5 minute read
SWEET MEMORIES
Autumn REAL WEDDINGS GLORY Becky and Ben’s big day was full of rustic, seasonal flare Images courtesy of Hello Romance Photography
Becky and Ben met as teenagers while working at a bar together and were good friends until their lives took them in different directions and they lost touch. They got back in contact seven years ago and the relationship was rekindled. “After Ben ‘grafted’ for two years, as he would say, we both realised we wanted to be together, so we ended up giving things a go,” says Becky.
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Ben proposed while they were on holiday in Mexico. He booked a romantic private dinner on the beach with their own personal waiter. Becky didn’t suspect a thing at the time, not even when Ben suggested they should dress up for the occasion. It was only after their delicious three-course meal, when Ben asked the waiter to take a photo of them, that the penny dropped. Becky recalls, “As we stood up and he passed him his phone, he took my hand and got down on one knee. I immediately started crying and missed most of what he said but luckily we have a lovely video of the whole thing that the waiter captured for us that we’ll treasure forever.”
They tied the knot on 16th October 2021 at The Tudor Barn Belstead in Suffolk and opted for an autumnal theme with seasonal burgundy, cream and burnt orange accents. Read on for Becky’s account of the big day…
The Tudor Barn was the first venue we looked at and from the moment we arrived, it started ticking boxes. It suited our numbers perfectly, the staff were really helpful and the grounds were beautiful, so when we left, we cancelled all our other viewings!
We had a classic 1938 Rolls Royce 25/30 limousine to take me and my dad to the wedding and a limousine to transport the groomsmen and then the bridal party.
When the bridal consultant Emma-Lee brought out the Nora by Ronald Joyce, I absolutely fell in love. It’s true what they say – when you know, you know! I said ‘yes’ to the dress and it was ordered that day!
I had my late nan’s and great uncle’s names stitched into my dress and my bridesmaids gave me a beautiful charm with pictures of them on to attach to my bouquet.
Ben and his groomsmen looked smart in navy blue morning suits with wool and cashmere waistcoats in a tweed check style to complement the rustic setting and wedding theme. Ben’s was double-breasted to stand out from the rest and he had a contrasting ivory cravat.
The bridesmaids’ burgundy dresses complemented the bouquets and matched the groomsmen’s cravats and pockets squares, pulling all the colours together beautifully.
We kept the décor simple to complement the rustic feel of the barn, leaving the original beams and features uncovered and draping ivy along the balcony and bannisters to tie in with the natural feel. Singer Lucy Duffield, a classmate of Becky’s from her drama college days. performed before, during and after the ceremony and at the drinks reception.
“As soon as Becky showed me a video of Lucy singing, I knew she was perfect. Her version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow as Becky walked down the aisle will stay with me forever.” – Ben
Our cake took pride of place on a log slice stand personalised with our names and the wedding date. The table plan complemented the rest of our stationery and we arranged the seating to make sure everyone was with someone they knew. Our wedding was postponed due to Covid and the drinks tokens we gave our guests as favours had the original date on. It was nice to be able to acknowledge the day we should have got married though and also reassure everyone that the tokens were still valid!
We had gold stands for the floral centrepieces and the laser-cut wooden place names made great keepsakes for our family and friends.
We toasted marshmallows around the firepit in the evening which really added to the atmosphere and was a big hit with our guests! It also made for beautiful photos!
For the evening décor, we had a rustic wooden Mr & Mrs sign on the dancefloor with festoon lighting draped down the walls to create a lovely glow.
“We arranged for the bride and groom’s party to stay at The Salthouse Hotel in Ipswich and had a coach to take people back there at the end of the night. It was lovely to finish our day the way we started – surrounded by our loved ones!” – Becky
BECKY AND BEN’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography, Hello Romance Photography, http://helloromancephotography.com | Venue, The Tudor Barn Belstead, www.thetudorbarnbelstead.co.uk | Bride’s dress and hair accessory, Amorae Bridal, https://amoraebridal.co.uk | Hair, Hair and Make Up Atelier, www.facebook.com/HairAndMakeUpAtelier | Make-up, Elaine Marie, www.elainemariemakeup.co.uk | Groom and groomsmen’s suits, Anthony Formal Wear, www.anthonyformalwear.co.uk | Wedding coordination, Louisa May Weddings, www.louisamayweddings.co.uk | Cake, JoJo-Lily Cakes By Design, www.jojolily.co.uk | Transport, BCD Wedding cars, www.bcdcars.co.uk and BKP Limousines, www.bkplimousines.co.uk | Stationery, Bee Invited, www.beeinvited.co.uk | Catering, Edward James Events, https://edwardjamesevents.co.uk | Mobile bar, Boston & Co, www.bostonandco.co.uk | Evening décor, https://mybigfatweddingdisco.com | Videography, C&K Studios, https://candkstudios.uk | Mr & Mrs Letters, KMS Hire, www.kmshire.com | Accommodation, The Salthouse Harbour Hotel, www.salthouseharbour.co.uk | DJ, Andy Stevens, https://andy-stevens.com
