How did you meet?
Inigo and I are fortunate enough to be childhood sweethearts. We met when we were just 15 years old through a mutual friend and we have been together ever since. We both went to school in Tunbridge Wells and used to meet every morning outside the local sweet shop!
Tell us about the proposal!
Inigo proposed to me on our 11th year anniversary! He had arranged a day out in London together to celebrate and suprised me with envelopes at several times during the day. The first was tickets to see my favourite West End show, and the last was when he popped the question whilst walking through Covent Garden. This will always be a place close to my heart- I met all of my best friends at the exact spot of the proposal on the morning of my Hen Do!
How did you choose where to shop for your wedding dress?
Although I work in the fashion industry, at the time of chosing my dress I had no idea what I would pick! All I knew was that Isabella Grace would be the place to find it- I have never heard of a bride walk into the boutique and walk out without having the most wonderful experience and chosing the dress of their dreams.
Tell us about your wedding dress experience, and why did you choose your wedding dress.
I had such a memorable morning at Isabella Grace- one that I will never forget! I bought my Mum and two sisters to my appointment and until my wedding day they were the only people who had seen my dress.
I had no idea which shape would suit me, and I began by trying on dresses that hid my figure. Despite this, I ended up purchasing my stunning Martina Liana slim fitting dress with embellished bodice and long train. I knew it was the one for me as soon as I spied it on the rail- it was the last dress that I tried on and when I saw my Mum and Sisters faces when the curtains came back there was no way I was leaving without buying it!
Describe your wedding day. Where, when, how…
Inigo and I married at Chiddingstone Castle last September. We live just down the road from the venue and we had visited the grounds countless times and admired the Orangery with it’s bare brick walls and high ceiling. Although you can never trust the British weather, we had our fingers and toes crossed for an outdoors ceremony and our dreams came true. We had 120 of our closest friends and family celebrate with us, including my 7 beautiful bridesmaids, Inigo’s 4 groomsmen and even our special pug Lola joined us for photographs!
The day went by in a flash, but we enjoyed every moment. I still reflect on it daily and think that we are so lucky to have had the day our happy day.
Favourite part of your wedding day?
It is difficult to pick a favourite moment, but highlights would have to include walking back down the aisle just after saying ‘I do’ and seeing all of our guests smiling faces amongst a shower of confetti. I loved suprising Inigo with a poem I wrote for him about our relationship so far during our wedding breakfast and hearing all of the touching speeches that people made. I also loved dancing the night away in the Great Hall of the castle with everyone having a great time. Seeing our day come together just as we had planned it was the cherry on the cake!
Anything you would change if you could do it all again?
No! But if I could do it all again, I would!
Your top tip for future brides?
My biggest piece of advice to future brides is to enjoy the planning process and make the most of it! One of my favourite parts of being a Bride was being able to use my creativity to organise a day that truly reflected our characters and one that included lots of personal touches that people are likely to remember. I loved the excitement that came with the planning process from those around you. Enjoy and embrace your special time as it goes so quickly.
Which suppliers did you use for the following:
Wedding Venue: Chiddingstone Castle in Kent
Wedding Photographer: The wonderful Rebecca Douglas
Florist: Florist in the Forest- I have a new found love for flowers
Cake: The Cake Shed in Tunbridge Wells
Hair and Makeup : Grace Benson. Her air brushing saved the day! I didn’t need to re-apply my makeup even with all the tears!
Seamstress: Miss Kay Seamstress