsty wore the Milla Nova Rita two-piece Mikado mermaid gown, with a heart-shaped draped bow neckline, off-theshoulder sleeves, a boned corset and a fitted maxi skirt with a short train, completed with a custom blusher veil adorned with tiny pearls. “I was absolutely in awe when I saw myself! I felt truly special, thanks to my glam team,” Kirsty says. Rikki wore a stunning Gieves & Hawkes ivory Colomb ecru wool shawl tuxedo, embodying timeless charm and elegance. The wedding party included their four young children, with the boys in black tuxedos and the girls in ivory satin puff cropped gowns. Music was central to the day, curated by TwentyOne Events. The ceremony opened with the TwentyOne Choir performing their favourite songs as Kirsty walked down the aisle. A roaming saxophonist added a relaxed vibe during the drinks reception, while musicians on mirrored plinths serenaded guests at the wedding breakfast. A live rendition of the couple’s chosen song marked their introduction as bride and groom, followed by sing-alongs that lifted the energy. The evening party featured the Lux Flagship Show Band on a giant mirror ball stage, keeping the dancefloor alive. “The live music brought such an electric atmosphere and really set the tone for each part of the day,” Kirsty says. The most special moments included their 10-year-old daughter’s welcome speech and their four children cutting the cake together. Another meaningful detail was Rikki’s sister conducting the ceremony as the celebrant, adding a deeply personal touch by sharing their love story with guests. “It was such a beautiful and intimate way to begin the day and something we will always cherish,” Kirsty adds. The next day, the pair welcomed 55 overnight guests at Grace & Savour, one of the key reasons for choosing the venue. The weekend ended with a relaxed Sunday lunch of chicken liver parfait with fennel chutney, Hereford beef sirloin with carrot purée, Yorkshire pudding and smoked bone marrow gravy, finished with chocolate tart and crème fraîche ice cream. REAL WEDDINGS 25
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