Photos are by Pippa Mackenzie and words from Olivia. Watch out for a wonderfully eclectic cupcake tower - looking fabulous! - and some impressive shapes 'thrown' on the dancefloor... and why not listen to the wedding band while you look at the blog post? I'm enjoying their music as I type!
Claire xx
Everything went so smoothly, from the moment that everyone arrived to the moment that we left it was lovely. The food was delicious, from the amazing miniature and moreish canapés right through to the his and hers deserts (chocolate ganache and Eton mess respectively).
Olivia loved going to see florists with my mother as she knew what I wanted. We wanted flowers that had the wow factor in the marquee as there was so much open space. On each table we had tall vases overflowing with flowers which looked amazing. My Mum has an amazing eye for detail which helped to make the marquee look amazing – from the pretty crockery used to organza bags, petals and decorations on the tables.
Having Phil & Sandra their on the day to oversee everything meant that we and our family could enjoy the day. They were there at the beginning of the day to greet the suppliers and they were there at the end of the night to book taxis.
Sandra also helped us put together our first dance (as Matt affectionately told Olivia that she has a different rhythm to the rhythm of the music).
I knew that I wanted cupcakes and had a page in my wedding binder crammed full of cupcake pictures for ideas. Rachael of Rachael's Kitchen loved it and encouraged us to do many different types of cupcakes. They looked and tasted amazing.
A great guide that we found and used was Debrett’s Wedding Guide – which had lots of useful information on invitations, photography, speeches, roles for the wedding party (i.e. bridesmaids and ushers) and timings.
On the day, remember to smile! The loveliest thing was surrounding ourselves with those who we hold dear.
After the formalities of the speeches and dinner Olivia and Matt took to the floor, to “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles – which has been our song from day one (it followed us for our first few dates). Our band were John Bull & The Bandits, who kept everyone on the floor until the early hours (long after we went to the hotel).
Many of our guests have said how they had a wonderful time and how relaxed they were, a lot have said that it is the best wedding that they have ever been to – which Matt and I and my parents were so thankful for. We have so many lovely memories and each time we look at the beautiful photos that Pippa took it brings it all back. It was truly the best day of our lives.
Olivia and Matt’s recommended wedding suppliers:
- Vogue Diamond, Brighton — Engagement & Wedding Rings
- Uttam Boutique, London – Bridesmaid Dresses
- Condici & Michael Kors – Mother of the Bride Outfit
- Pascal from the Point, Brighton– Brides, Bridesmaid & Mother of the Bride Hair
- Sarah Woodhouse, Burgess Hill – Brides Makeup
- Pippa Mackenzie – wedding photographer
- Vintage Flower House, Wivelsfield, West Sussex – flowers
- Rachael’s Kitchen, Worthing, West Sussex – cupcakes
- The Angelic Host, Loxwood, West Sussex – Caterers
- Pimpernel Associates, West Sussex – Organiser on the day / first dance
- Brookfield Marquees – West Sussex – Marquee
- Place Settings, West Sussex – equipment hire
- GG Print, London – wedding invitations
- Digiset, West Sussex – Order of Service & Evening invitations
- Vintage Cars supplied through family friend Luis deGrouchy at Arun Cars, Pulborough, Sussex
- The Sussex Saxophone Quartet – music before and during the wedding breakfast
- John Bull & The Bandits – evening music
This blog post contains a couple of affiliate links (to Amazon) — to help me pay the bills.