WE DO

from Your Sussex Wedding - October/November 2022 (Issue 99)

COMPETITION

Stephanie and Harry said “I do” at The Ravenswood in May, 2022

Images courtesy of John Scofield Photography

Stephanie and Harry met through a mutual friend more than a decade ago. “We’re both very laid back and family orientated, which is why I think we instantly clicked,” Stephanie tells us. Harry proposed while away on holiday with friends in the New Forest. The couple are keen runners and Harry suggested they go out for a jog in the forest one morning. Along the way he stopped, supposedly to to tie his shoe laces, but instead he was getting down on one knee to pop the question. “It was such a beautiful spot and a special moment,” Stephanie remembers.

Stephanie went to view The Ravenswood one evening with her mum and mother-in-law and instantly fell in love with it. “The grounds were beautiful and I loved that we’d have sole use of the venue on the day with options if the weather took a turn for the worse,” Stephanie shares.

Read on as the bride tells us more about the big day...

My nan read a poem during the ceremony that she’d written. It meant a lot to us.

I fell in love with my Essense of Australia dress, Lavender. It seemed to be meant for me as it matched the wedding’s colour theme. It was beautifully detailed with a stunning train. I always knew I’d have a fitted dress.

Harry was dressed in a navy check suit. He wanted to stand out from the groomsmen so he decided to wear a different tie and a waistcoat. He also wore my late grandad’s pocket watch, which he’d always told Harry he could wear for the wedding. The groomsmen wore the same suits as Harry without the waistcoat. They accessorised with a gold, textured tie to complement the suit lining and Harry’s own tie, which had gold embroidery on it.

The bridesmaids wore dusky lilac multiway dresses. I was drawn to them as these meant the ladies were able to wear them in the style they each felt most comfortable in. There were so many options to choose from that it was a hard decision on the day, but we got there in the end and they all looked stunning.

Our table plan was written out on a large, ornate mirror. It took a long time to make, but it looked lovely and is something we can keep. Our florist decorated it with fresh flowers. Our centrepieces were bowls filled with decorative crystals and a candle. Green and lilac wreaths were wrapped around them.

Our floral arrangements featured lilac, pink, and purple blooms with foliage. We went for a meadow style so that they looked less structured and more natural. Each of our cake’s three tiers was flavoured differently. It was adorned with flowers and a cake topper featuring our initials.

Our brother-in-law is a professional magician and we asked him to provide some evening entertainment for our guests. His magic is great and was hit with everyone.

We’d had lots of advice from family and friends to take it all in and enjoy it, but you never know how you’re going to feel until the day. Harry was very chilled and relaxed, he enjoyed every moment. Once the ceremony was done, I did too... maybe it was the thought of standing in front of 90 people that was making me nervous! I can’t thank our suppliers enough for their support and professionalism. They really put me at ease. John, our photographer, particularly stood out. He made the whole day run smoothly and made sure we took time together when we could.

THE W-DAY TEAM

Venue and catering, The Ravenswood, www.theravenswood.co.uk | Photographer, John Scofield Photographer, www.johnscofieldphotography.co.uk | Dress, jewellery and accessories, Isabella Grace Bridal, www.isabellagracebridal.com Hair stylist, Milena Pui Style Studio, www.milenapuistylestudio.com | Bridesmaids’ hair stylist, Edyta Zan at Hair at Number Three, www.instagram.com/edytazan_hair | Make-up artist, Belle Denbury Hair & Makeup Artist, www.belledenbury.co.uk Suits, Moss Bros | Cake, Zoe’s Cake Studio, https://zoescakestudio.co.uk | Flowers, Arabella Floral Design, www.arabellafloral.com Wedding rings, Vogue Diamond, www.voguediamond.co.uk and Knight Jewellers, https://knightjewellers.com

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