TWE Couples Archives - The Wedding Edition https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/category/twe-couples/ Curated by experts | Digital Magazine Wed, 11 Sep 2024 10:12:09 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-twe-favicon-512x512-1-32x32.png TWE Couples Archives - The Wedding Edition https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/category/twe-couples/ 32 32 Inside: Olivia Gregorian-Wilson’s Elegant Surrey Wedding https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/olivia-gregorian-wedding/ Tue, 10 Sep 2024 14:48:30 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=24336 Join The Wedding Edition as we explore the details of a beautiful rural wedding in Surrey, celebrating Olivia Gregorian-Wilson’s —one-third of the Gregorian Sisters—on her special day with her husband, Ollie. The Story So Far Oliver & I met in February 2015, at the Leicester Square Theatre in London. I had just graduated from 3 […]

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Join The Wedding Edition as we explore the details of a beautiful rural wedding in Surrey, celebrating Olivia Gregorian-Wilson’s —one-third of the Gregorian Sisters—on her special day with her husband, Ollie.

The Story So Far

Oliver & I met in February 2015, at the Leicester Square Theatre in London. I had just graduated from 3 years of Musical Theatre training and was working at the theatre a few days a week, and Ollie had recently become tour manager for German comedian Henning Wehn who was about to do a 3 week residency at the theatre. A colleague pointed him out to me whilst he was on stage doing the sound check and he caught my eye! Later that  evening he came over to chat to me and eventually asked me for my number, we met for coffee the very next day and the rest is history!

After 7 and a half years together, Ollie finally popped the question on 28th July 2022 at Kilworth House in Leicestershire. My sister was in a show at the theatre there and we had travelled up to watch her perform. We had a beautiful pre-theatre meal in the orangery, then headed out for a walk before the show started. Looking back, I realise that Ollie’s behaviour was a little strange, but I now know that he was scoping out the perfect spot to stop and pop the question. He settled on Kilworth House’s garden temple, which was beautiful and private. It was a complete shock to me, I really had no idea! I had previously sent Ollie a few hints regarding engagement rings, mostly round diamond trilogy rings but as Ollie would say “he knows me better than I know myself” and he created a beautiful trilogy ring with emerald cut diamonds on a gold band, and for once he was right! He purchased the ring from the wonderful Dovi Fehler, known on Instagram as The London Jeweller.

The Venue

Our wedding was at the legendary Wentworth Golf Club in Virginia Water. We knew we didn’t want to be too far away from London where my family and many of our friends are based, and as Ollie is from Surrey we decided to keep our venue search in that area. Ollie’s brother had recently become a member of Wentworth and suggested we go and have a look after we’d had a couple of unsuccessful viewings elsewhere. 

The first time we visited we knew it was the one – it was elegant and sophisticated but also laid-back which made us feel totally relaxed there. The views of the rolling fairways of the golf course and the castle-like clubhouse covered in ivy were stunning. There are a handful of hotel rooms in the clubhouse, so our families could stay, which included two amazing suites which myself and my bridal party used to get ready in on the morning of the wedding. 

Wentworth offered us a choice of indoor and outdoor settings for the day which meant we didn’t have to worry about the weather! The majority of the day was spent inside the stylish clubhouse, specifically in the beautiful and grand ballroom which was the perfect location for our ceremony, wedding breakfast and the evening party. Our drinks reception took place on the Ryder Cup terrace, which overlooks a perfectly manicured garden and outdoor swimming pool. It really was the perfect venue for us and the team there were super helpful and truly created our dream day.

The day after the wedding we hosted a BBQ / pool party for our families and a few friends at Ollie’s brother’s house in Weybridge. Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas so we didn’t get to use the pool, but we kept the party going inside with plenty of debriefing, Aperol Spritz and even some more dancing.

The Fashion

Our wedding was at the legendary Wentworth Golf Club in Virginia Water. We knew we didn’t want to be too far away from London where my family and many of our friends are based, and as Ollie is from Surrey we decided to keep our venue search in that area. Ollie’s brother had recently become a member of Wentworth and suggested we go and have a look after we’d had a couple of unsuccessful viewings elsewhere. 

The first time we visited we knew it was the one – it was elegant and sophisticated but also laid-back which made us feel totally relaxed there. The views of the rolling fairways of the golf course and the castle-like clubhouse covered in ivy were stunning. There are a handful of hotel rooms in the clubhouse, so our families could stay, which included two amazing suites which myself and my bridal party used to get ready in on the morning of the wedding. 

Wentworth offered us a choice of indoor and outdoor settings for the day which meant we didn’t have to worry about the weather! The majority of the day was spent inside the stylish clubhouse, specifically in the beautiful and grand ballroom which was the perfect location for our ceremony, wedding breakfast and the evening party. Our drinks reception took place on the Ryder Cup terrace, which overlooks a perfectly manicured garden and outdoor swimming pool. It really was the perfect venue for us and the team there were super helpful and truly created our dream day.

The day after the wedding we hosted a BBQ / pool party for our families and a few friends at Ollie’s brother’s house in Weybridge. Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas so we didn’t get to use the pool, but we kept the party going inside with plenty of debriefing, Aperol Spritz and even some more dancing.

Olivia and Ollie

The Jewellery

Along with my engagement ring, I wore Megan Therese Couture earrings and a matching hair accessory which were very kindly gifted to me by my bridesmaids. The earrings and hair piece are like a work of art with hand crafted clay flowers and real pearls. They were the perfect finishing touch and really elevated my look.

The Bridal Party

My bridesmaids wore beautiful dusty blue halter neck floral dresses from Coast and my bridesmen wore dusty blue suits from Zara. They all looked absolutely gorgeous! I gifted them all a set of pyjamas from my favourite pyjama brand Chelsea Peers plus personalised clutch bags from Katie Loxton and earrings from Silver Rain for the girls and Charbonnel et Walker truffles & Paw Paw lip balm for the boys!

The Tablescape

I really wanted a soft, romantic colour palette for the decor so opted for pale blue, a peachy pink and white. Our flower arrangements were made by my talented auntie who works for Amanda’s Flowers in Richmond. Each table had a beautiful flower arrangement in keeping with the colour palette, pale blue napkins, tea lights in clear ribbed glass holders and pale blue, white and peach tapered candles which were inside glass hurricane holders. I purchased eucalyptus themed table numbers and name place cards from Papier to tie in with the flower arrangements.

Food & Drinks

All the food and drinks were organised in-house by Wentworth and it was truly delicious.

Beautiful canapes including Carlingford oysters which were a big hit with our guests! We served Pimms, fizz and beers for our drinks reception and Picpoul de Pinet and Rioja for the meal. The meal consisted of a Tandoori Tiger prawn salad or a Heritage Tomato and Peach salad starter, Fillet of beef or Truffle Roasted Cauliflower steak for main and a gorgeous Lemon meringue parfait dessert.

For our late night snack we served wood fired pizzas from Fire & Base, which were amazing along with our gorgeous three tier cake and macarons made by Lucy at Vanilla Frost Cakes who has made so many cakes for my family’s birthdays and important events. 

Entertainment

As someone with a history of performing, and both of us being huge lovers of music, entertainment and music were a big priority for us. My wonderful choir, The Adam Street Singers, performed during the ceremony including as I walked down the aisle. This was so unbelievably special and was many of our guests’ highlight of the day and mine too! Another highlight was the surprise singing waiters, organised by my mum! One of the performers interrupted the dinner pretending to deliver a pizza, you can imagine the horror on my face but thankfully they burst into song shortly after and had everyone on their feet!

We found picking a first dance song quite hard and we still weren’t 100% decided until a few days before the wedding. In the end, we went for Rock with You by Michael Jackson (one of Ollie’s favourite artists). We didn’t want anything too slow or too fast so it was the perfect tempo for us to dance too. After the first dance myself, my sisters and a few of my dancer friends surprised Ollie and the guests with a flash mob to the song Be Faithful by Fat Man Scoop, it was absolutely electric and everyone loved it! It was a great way to get the party started.

For the evening we had the all female group High on Heels perform, which included a DJ, saxophone player, percussionist and lead singer. They were incredible and kept the energy up all night. I loved  the fact that you could tailor how many artists you wanted for your day and they totally catered to our music tastes. 

Beauty Regime & Wellness

I found the search for make-up artists and hair stylists tricky, as there are just so many out there. I knew exactly how I wanted to look on the day, I wanted a glowy, soft glam look for the make-up and a sleek bun for my hair, so I searched through Instagram for MUA’s and stylists who had created similar looks, which is how I found my wonderful glam squad Ruby & Gaby. I had trials with both a couple of months before the wedding which I would highly recommend doing!

If I’m completely honest, I didn’t change up my usual regime for the wedding! I have always been quite lucky and never had many problems with my skin, so I decided not to mess with my usual skincare leading up to the wedding just in case something didn’t agree with me. I definitely tried to eat a little healthier and be more active but I didn’t put too much pressure on myself to lose weight.

Favourite Wedding Gifts

We used The Wedding Shop for our wedding gift list which was super easy to use! We did a mixture of gifts and experiences for people to purchase along with a honeymoon fund. A few of my favourite gifts would be a Gluggle Jug, Our Place cookware and a cookery course at Belmond Le Manoir in Oxfordshire.

The Honeymoon

A couple of days after the wedding we headed off on our honeymoon in Athens. We spent 2 nights in the city centre seeing the sights and exploring the city and then headed 30 mins away to Vouliagmeni, on the “Athens Riviera” where we enjoyed beach clubs, bars and restaurants for 4 nights. We are hoping to go somewhere further afield in 2025 but don’t have any plans just yet!

Advice

Don’t sweat the small stuff. So many of my married friends gave me this advice and it’s so true. In the lead up to the day. There may be some hiccups, things might not go exactly to plan, guests might drop out last minute, but usually there isn’t much you can do to change those things so try not to stress and focus on the positives.

Remember it’s your day and should be special and personal to you. Don’t compare your wedding to other weddings or worry about traditions, just do what is right for you and your partner and it will be the most perfect day.

The day goes so fast, really take time to be present and take it all in. We managed to have a couple of moments just the two of us and it was so lovely to just take a breather and process everything.

With Thanks To:

Bride & Groom: – @ocgregorian & @olliejwilson

Venue & Caterer: Wentworth Golf Club @wentworth_club & @doggartandsquash

Dress: Jesus Peiro from Ellie Sanderson Bridal @jesuspeiroofficial @elliesandersonbridal

Shoes: @loefflerrandall

Jewellery: @megantheresecouture

Bridesmaids: Debut London by Coast @coastfashion

Groom outfit: Marks & Spencer @marksandspencer

Florist: Amanda’s Flowers Richmond @amandasflowersrichmond

Stationery: Hannah Louise Stationary & Papier @hannah_louise_stationary @papier

Wedding website: The Knot @theknot

Photographer: Bjorn Knight-Franklin @knightfranklinphotography

Videographer: Jonny Noakes @jonny_noakes

Celebrant: @lucyfergussoncelebrant

Wedding rings: Dovi Fehler @londonjeweller

Makeup: Ruby Baron @rubyloubeauty

Hair: Gaby Goldring @gabygoldringhairstylist

Gift list: The Wedding Shop @theweddingshopuk

Bridesmaid gifts: Katie Loxton, Chelsea Peers, Silver Rain @katieloxton @chelseapeersnyc @silver_rain_uk

Entertainment: @adamstsingers @highonheelsuk @singerssecreto 

Cake: @vanillafrostcakes

Pizza: @fireandbase

READ NEXT: 4 Expert-Approved Wedding Speech Tips You Need To Know

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The Engagement Story With Bronte King & Matthew Scales https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/the-engagement-story-with-bronte-king-matthew-scales/ Tue, 10 Sep 2024 09:00:02 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=24337 A romantic sunrise proposal on the Brooklyn Bridge, a family heirloom ring, and plans for a sun-soaked destination wedding – Bronte King and Matthew’s engagement journey is filled with beautiful heartwarming moments. The Wedding Edition takes an exclusive look at the Engagement Story with Bronte King and Matthew Dudley Scales…. By Bronte King The story… […]

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A romantic sunrise proposal on the Brooklyn Bridge, a family heirloom ring, and plans for a sun-soaked destination wedding – Bronte King and Matthew’s engagement journey is filled with beautiful heartwarming moments. The Wedding Edition takes an exclusive look at the Engagement Story with Bronte King and Matthew Dudley Scales….

By Bronte King

The story…

We met in 2020 through work, but it wasn’t until two years later, after I asked Matt for advice on videographers, that we reconnected over coffee. That coffee led to a date, and from that first moment, as cliché as it sounds, we both knew we’d found ‘the one’. We’ve now been together for two and a half years.

Dropping hints…

We talked about getting married quite early on. Oddly enough, I was never the type to dream about proposals or weddings, but after meeting Matt, I couldn’t wait to marry him. I teased him constantly, joking about when it would happen. He knew I loved opals – I admired his mum’s opal ring the first time we met and often sent him Instagram posts of similar rings as subtle hints.

The proposal…

We were in New York on a trip – a birthday present from Matt. I love planning our trips, and we even shared an itinerary on a notes app! I’d been adamant about catching the sunrise on the Brooklyn Bridge, as we’d be jetlagged and awake early. Around 5:15 a.m., we walked along the bridge, taking photos and enjoying the moment. As Matt set up his camera to record for my vlog, I had this fleeting thought: “Is he about to propose?” My heart was racing, but I tried to calm myself. Then, just like that, he proposed, and it was the most magical moment. We spent the rest of the day in a love bubble, exploring New York and calling our family and friends.

The ring…

The opal stone in the ring has been passed down through Matt’s family for generations, dating back to his great-great-grandmother. Matt had the stone removed from its original setting and placed into a new, sturdier one. He worked with a jeweller named Gemima to bring his vision to life. I was stunned when Matt revealed that the stone was the one I had admired on his mum’s ring – it was such a special moment, and I can’t stop staring at it.

Engagement party/celebrations…

As soon as we landed, my sister, brother, brother-in-law, and best friend had decorated our flat, and we had a celebratory breakfast together. That evening, my sister surprised me with a dinner with all my best friends, and we spent hours debriefing! We hosted our official engagement party in July, a few months after the proposal, to allow time to plan and gather everyone. We rented a gorgeous venue in Eccleston Yard, Victoria called Morena, and the warm summer evening made it the perfect celebration. I can’t recommend an engagement party enough!

The outfit…

I was wearing a full white outfit, which wasn’t out of the ordinary for me as I love white dresses and skirts. That day, I had a white skirt, white waistcoat, yellow bag, and blue-and-white Adidas Speziales – the ideal outfit for exploring New York. It turned out to be a perfect engagement outfit too! I did ask Matt that morning which of my two outfits to wear, and he chose the white one, but I didn’t think much of it at the time.Wedding plans so far…
We’re beyond excited for our wedding abroad in 2025! We both love to travel, and it felt right to celebrate our marriage by the sea, with all our loved ones together for a sun-filled holiday.

READ NEXT: The Best Orangery Wedding Venues In The Uk

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The Engagement Story With Georgia Reed https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/the-engagement-story-with-georgia-reed/ Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:29:24 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=24297 Join The Wedding Edition as we sit down with publicist and writer, Georgia Reed, and discover the details of her engagement to Tom in Greenwich Park and also learn the details of their Hampshire based wedding plans. The Story In May 2015, fate bought us together in a bar in Portsmouth, our hometown. We knew […]

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Join The Wedding Edition as we sit down with publicist and writer, Georgia Reed, and discover the details of her engagement to Tom in Greenwich Park and also learn the details of their Hampshire based wedding plans.

The Story

In May 2015, fate bought us together in a bar in Portsmouth, our hometown. We knew each other from college when we were 16 and 17 years old, so he was a familiar face that I was happy to bump into. We spent the whole night talking and laughing, and there was as instant spark. So much so that we went on our first date a couple days after. Fast forward to now, we have been together 9 incredible years and happily live in South East London with our sassy sausage dog, Margot. Life has been an adventure together ever since that night.

Dropping hints

Over the years we had talked a lot about getting married, and it was something we both wanted. Tom told my parents he was proposing whilst the four of us were on holiday together. He managed to sneak the conversation in whilst I wasn’t there, which I am so pleased he did. However, a few weeks afterwards, a less sneaky parcel arrived at the door one morning. When I went to answer the doorbell, I was ushered away soon after. Whilst I felt it would be happening soon, I definitely pretended to not notice the suspicious package and go along with the surprise.

The Proposal

Without ever discussing it, my heart had always been set on getting engaged in Greenwich Park. It’s our favourite place, filled with countless memories from the past few years of living locally. Fortunately, Tom had the same idea too. 

During our morning walk, Tom knelt down at the Greenwich Park viewpoint and asked me to marry him. With a breathtaking view of the London skyline, surrounded by the parkland and our beloved sausage dog, it was an incredible moment. I wish I could relive it, as it now feels like a joyful blur.

Tom had planned a day full of things I love: Greenwich Market food stalls, enjoying a spa afternoon, sipping rooftop drinks, and dining at my favourite Japanese restaurant.

The Ring

Pinterest can be a minefield, and I would often show Tom different designs to give him an idea of my tastes. One day we came across a beautiful yellow sapphire – I loved the way it glistened and how rare it was. 

Tom loved it too, and being a bigger risk-taker than I am, he made his decision. He collaborated with the brilliant team at Fenton to design the bespoke ring, but incorporating unique touches. 

The ring features an emerald-cut yellow sapphire set horizontally, surrounded by small diamonds. Engraved on a delicate gold band marks ‘Always G&T’ inside. What’s more, we discovered the gem stone originally comes from Sri Lanka, which happens to be one of my favourite countries and a place I love. 

I might be biased, but I believe my ring is the most beautiful thing, and Tom did such a brilliant job. I couldn’t be happier.

The Celebrations

A couple of weeks after getting engaged in Greenwich Park, we celebrated with a weekend at Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds. We spent our time by the lit fire, sipping champagne sent by family and friends, relaxing in a steaming outdoor bath and heated pool despite the cold weather, watching films in a velvet-seated theatre, and indulging in delicious food. 

A couple of months later, we hosted an engagement party with family and friends. It was held at a speakeasy styled bar close to the place we originally met all those years ago. We had personalised cookies created, a fun couple quiz, a photo booth, and a sax player who kept the party lively all night. It is safe to say I drank a bit too much and learned my lesson for over-indulging on the big day.

Wedding Plans So Far…

We’re over the moon to have set the date for next winter, on our tenth anniversary together. Tom loves the winter, whilst I love the party season and build up to Christmas. Even better, it falls on a special date for us. We’ll be getting married at a manor house in Hampshire, which features a beautiful orangery, gardens, and on-site cottages for guests to stay at. 

We hope for it to be romantic, cosy, colourful and more importantly, fun. Spending the day with our loved ones, and having a big, vibrant party is what we are prioritising. 

We’re also planning an elongated honeymoon travelling around South America afterwards. Whilst there are still so many details to plan, I can’t wait for this next chapter together.

READ NEXT: How To Plan A Wedding Step By Step

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Inside: Kate Bieske’s Black-Tie Portugal Wedding https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/inside-kate-bieskes-veil-and-veu-wedding/ Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:47:57 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=24202 From crossing paths 14 years ago, to a dream destination wedding in Portugal, Kate and Chris share the details that made their wedding day so special. The Story So Far We first met fourteen years ago in Chelford, Cheshire, and kept crossing paths. Kate used to be a model, and we’d often bump into each […]

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From crossing paths 14 years ago, to a dream destination wedding in Portugal, Kate and Chris share the details that made their wedding day so special.

The Story So Far

We first met fourteen years ago in Chelford, Cheshire, and kept crossing paths. Kate used to be a model, and we’d often bump into each other on nights out in Manchester. It always seemed like one of us was with someone else, so I honestly didn’t think Kate would be interested in me. Kate used to work in a restaurant, and I promoted the nightclub underneath, so I would see her coming in often.

Our relationship started purely as a friendship until one night in Manchester, I saw Kate on a date. When her date slipped off to the toilet, I went over and asked if she was on a date and suggested we go on one instead. That’s how it all began. We started seeing each other in November 2019, but then the lockdown hit, and we couldn’t see each other for a while. Eventually, Kate moved in with me and my Dad. Both of us were furloughed, which turned out to be amazing and really accelerated our relationship.

I had been thinking about getting engaged, and after my Dad passed away, I wanted to do it even more. To find the perfect ring, I asked Kate’s maid of honour what design she thought I should go for. She sent me a design from an Australian designer, Michael Arthur – a pear-shaped platinum ring with a secret halo under the diamond. It was a high import, so I took the design to Hatton Garden, to Beverley Hills Jewellers, and worked with a girl named Kate, it was like it was meant to be! We made a few adjustments to make the diamond sit more flush. 

The engagement was probably the worst kept secret because I was so excited. I wanted to propose somewhere really romantic, not cliché like in a restaurant. I settled on Santorini and got in touch with a wedding planner there. I rented a chapel, arranged for a private chef, and booked a private transfer. The day didn’t go entirely as planned – we were running late, and Kate was stressed because they had put oil in her hair during a massage.

When we got picked up from the hotel, there were two guys in the taxi, and I told Kate they were doing a photoshoot of us around Santorini. Kate wasn’t impressed when we got to a photo spot overlooking the blue domes. As we drove to the venue, I made her close her eyes. We pulled up, and I had the ring hidden in the glovebox. Guiding her down the stairs, “Amazing” by George Michael, her favourite song, was playing. Kate started crying. There was a path of candles and rose petals, and a table set for two with all her favourite dishes for a four-course meal. We watched the sunset, had a dance, and they set off fireworks. When we got back to the hotel they decorated our room with candles and rose petals, making the evening even more special.

The Venue

We always envisioned a destination wedding. We wanted to go away with all of our friends and family and loved the idea of guaranteed good weather. Initially, we looked at venues in Santorini but couldn’t find one that matched our vision. Nothing felt like “us.” So, we expanded our search to Lake Como, the South of France, and Mallorca. We were set on Mallorca for quite a while, but eventually, we started looking back in the UK, hoping to involve our dogs, but nothing felt quite right.

We sent countless enquiries to venues abroad, but most didn’t fit our budget or vision. Many places only covered the cost of the building, requiring everything else to be arranged from scratch. It was frustrating. Then, we stumbled upon Solar da Levada and instantly knew it was perfect. When Kate found their page on Instagram, the pictures were unreal, better than anything we had imagined. Kate set up a meeting with Natalie from Veil and Véu, and we had a call. Natalie and Tania had both got married in Veil and Véu venues and hearing their stories made us trust them immediately. We started the call at 7pm and by 8pm, we knew we wanted to book. It felt like we had known Natalie for years; she felt like a friend.

The venue was everything we dreamed of and more—classic, classy, with a touch of drama. It featured 400 meters of fountains, glass rooms, water running down the ceiling, and natural daylight in the ceremony room. The interior was minimalistic, monochrome, a mix of rustic and modern, with old-school glamour that was cool and timeless. The old chapel was stunning. Our guests experienced different parts of the venue throughout the day: the ceremony, the courtyard for food and drinks, the surprise dining room, and the party on the lake. We even arranged platforms on the water with a DJ in the middle, so we could party on the lake at sunset. A saxophonist added to the magic. The cake cutting with a fire curtain was spectacular. We moved inside for the first dance and then continued the party. 

The wedding was all about utilising the space at the venue. From day one of planning, we envisioned a pre-celebration with all our friends and family under fairy lights at sunset. It was a chance for everyone to get to know each other and break the ice. The vision came to life when we booked a hotel exclusively for three days without even seeing it—we fell in love with the pictures. The night before the wedding, we had dinner in a vineyard with a table for 100 people set under fairy lights, enjoying a three-course meal with all our guests. Everyone was amazed by how beautiful it was.

The day after the wedding, we had a relaxed BBQ and pool party with DJs from the wedding, continuing into the sunset. Originally, we planned for everyone to dress up, but everyone was hungover and preferred to stay around the pool area. We adapted, making it a more relaxed day. All three days were amazing in different ways. We were on cloud nine, with the perfect vibe and a rave in the vineyard until the music stopped. The sunset, house music, and the entire experience were even better than we could have ever imagined.

The Fashion

My first dress was a Ricca Sposa dress from Victoria Lou Bridal in Northampton. It was a a fitted strapless dress with a structured cupped corset, flower lace and matching long sleeves. The bodice had a low back with exposed boning, the skirt was full and had a long train. 

I had a second dress by Rosie Etienne, a mini lace corset dress with a voluminous skirt bottom, 3D hand-placed appliqué flowers and embellished beading.

My shoes, from Lipsy, weren’t the top priority but complemented the outfit well. 

For our “something blue,” one of Chris’s groomsmen’s parents gifted me a beautiful blue evil eye pin to attach to my bouquet and a Hamsa hand for good luck, making it even more special and meaningful.

The Jewellery

Chris gifted me a Christian Dior necklace, and my bridesmaids gave me beautiful matching earrings.

The Bridal Party

Our bridesmaids’ dresses were Pretty Lavish – one-shouldered satin gowns in a stunning bronze colour. All the bridesmaids are tall, and this brand makes long dresses that can be easily altered. From the beginning, I knew these dresses were perfect. They fit so well and were amazing quality.

As for the groomsmen, they all got their own suits and matched with blue Misses Bow Ties. For their gifts, we gave each of them a personalised cigar holder with a cigar cutter and a cigar. The bridesmaids were given necklaces with their star signs on.

Transportation

For our wedding car, we chose a convertible Rolls Royce Corniche with luxurious red leather seats and a sleek silver exterior. 

The Tablescape

From day one we knew we wanted our tablescapes to be classic white roses with babies breath and ivory candles.

Food & Drinks

We had personalised cocktails for the guests, Kate’s was a spicy margarita and Chris’ was ‘Slightly Older Fashioned’.

Entertainment

We wanted music to play a huge part in our wedding day. We had a violinist for the ceremony, and I walked down the aisle to “I’m Kissing You.” For our first dance, we chose “My Destiny” by Lionel Ritchie. During sunset hour, we had DJs and a saxophonist to set the perfect mood. The vibe was like an Ibiza party with electronic house music that was groovy and cool, featuring different versions of old-school classics with a modern twist. 

Beauty Regime & Wellness

We brought my amazing hair dresser and MUA from Cheshire, and they created exactly what I wanted.  

Favourite Wedding Gifts

We didn’t have a traditional gift list because we knew our guests were already spending a lot to come to the wedding. Instead, we included a honeymoon pot on our wedding registry. One of our favourite gifts was a Fortnum and Mason hamper full of wine. However, Kate’s absolute favourite gift was the necklace from Chris.

The Honeymoon

Our honeymoon plans are still to be confirmed, but we’re definitely thinking of a hot, relaxing beach holiday. We’re considering destinations like Bali, the Caribbean, or the Maldives. Right after the wedding, we had a mini-moon in Portugal, which was so relaxing.

Advice

Find a great wedding planner: We loved the venues, obviously that was the main thing, but if you’re planning a destination wedding, hiring a wedding planner like Veil and Véu is a must. When we met Natalie and Tania, we clicked and got on straight away, it felt like we’d known them for years! They’ve both been through the same wedding process in Portugal, which filled us with confidence we could have the most amazing three days. No ask was too much, they made everything we requested happen. We loved the whole process and want to do it all again. 

Trust your gut: Follow your instincts throughout the planning process. If something doesn’t feel right, take your time and don’t settle. It’s important to be confident and happy with every decision you make, so don’t rush into anything if you’re unsure.

Don’t be afraid to take the plunge: Be bold and go for what you really want. We loved every aspect of our wedding because we had the courage to ask for exactly what we visioned. Embrace the process and make the most of every moment—you won’t regret it!

With Thanks To:

Bride: @katebieszke

Groom: @chrisbieszke

Wedding Planner: @veil_veu

Venue: @solardalevada_lagodoscisnes

Main Dress: @riccasposa

Second dress: @rosieetiennebridal

Bridesmaids: @prettylavishuk

Groom outfit: @hawesandcurtisglobal

Florist: @vilaverdeemflor

Wedding website: @withjoy

Photographer: @moisessoaresw_photographer

Videographer: @moisessoaresw_photographer

Makeup: @ameliahuntmua

Hair: @joshuawilliamhair

READ NEXT: The Dress With Kate Bieszke

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Inside: Sophie Breitmeyer’s Elegant Garden Wedding https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/inside-sophie-breitmeyer-elegant-garden-wedding/ Tue, 27 Aug 2024 13:49:22 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=24005 Join The Wedding Edition as we sit down with jeweller Sophie Breitmeyer and discover the thoughtful details of her wedding celebration—and the meaning behind her jewellery pieces to accompany the occasion. The Story So Far John and I met on a dating app towards the end of the pandemic, so our first date was a […]

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Join The Wedding Edition as we sit down with jeweller Sophie Breitmeyer and discover the thoughtful details of her wedding celebration—and the meaning behind her jewellery pieces to accompany the occasion.

The Story So Far

John and I met on a dating app towards the end of the pandemic, so our first date was a dog walk around Ravenscourt Park. John proposed in The French Alps—we both love the mountains and I grew up in Meribel, so this was very special. As for the ring… John likes to call this mission “How the hell do you buy an engagement ring for a jeweller?”

I can hand on heart say I had no idea what was going on, and the proposal was a massive surprise. My production manager Tatijana and John worked behind my back amidst the Christmas rush to find a central stone, which they put in a placeholder ring for the proposal. The stone is a tsavorite garnet, which is only mined in one place in the world: Kenya, between the Tsavo National Parks.

John’s father was born and raised in Kenya, and they still spend a fair bit of time there in a family house on the coast. While John and I were visiting Kenya a couple of years prior, we travelled to the Tsavorite mines together— so he always knew he wanted to propose with a tsavorite stone, and then leave me to design my perfect ring around it. 

The Venue

We got married in the church where I was christened, and the reception was held in my  parents’ garden. I love their garden in June— It’s an explosion of colour, and being in at centre of a farm, you are surrounded by wheat and barley fields that are just starting to turn from green to yellow.

Our reception was incredibly relaxed and informal. Instead of hosting a Sunday event, my parents invited 70 of their friends to join the reception alongside the 150 guests who had come to the ceremony. We had a champagne reception with canapés that turned  into a summer evening garden party, complete with bowl food and music.  

The Fashion

My dress came from Sassi Holford. It was a million miles away from what I thought I would choose, but it was definitely the one. I paired it with a pair of Gucci sandals that I knew were comfortable, and my something blue was a huge silk ribbon that went the whole way down my back instead of a veil.  

John wore his grandfather’s tails, and bought a new waistcoat from Favourbrook.

The Jewellery

Being a jeweller, this was always the million-dollar question for me… I wore pearl and diamond earrings inherited from one grandmother, and a brooch within my bouquet from another grandmother.  

Having decided to keep the placeholder engagement ring as is and not design a ring around the stone that John chose, the wedding band was where I chose to leave my mark. I have a plain gold wedding band to be worn day-to-day, and then a party jacket that fits either side of my engagement ring for high days and holidays. Over time, I may even make a couple of jackets that fit around the engagement ring— creating  totally different looks from the same central garnet stone.  

The Bridal Party

The maids of honour wore floor length blue silk Galvan dresses.  I wanted my page boys and flower girls to be comfortable, so the girls wore white linen dresses with blue bows and silver Supergas, and the boys wore Zara Kids and blue Supergas .

My dog Hackle was the final addition to the bridal party, with a big blue bow around his neck. 

Transportation

I was taken to the church by one of my best friends in his father’s vintage Bentley. It was the most beautiful car.  After the ceremony, John and I left the church in a tuk-tuk belonging to my mother.

The Tablescape

We had an old sail and petal marquee, with Indian swags lining it. Our flowers were blue and white, with a focus on daisies and cosmos. My obsession in the lead-up to the wedding was creating a living garden which you walked into the church through, and this installation was then moved to the marquee along with hundreds of bud vases.  

To complete the marquee setup, my sister’s boyfriend also built the most beautiful bar from a 3-metre piece of wood taken from a fallen tree on the farm.

Food & Drinks

We served crowd-pleasing canapes, and lots of them (think 3,000+). These included sausages, quail’s eggs, tuna tartare, and panko-coated prawns, followed by bowl food such as Thai green curry and prawn orzo.  

There was then a table of cheese and nibbles, with the most beautiful cake from Sugar Plum Bakes.  Throughout the evening, we sipped on champagne, wine, and homemade elderflower and cocktails.  

Entertainment

We had a loop pedal artist who performs at Apres-ski named Sian Smith, who was BRILLIANT!! She sang 3 sets throughout the evening, which had everyone heading to the dance floor. Our very impromptu first dance was to Fleetwood Mac.  

Beauty Regime & Wellness

I had a brilliant hair and make-up artist on the day named Jo Clayton, whom I had worked with in the past and would highly recommend. Before the wedding as skin prep, I had facials at Skin Matters in Holland Park.  

Favourite Wedding Gifts

We had a wedding list with The Wedding Present Company— one of our favourite gifts was a croquet set, which was set up during the reception. Everyone was so incredibly generous, that writing our thank-you letters has become quite the task!

The Honeymoon

The Monday morning after the wedding, we flew to Croatia and spent six days on Hvar at two brilliant but very different hotels. The first was called Little Greene Bay, and the second Maslina. We would highly recommend visiting both.

Advice

We got married 6 months almost to the day post-proposal, and for me this was perfect. I  couldn’t have spoken about the planning of the wedding for much longer! Not having a sit-down dinner also made the whole event so much more relaxed and easy to plan.  

With Thanks To:

Bride & Groom: – @sophiebreitmeyer & John Horsfall  

Venue: Parents’ Own Garden  

Caterer: @sabrinasampsoncatering

Cake: @sugarplumbakeskingston

Dress: @sassiholfordbridal

Bridesmaids: @galvanlondon 

Groom outfit: @favourbrook 

Flower girls & page boys: My Little Dani

Florist: @maryclaredelevingne

Stationery: @papier 

Photographer @georginaharrisonphoto

Singer: Sian Smith via @apresskibands

Wedding rings: @sophiebreitmeyer

Hair & Makeup: @joclaytonmakeupandhair

Gift list: @weddingpresentco

Marquee: @greateventcompany

READ NEXT: How To Decorate A Marquee Step-By-Step

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The Engagement Story With Ellie & Alex: A Romantic Proposal In Scotland https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/ellie-and-alex-romantic-proposal-in-scotland/ Mon, 19 Aug 2024 10:30:59 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=23844 The Story… It was the first night of university, and I had promised my mum that I wouldn’t bring home the first boy I met…. Alex was the third boy I was introduced to that night, so technically I kept my promise! What first started out as just a friendship, hanging out in a group […]

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The Story…

It was the first night of university, and I had promised my mum that I wouldn’t bring home the first boy I met…. Alex was the third boy I was introduced to that night, so technically I kept my promise!

What first started out as just a friendship, hanging out in a group every single day and living our best university lives, soon developed into something romantic. I never understood when adults used to say that when you know, you know. But being with Alex really felt like coming home— like having my best friend and my boyfriend all wrapped up into one 6 foot, blond-haired-blue-eyed package.

We’ve been together almost 8 years now and have grown so much together. We’ve been lucky enough to travel to so many new places together and buy a house that we adore— and after Alex’s romantic proposal in Scotland, I can’t wait to see what other exciting adventures we have ahead of us.

Dropping Hints…

Honestly, there were no hints! We met when we were so young and even though we’ve been together for so long, we’ve both always been so chilled out when it comes to proposals, engagements and weddings. I was always in the mindset of ‘when it happens, it happens’, and he ended up doing such a good job of throwing me off the scent and then surprising me with the proposal.

The Proposal…

The proposal couldn’t have been more perfect. We were on a Scottish road trip and finished in The Isle of Skye, which is actually where my parents got engaged! It was so incredibly special that he asked me to marry him in the same place that my dad asked my mum— a true full circle moment!

After a week of rain, the sun came out on the last night and we were treated to the most amazing sunset. It was just the two of us, sitting in our little Airbnb, watching the sun go down, and basking in the calm of the evening when he suddenly got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It’s safe to say that many tears were shed and it took me a good few minutes before I even thought to look at the ring! It really was the perfect end to the perfect little holiday. 

The Ring…

The ring also couldn’t be more perfect. As a very petite person, I’ve always wanted something dainty, elegant and unique. It is a solitaire oval cut ring set on an Oxford bridge of diamonds, so the main stone stands proud. Alex chose a platinum band, as he knows I’m a silver girl through and through. His parents both have platinum bands as well, and he always wanted us to have matching wedding bands in the same style, which was another lovely and thoughtful connection to our parents and heritage.

The Celebrations…

Alex timed the proposal amazingly, as the day after we came back from the holiday we had a big family roast planned at my mum’s— just the close family to begin with, and the extended family joining later. We gave everyone a real surprise that day by announcing the engagement just before dinner! It was so lovely to make the announcement in person and continue to enjoy the engagement bubble with those we love most. 

The Outfit…

I’m a dress girl through and through, so I was wearing a gorgeous floral Forever New number when he proposed. Needless to say, this dress is going to stay in my collection forever and will hopefully be passed down to my daughters to wear one day! 

Wedding Plans So Far…

We’ve always been super chilled when thinking about getting married, so we’re going to have quite a long engagement. I want to enjoy the wedding planning process, and don’t want to overwhelm myself in plans, processes, or prices! There is one thing we know for sure though: we are going to be having a winter wedding— and more specifically, a Christmas wedding.

Christmas has always been such a special time for both Alex and I, and we’ve always wanted to do something a little bit different for our wedding. The main thing we both want is for the day to feel quintessentially us; if you were to remove us both from the wedding day, I want our guests to walk in and say ‘oh yes, this is an Ellie and Alex wedding’. A Christmas wedding feels like the perfect way to enjoy a time of year we both adore. and find so special, and we can enjoy the festivities with our nearest and dearest while tying the knot!

READ NEXT: How The Coolest Couples Got Engaged

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How The Coolest Couples Got Engaged https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/how-the-coolest-couples-got-engaged/ Fri, 09 Aug 2024 14:59:02 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=23745 Before the big day, there’s always one magical moment that changes everything—the engagement. From creative and thoughtful scavenger hunts in London to beautiful and romantic setups abroad, each of these seven couples has a heartwarming love story— and a unique, inspiring engagement story to go with it. Join The Wedding Edition as we look back […]

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Before the big day, there’s always one magical moment that changes everything—the engagement. From creative and thoughtful scavenger hunts in London to beautiful and romantic setups abroad, each of these seven couples has a heartwarming love story— and a unique, inspiring engagement story to go with it.

Join The Wedding Edition as we look back on some of the most incredible proposals, all from these stunning couples.

Suzie Bonaldi & Ryan

Vlogger Suzie Bonaldi first met Ryan when they were in school together— and she’d asked him out, but he declined. 12 years later, the pair reunited on Tinder, and four years into their relationship, they went on their annual summer trip to Ibiza. Ryan arranged a romantic private dinner beneath a pergola and overlooking the landmark of Es Vedra, where he surprised Suzie with the proposal.

Read Suzie and Ryan’s full engagement story here.

Delaney Childs & Clayton

Fashion and lifestyle influencer Delaney Childs first met her fiancé Clayton at a university party, and the two connected instantly. Nearly ten years later, Clayton orchestrated a made-up brand event in New York City— one of the couple’s favourite destinations— for Delaney to attend. Dressed to impress in a stunning gown, she made her way up to the rooftop of the Intercontinental New York Barclay Hotel, where Clayton was waiting at the end of a path of rose petals, with the dazzling lights of the city as the backdrop.

Read Delaney and Clayton’s full engagement story here.

Veena McCoole & Ross

TWE’s contributing editor Veena McCoole and her fiancé Ross first matched on Hinge in 2019, both having recently relocated to London from the US. After a whirlwind lockdown relationship and during a charming staycation at the Rectory Hotel in the Cotswolds, Ross set up a bouquet of flowers and champagne on an intimate table tucked away in the hotel’s garden. The couple will be returning to the Cotswolds for their wedding in the autumn of 2024.

Read Veena and Ross’s full engagement story here.

Emily Valentine & Nate

After swiping right on each other, content creator Emily Valentine and her fiancé-to-be Nate spent an unforgettable late-night first date at The Ned in London. Six years later, Emily returned home from work to find the first of a series of scavenger hunt clues on the mirror of the couple’s home, leading her back to The Ned and through the landmarks of the day they met— and Nate waiting in a room, ring in hand.

Read Emily and Nate’s full engagement story here.

Tanya Rad & Roby Yadegar

For years before they met, Tanya and Roby nearly crossed paths every day in a courtyard tucked away in Beverly Hills. Tanya would visit in the afternoons to pray for her future husband, and Roby would pass through coming to and from work. Once the pair finally got together, Roby set up a massage for Tanya while he prepared a sweet proposal in that very same courtyard— complete with an outfit, love letter, and makeup waiting in her locker once she finished her appointment.

Read Tanya and Roby’s full engagement story here.

Gonzalo Marroquin

Sián Lilly

Beauty and lifestyle creator Sián Lilly first met her fiancé on Instagram— and four years into their relationship, they were building a house together in London. On what Sián thought was a regular visit to the building site, she was surprised to discover a flower arch, candlelight, and a violinist playing her favourite song in what would become the couple’s dining room.

Read Sián’s full engagement story here.

Charlie & Matt

Charlie and Matt first matched on Hinge, and two and a half years later, found themselves on a Caribbean cruise with Virgin Voyages for Charlie’s birthday. The couple proposed to one another one morning on the balcony of their cabin as they were sailing into The Bahamas, and will be tying the knot in Ireland, hosting a festival wedding weekend called MA-CH-ELLA.

Read Charlie and Matt’s full engagement story here.

READ NEXT: 9 Hen Weekend Ideas, Demonstrated By Real Brides

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Inside: A Beautiful Wedding At Babington House https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/inside-a-beautiful-wedding-at-babington-house/ Fri, 09 Aug 2024 13:26:51 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=23716 The Story So Far It was a modern day romance: meeting on a dating app, then an after work drink in Covent Garden on a Thursday evening. We were headed to Gordon’s Wine Bar, however somehow ended up at Dirty Martini! Things must have gone well, as Tom proposed a year and a half later […]

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The Story So Far

It was a modern day romance: meeting on a dating app, then an after work drink in Covent Garden on a Thursday evening. We were headed to Gordon’s Wine Bar, however somehow ended up at Dirty Martini! Things must have gone well, as Tom proposed a year and a half later on holiday in Portugal.

He chartered a boat in the Algarve for a sunset cruise, and proposed as the sun went down with an oval diamond set on a yellow gold band. The champagne was popped and we swam in the sea, before a chef prepared a dinner onboard. Such an amazing evening, but I was too excited and overwhelmed to eat anything at all!

The Venue

We got married at Babington House near Bath, where my family is from. We had my 30th birthday there the year prior and they did it so well— so we thought it would be the perfect place for a wedding.

The beauty of Babington House is that you hire the whole place out and it sleeps almost everyone, meaning the party never has to stop. The night before, we hosted a BBQ dinner for our bridal party to welcome them.

On the wedding day, we got married on the Croquet Lawn at 4pm, followed by dinner and dancing until the early hours. The day after, we enjoyed a relaxing brunch to see our guests off, followed by time by the pool and spa.

The Fashion

For my wedding dress, I wore the Bussotti by Suzanne Neville, which was the second dress I ever tried on. I fell in love instantly with how classic it was, yet still chic and modern. They stitched our initials and date inside the dress in a blue thread, which was my “something blue”.

Tom wore a bespoke dinner suit by Richard James and a white Marcella dinner shirt from Turnbull & Asser. His suit was a midnight blue wool and mohair blend, with a black shawl lapel. For our shoes, I wore cream Manolo Blahniks (a nod to my favourite tv show!) and Tom wore Loake Oxfords.

The night before, I wore a long white dress by Rotate Birger Christensen, with a Cult Gaia clutch and shoes, and for the after party, I changed into a Clio Peppiatt embellished mini dress, perfect for the dance floor! Finally, for brunch, I was in a Posse white linen set for a more casual vibe.

The Jewellery

On the day of the wedding, Tom sent his best man to deliver a pair of Dior pearl and diamond earrings. I also wore a Cartier ring and Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet which were 30th birthday presents.

Tom’s dress studs were mother-of-pearl from Asprey, which were his grandfather’s from the early 1900s. For our wedding bands, we chose matching gold bands from Tiffany & Co. engraved with our initials and wedding date.

Transportation

Tom is very much into his classic cars, so we hired a Morgan Plus 4 in racing green. After the ceremony, we jumped in it for a quick spin to have a few minutes to ourselves before the champagne reception. It was also the perfect prop for photos, and looked absolutely stunning outside of Babington House!

The Tablescape

Peonies are my favourite flower, so we were very lucky that they were in season when we had our wedding! Flowers by Passion put the bouquets together perfectly. We had white and light pink peonies and roses on the tables, with long ivory candle sticks. The menus were beautifully illustrated by the Bath-based stationary brand dot the i Atelier. 

Food & Drinks

Babington House serves their food family-style; for our starter we served cured trout, buffalo mozzarella and prosciutto with melon and feta. For the main course, we had rib of beef with duck-fat potatoes, spinach & ricotta ravioli and sea bass. For pudding, it was Eton mess and English cheeses. A house favourite— we had picantés aplenty, champagne and wine. It was all absolutely delicious. 

The Entertainment

We had ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ playing by string quartet when I walked down the aisle. During dinner, The Travelling Hands performed— who were amazing, and really got the party started. When everyone is up dancing before their main course, you know the band is something special!

They finished with a mash up of Angels & Hey Jude, which took us through to the afterparty where the DJ played until the early hours.

Beauty Regime & Wellness

The bridal party had our makeup done by Keeley Wilson, who was incredible and a big support all day. Hairdresser Jess Sargeant did beautiful soft waves for the bridesmaids. 

The Honeymoon

We travelled to Capri right after the wedding for our mini-moon to drink wine, eat pasta and enjoy the beach clubs, and we are planning a bigger trip to the Maldives in November for our honeymoon.

Advice

-If you will be on grass, wear a block heel not a stiletto, as you can easily start to sink!

-Be organised and keep a spreadsheet of all guests and their details, the different suppliers and dates when invoices need to be paid. It can feel so overwhelming so it is best to be as on top of it as possible.

-Make sure to spend time with your new husband or wife on the day! Often you are pulled in different directions, so make sure you stick together or sneak off for quiet moments.

With Thanks To

Bride & Groom: @emilyegcook and @tomcunningham6

Photographer & Videographer: @samdocker.co

Venue & Caterer: @sohohouse

Wedding Planner: @sophieelainefrost

Dress: @suzanneneville

Shoes: @manoloblahnik

Jewellery @dior @vancleefarpels

Dinner Suit: @richardjamesofficial

Groom’s Shoes: @loakeshoemakers

Bridesmaids: @sisterhoodbridesmaids

Florist & Tableware: @flowersbypassion

Stationery & Illustration: @dotthei_atelier

Wedding Rings: @tiffanyandco

Makeup: @keeleywilsonmakeup

Tan: @magdelainelondonbeauty

Hair: @thehairdresserjess @foxandvamp

Morgan Motor: @williamsautomobiles 

Band: @thetravellinghands

DJ & Lighting: @stylishentertainment

READ NEXT: These Are The Best Wedding Shoe Designers

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The Engagement Story With Sián Lilly https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/the-engagement-story-with-sian-lilly/ Fri, 09 Aug 2024 10:47:30 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=23675 Join The Wedding Edition as we sit down with beauty and fashion content creator Sián Lilly, and discover the details of her surprise engagement in London last year. The Story… My fiancé and I actually met on Instagram— and trying to explain that to my grandparents was really confusing! I don’t usually reply to DM’s […]

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Join The Wedding Edition as we sit down with beauty and fashion content creator Sián Lilly, and discover the details of her surprise engagement in London last year.

The Story…

My fiancé and I actually met on Instagram— and trying to explain that to my grandparents was really confusing! I don’t usually reply to DM’s like that, but his message stood out to me. I could tell straight away we had the same humour, so we went for a breakfast date… and here we are four years later!

Dropping Hints…

We had talked about weddings and our future for sure, but I’ve always wanted my engagement to be a complete surprise. So, I think he really took that seriously and made an effort not to drop any hints leading up to it.

He was constantly on his phone in the days leading up to the proposal, which was so out of character for him— however, he had surprised me with a really beautiful gift the night before the engagement so I instantly put it down to that. I even remember saying “so this is why you’ve been so busy recently?” and him agreeing! Needless to say, I was completely oblivious to what was going to happen the next day. 

The Proposal

At the time, we were in the middle of building a house back in our hometown of London. It had become a routine for us to drive down from The Midlands to the house to check on the building work progress, then spend the night in London going out to dinner or catching up with friends. So when he suggested we go down on the weekend to do that, I didn’t think anything of it.

Looking back, I probably should have picked up on him saying to be dressed up to go straight to dinner as we weren’t stopping at our hotel first. I insisted on wearing jeans as it was still a building site, and I didn’t want to ruin any of my nicer dresses! I guess that just shows how much of a surprise it was. 

As we pulled into the house I could see loads of candles and flowers leading into our dining room. There was also a violinist playing one of my favourite songs. It’s such a special memory, and we now have photos of that evening up in the dining room where it happened now that the house is complete. 

The Ring…

In terms of my ring, I’d always loved the look of Hailey Bieber’s. It’s so simple and elegant—so whenever the topic came up with my fiancé-to-be, I always said as long as it was similar to her shape and design I’d be happy.

My diamond was sourced from New York, one of my favourite places to visit, so I’m planning to have my wedding dress made there too. Having a couple of girly weekend trips planned to get my dress ready and go for fittings just makes the lead up to the day even more special and exciting!

The Celebrations…

We actually flew to Portugal the following morning, and having the weekend completely to ourselves to take it all in was perfect.

Because we don’t currently live in London full-time, we really wanted to save a party until our new house (that the engagement happened in) was ready. Now that it’s been completed & no longer a building site, I’m in full party planning mode to host at the house, and finally show everyone where it all happened! 

Wedding Plans So Far…

I’m expecting at the end of this year, so we’re focused on the baby for the next year at least. But in saying that, I do have a full detailed Pinterest board of every minor detail planned (can you tell I’m excited?!). So far, we’ve decided on a destination wedding with some really fun aspects of the reception. I am beyond excited to fully get into wedding prep mode, and to know our son will be in attendance now makes it even more special.

READ NEXT: How To Choose The Perfect Engagement Ring

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Inside: A Colourful & Chic Wedding In Rome https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/inside-a-colourful-chic-wedding-in-rome/ Tue, 06 Aug 2024 15:32:34 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=23516 The Story So Far Archie and I met six years ago through my sister Adriana. On a Friday night in early 2023, Archie casually mentioned that he’d booked a lunch spot outside of town, and that we’d need to leave early the next morning. I quickly realised something special was about to happen when the […]

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The Story So Far

Archie and I met six years ago through my sister Adriana. On a Friday night in early 2023, Archie casually mentioned that he’d booked a lunch spot outside of town, and that we’d need to leave early the next morning. I quickly realised something special was about to happen when the taxi that arrived the next morning took us to St Pancras, and we arrived a few hours later in Paris. 

Archie found a spot in the Trocadero overlooking the Eiffel Tower and pulled out my dream ring: a trilogy, low-set gold band. I was so overwhelmed— even though my first reaction was to laugh, not cry! Once we returned from Paris, it was time to start planning our wedding in Rome.

The Venue

With my Italian background, a wedding in Rome seemed a great fit: it was the first trip Archie and I ever took together, it’s easy to get around, and we planned for the wedding to be a focal point for our guests, giving them a few days to explore and enjoy the city.

We held our wedding in a venue called Villa Aurelia. It appealed to us instantly with its link to the American Academy, the terraces overlooking Rome, and the wonderful outdoor dining space set against the facade of the Villa. I was so confident, we put the 50% deposit down without seeing it in person! We also hosted our Friday night pre-wedding drinks at the spectacular Hotel de la Ville. 

The Fashion

I met with Emma Victoria Payne, and she instantly made me feel at ease. I had two dresses for the wedding day: a modern sleek ivory crepe satin dress with French shadow lace detailing, paired with a long single layered bespoke veil with matching scalloped French shadow lace appliqués along the edges. I kept it simple when it came to my jewellery, with Daphne diamond hoops and my wedding rings.

For the evening look, which I changed into for the dancing, I wore an ivory crepe satin dress with a halter neckline and bespoke beaded tulle overlay.

The Bridal Party

I gave my bridesmaids free reign when it came to their dresses— the only brief was pastel colours, and to feel happy and comfortable in their outfits! They were all absolutely stunning in a selection of dresses from, Markarian, De La Vali, Reformation, Anne Louise Boutique and Mango. As a thank-you, I gave each bridesmaid a small gift box of Jo Malone London perfume, a hand-written note, and a lip balm.

The Tablescape

The stationery was my favourite element in the whole wedding! From the invitations and table numbers to the fans and menus, I spent nearly six months designing each piece with the amazing Rosie Harbottle, a British artist living in Cornwall. I always had a vision to incorporate Villa Aurelia in every piece of the stationery, and Rosie made that a reality.

Food & Drink

A wedding in Rome means delicious Italian food, and after a tasting with our wonderful caterer Natalizi, we couldn’t decide between the delicious prawn and courgette risotto and cacio e pepe pasta for our Primi course— so we ended up having both! This was followed by veal as our Secondi, and a wonderful wedding cake and dessert buffet on the terraces overlooking the city. 

Our drinks supplier Mercury provided guests with prosecco, palomas, and Aperol spritzes at the reception and an open bar for the party after dinner, featuring some playful signature cocktails including’ NegRomis’ and ‘Espresso Christinis’.

The Entertainment

We used the incredible ALR to book our entertainment throughout the day. We had the lead singer of BEAT sing me down the aisle to ‘Stand By Me’ by Florence and the Machine, followed by our first dance of ‘Love at First Sight’ by Kylie, and then live music and DJ in Sala Aurelia: the dance floor inside the Villa.

Beauty Regime & Wellness

Sophie, one of my best friends and bridesmaids, organised for the incredible Willis Galbraith to do my hair across the weekend as a wedding present. He basically gave me a face lift with my half up, half down hairstyle! Our friend—and Sophie’s sister— Georgia Habboo did my makeup, and we went for a natural bronzed look as I wanted to look like myself. 

The Honeymoon

After our wedding in Rome, we travelled a couple of hours up the coast to the Hotel Pelliccano in Porto Ecole on the coast of Tuscany: a stunning hotel with the most incredible views, food and service.

Advice

Even though I was a very detail-oriented bride the planning process, my main advice is on the day is to not sweat the little things. Nothing is perfect, and the only thing that matters is that you’re enjoying your wedding. If your guests see you having a great time, they will naturally follow suit!

And my final advice: when choosing a venue abroad, make sure you have a good wet weather plan. It will save you a lot of stress! 

With Thanks To:

Bride & Groom: – @chrissyciravegna and @archiereynoldss

Venue: @villaaureliagianicolo

Caterer: @natalizicatering

Drinks: @mercuryevents

Dress: @emmavictoriapaynebridal

Bridesmaids: @sophiehabboo, @arabella.smith, @isabelbeddows, @pennystrike1, @emzchampion

Bridesmaid Dresses: @markarian_nyc, @delavaliofficial, @reformation, @annelouiseboutique, @mango

Groom Outfit: @dress2killuk

Florist: @andreapatrizifloraldesigner

Tableware: Oriente Italiano by @ginori1735

Stationery: @rosieharbottle

Photographer: @elenabaranchuk_ph

Wedding rings: @arlingtonjewelers

Makeup: @georgiahabboo

Hair: @willisgalbraithhair

Gift List: @theweddingshopuk

Bridesmaid Gifts: @jomalonelondon & @mejuri

Wedding Planner: @dilettaalliataevents

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