LOVE STORY A modern-day The historic Great Fosters set the scene for Amy and Michael’s big day Images courtesy of Rachel Wood Weddings Amy and Michael matched on Tinder during the early days of lockdown in 2020. Amy was at the University of Hertfordshire studying for her social work degree while Michael was busy saving the world from gas leaks! Amy adds, “I had no interest in a relationship as I was planning study abroad with my best friend Ella. However, Michael with some persistent messing finally got me to respond! We agreed to FaceTime a few weeks on and it lasted six hours! We always knew there was something special from that moment.” Michael proposed in February 2023 on Amy’s 24th birthday. “It was the perfect surprise,” shares Amy. “A chauffeur arrived and drove us to the Shard in London! Michael asked me to marry him in a room on the 52nd floor; covered in candles and flower petals with a perfect sunset view of St Paul’s.” The big date was set for 24th May 2025, with Great Fosters providing an idyllic backdrop. “The venue was Michael’s first choice,” recalls Amy. “I chose to look at other venues, however, we knew from the moment we pulled in this was going to be our venue. We loved how authentic and historical it was, it had an amazing character and charm that other venues didn’t have.” Equally impressed with the staff at Great Fosters, the couple were made to feel so welcome from their first visits, which made it feel more special. Michael also loved the venue had an Italian Suite for the night of the wedding – it was a special nod to his Italian family. With a brief of ‘lots of colourful flowers’, Amy and Michael wanted a fun and relaxed day. “We also said our theme was a ‘modern day Henry VIII ball mixing traditional and modern elements,” shares Amy. “My bridesmaids were in mismatched green dresses with bouquets of colourful pink flowers, but no colour was off limit and we gave full control to our florist make beautiful flowers and they done just that!” Thoughtfully curating the day, the table places were dark green bows with individual names and personalised menus for everyone. Most of the stationery had a bespoke monogram which emphasised the theme, “other personalised touches such as love note napkins, drink stirrers, and glasses, elevated the evening party,” adds Amy. Ever After decorated the venue with large floral arrangements drawing attention to features such as the archway for the ceremony, while smaller meadow-style flowers adorned the tables. “We wanted our flowers to make a statement and be a focus of our décor,” shares Amy. “The company also decorated the outside space including welcome displays, and the outside cocktail and bar area to keep everything in keeping with our theme.” It was important to have a nod to Michael’s heritage, so the couple opted for sugared almonds which his aunty organised to come from Sicily. “We also used limoncello shots and drank them at the end of Michael’s speech!” recalls Amy. On the day, the bride wore a Freda Bennett Etta dress with custom sleeves from Lavender & Jude. “I’d initially gone shopping there alone, which I really recommend,” shares Amy. “Claire the owner looked after me the whole time, she knows what suites every bride and what will make them feel their best. I always thought I’d go for lace or sparkles, but satin is what I loved the most. I adore a puff sleeve and square neck, so I knew the dress reflected who I am and it felt like me – which Michael also said on the day!” The groom wore a three-piece Moon Shetland suit from Impeccable Wear. He teamed it with a tie and pocket square different from the groomsmen who had olive-green satin ties and pocket squares. The bridesmaids wore dresses in various styles in olive and sage tones, “it was important they could all wear dresses they felt confident and comfortable in,” adds Amy. The couple chose live entertainment for the ceremony to the end of the wedding breakfast; singer Deeanne received plenty of compliments from the guests. “She really helped keep a great vibe to our day,” adds Amy. “We also had a live sketch artist, who drew our guests which they could take away as a favour, while a mini golf set up entertained guests for a large part of the day – we had personalised golf balls, score cards and pencils!” In the evening, an audio guest book, photo booth, DJ and saxophonist kept the evening party going all night, “We loved our evening party, the dancefloor was busy and it was so much fun dancing as husband and wife!” remembers Amy. REAL WEDDINGS 21
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