MEANT TO BE

Meant to be REAL WEDDINGS Ayesha and Fernando’s relationship withstood the tribulations of Covid

Images courtesy of Jeff Turnbull Photography

Ayesha and Fernando met in Peru while she was on a holiday travelling around the country and he was working as an international tour guide at the time. “Despite how cliché it sounds, there was an instant connection,” shares Ayesha. “Despite all of the odds, including travel restrictions for two years during Covid, we never once looked back.”

Fernando asked Ayesha to marry him several times a day a year after they met, “Just to check I would definitely say yes!” she laughs. The pandemic meant Fernando became stuck in South America (with the ring!), so the official proposal came when he was back in the UK and they were having dinner in Amazonica London where he got down on one knee. “It was the closest he could make it to being back in Peru – one of our favourite memories together!” shares Ayesha.

The big date was set, 25th October 2021 with Fennes, in Braintree, setting the scene and the finer details encompassing a blush, cream and gold colour scheme.

Here, Ayesha tells us more about their day...

I wanted a Georgian-style venue so Fennes was ideal and it was perfect for the intimate wedding we had planned as none of Fernando’s family could be present from Peru.

Our table plan was geometric gold shapes with a blush background covered in flowers to match our centrepieces and invitations – classic with a modern twist. The table names were arranged in order of the tour Fernando took me on around Peru:

Lima, Nazca, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno and Arequipa.

My son walking me down the aisle was very special for me – he is 16 and it meant a lot to be with him in those final nerve-wracking moments before all eyes were on us.

I wanted the flowers to match the faux flower decorations we had chosen to decorate our venue with; white hydrangeas, ivory roses and lots of foliage. We tied the knot under a matching flower arch which we then used to place behind us for the top table later that day.

Our favours were mints with ‘mint to be’ on, as Fernando always said we were meant to be ‒ it reflected a little piece of us.

I wanted the groom and groomsmen to be in a black, skinny fit tux to keep the classic theme. This was smart and simple, without bringing in too many colours, and the groom wore a waistcoat too to make him stand out from the others.

Our cake was a three-tiered design with a ruffle-effect base in a raspberry flavour, and a lemon-flavoured middle layer coated with glitter. Our top layer was engraved with our initials and adorned with flowers.

Fernando’s vows were just beyond touching. I was stunned by them and how he read them in perfect English – everyone cried! They are something I will remember forever.

I wanted something A line that was classic, romantic and, most importantly, had a stunning low back. I wore a Stella York gown, number 7083, during the day and in the evening a beautiful dress Lava by White One. Fernando bought me a Swarovski crystal necklace from Peru, the earrings were a gift from J’adore Bridal which matched perfectly.

We had a saxophonist for our drinks reception playing classic love songs – it was the perfect way to be greated after the ceremony.

The bridesmaids wore dresses in a blush/taupe shade in different styles. One was long-sleeved, another was a knee-length wrap dress in all-over sequin, there was a maternity version and two v-neck cap-sleeved versions. Everyone commented on how stunning the bridesmaids’ dresses were – they were perfect for October and beautifully reflected the Autumn sun on the day!

Our celebrant wrote a very unique ceremony for us that incorporated some funny and special moments as part of a unity candle ceremony. We were also encouraged and supported to say our own vows, and we’re so happy we did this. Having been in a long-distance relationship for two years with someone from a red zone country isn’t for the faint-hearted. I think neither us of us could believe we were actually getting married.

We had the classic Fennes menu: roasted butternut squash and red pepper soup, roast breast of chicken with sage and onion stuffing, baconwrapped chipolatas and crispy herb roasted potatoes and sticky toffee pudding for dessert. Our canapés were halloumi, wedges and sausage topped with mash for autumnal warmth.

ROLL CREDITS

Venue, Fennes, www.fennes.co.uk | Photographer, Jeff Turnbull Photography, www.jeffturnbull.co.uk | Celebrant, Carol Cranfield Celebrant, www.carolcranfieldcelebrant.co.uk | Wedding dress, The Wedding Shop, www.theweddingshop.uk | Evening dress, J’adore Bridal, www.jadorebridalwear.co.uk | Hair stylist, Anna Rose Hair, www.weddinghairboutique.co.uk | Make-up artist, Vivienne Makeup, 07796 172 021 | Suit, Moss | Cake, Amaysing Bakes, www.amaysingbakes.co.uk | Flowers, Cheryls Flowers, www.cherylsflowers.co.uk | Invitations, SimplyDIYPaperie, simplydiypaperie@gmail.com | Rings, H Samuels, www.hsamuels.com Venue dressing, O.R Butterfly Events, www.orbutterflyevents.co.uk Saxophonist, Glen Johnson, www.glenjohnson.co.uk | Band, The Passengers, www.entertainment-nation.co.uk | Photo booth, Waterfall Photobooth Co., www.waterfallphotobooth.co.uk | Videography, Bridge Weddings, www.bridgeweddings.co.uk We had a five-piece indie band in the evening which was exactly the vibe I had wanted, a slight festival feel such as the Kooks, Kasabian and The Killers.