LOVE AT FIRST SWIPE

AT FIRSTLoveswipeCaroline and Rob’s special day at De Vere Latimer Estate in Buckinghamshire enjoyed a blush pink and cream theme with hints of green

Images courtesy of Absolute Photo UK

Caroline and Robert (Rob) McCabe married on the 19th of June 2022 at De Vere Latimer Estate Buckinghamshire.

Caroline and Rob first met six years ago on an online dating app and their first date was in London where they met up for a drink and enjoyed a walk by Tower Bridge. “Rob proposed to me on the 17th of October 2020 on top of Mam Tor, one of the highest points in the Peak District,” Caroline tells us. “We have been to the Peak District many times together before including our first time away together six years ago, so it’s a very special place to us. After a three-hour hike, Rob asked me to take a picture of myself looking into the distance and as I turned back around, he was on one knee which was such a surprise! He was so nervous that I had to remind him to put the ring on my finger!”

Here, the couple tells us about their special day at De Vere Latimer Estate in Buckinghamshire which was decorated with a pretty blush pink and cream theme with a hint of green.

De Vere Latimer Estate was the first and only venue that we viewed. We visited it after we discovered the pictures on their website and both fell in love with the place.

The manor house and the stunning scenery across the Chess Valley are beautiful.

The stylish ceremony room is decorated with panelling and chandeliers which made it feel elegant and classy. We placed lanterns down the aisle for a romantic ambience and the ceremony room already featured beautiful décor so it didn’t need a huge amount of decoration.

The ceremony, when we became husband and wife, was a memorable moment for us both.

During the ceremony, I accidentally said Rob’s middle name during our vows instead of his first name, which also happens to be his dad’s name!

“I felt excited on the morning of our wedding and the nerves only kicked in when it was time to walk down the aisle - that was the moment it felt real.” – Caroline

Our table plan, table names and place names were designed by a company that works regularly with our venue. We chose the blush pink, floral-printed design.

For our centrepieces, we chose flowers that matched the bridesmaids’ bouquets of blush pink and cream varieties with a hint of greenery.

The rest of our flowers followed a soft romantic theme with hints of green showcased through the eucalyptus. We chose a simple, elegant white cake covered in icing and decorated with silk flowers matching the colour scheme.

Our venue provided the catering which tasted delicious. Everyone enjoyed the canapés served during the drinks reception and we chose roast chicken for our main course and a profiterole tower for dessert. My mum and I visited a few wedding dress shops to find the one. I knew that I wanted an elegant fitted gown with a long train and a low back so I finally chose a beautiful dress called Marianna from Blue by Enzoani.

I kept my accessories simple by wearing a pair of drop earrings to not take away the focus from the dress.

I also wore a cathedral-length plain veil to finish the look.

“I felt extremely excited but also nervous about making my speech. I wanted to strike the right balance between being funny and romantic.” – Rob

Rob wore a three-piece blue suit with a sky-blue tie – he looked so handsome!

The groomsmen wore the same three-piece suits as Rob teamed with dusky pink ties to match the bridesmaids’ dresses.

Our bridesmaids wore pretty blush pink multi-way, floor-length dresses.

We hired a live band called Railroad Kin for our evening reception who was one of the best suppliers that we chose. One of the members of the band also played the saxophone which was a huge hit with our guests because he performed on the dancefloor getting everyone into the spirit of things. Watching everyone singing and dancing together was a wonderful moment that we’ll never forget.

THE DREAM TEAM

Venue and catering, De Vere Latimer Estate, 01494 412 312, www.devere.co.uk/latimer-estate | Photographer, Absolute Photo UK, www.absolutephotouk.com | Second shooter, Whitney Lloyd Photography, www.whitneylloydphotography.com | Groomsmen hotel accommodation, Crown Plaza Gerrards Cross, 01753 893 891, https://cp-gerrardscross.co.uk | Dresses (boutique), Marina Bridal, 0208 362 8666, www.marinabridal.co.uk | Earrings, Jon Richard, www.jonrichard.com | Veil, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PinkPoppyveils Hair, Bridal Hair Design by Lorraine Newark, 07795 511 845, www.bridalhairdesign.co.uk | Make-up artist, Sophie Humphries at Glam by Polly Salon, 01442 899 287, www.facebook.com/glambypollysalon | Suits, Mr Mackys Menswear, 01438 318 216, www.mrmackys.com Cake, Iced 4 U, 07776 168 859, www.iced4u.com | Flowers, Holly & Ivy Flowers, 07902 846 582, www.hollyandivyflowers.co.uk Stationery, Bigday, 01442 828 100, www.bigdaydesigns.co.uk | Wedding rings, Goldsmiths (Welwyn Garden City branch), 01707 328 382, www.goldsmiths.co.uk | Videographer, MWF, www.bookmwf.com | Band, Railroad Kin, www.entertainment-nation.co.uk/railroad-kin | Violinist, Olivia Holland, www.oliviahollandviolin.com