ISN’T SHE LOVELY

Abi and Andy’s relaxed day was simply stunning

Images courtesy of Trilion Productions

Both working in the insurance industry in London, Abi and Andy’s paths were destined to cross. “We were introduced by a mutual friend one evening in a bar after work when Andy asked for my number. I took his business card and sent him an email after a few days,” Abi shares. Their first date was at Mews of Mayfair and then Hakkasan where they soon realised they had a lot in common – they shared a taste for great food and wine, both love cooking and going to Ibiza. “I knew he was the one when he never complained about all of my partying. He’s an only child and I come from a very big family, so it took a while for him to adjust to the mayhem that brings!” she adds.

A few years later, Andy enlisted the help of their little ones to pop the question. “He proposed with our children wearing T-shirts with the words ‘Mummy, will you marry our Daddy?’ printed on them, which was very sweet,” recalls Abi.

Here Abi tells us more about their day…

SETTING THE SCENE

Along with so many couples, Abi and Andy’s big-day plans were changed and postponed so many times that they decided to organise a last-minute intimate affair. “We love Italy and first went together when I was pregnant with our daughter, so we decided that we’d marry there but it wasn’t to be,” Abi recalls. Originally planned for 2020, their Lake Como nuptials were postponed to 2021 and again to 2022. “We just wanted to get married so we planned a relaxed day consisting of a small ceremony followed by drinks in a pub garden.” The Grade I Listed Octagon Room at Orleans House Gallery was the perfect setting for Abi and Andy’s nuptials and created a gorgeous backdrop for photos. They then went on to The Crown for drinks. “A man who saw us in there bought us a bottle of Champagne saying it was tradition where he’s from in Canada, so we’ll now pass that on if ever we see a bride and groom on their wedding day,” says Abi. Although they’re now husband and wife, they still plan to have the day they’d dreamed of in Italy next year with over 100 people.

SIMPLE ELEGANCE

Abi looked simply stunning in a Badgley Mischka dress and accessorised with a pair of navy suede Laboutin heels. She opted for a natural look with smoky eyes and wore her hair in a lose bridal pony with a crystal hairpiece for the finishing touch. “I chose the dress for it’s simple elegance. I felt really special in it,” Abi shares. Their daughter was transformed into a princess for the day in a cream dress with lace detailing to the bodice and a floral headband from Monsoon.

When it came to the boys, Andy opted for a navy Hugo Boss suit and their son looked gorgeous in matching waistcoat and trousers from John Lewis.

LASTING MEMORIES

For the flowers, Abi chose a beautiful, preserved bouquet in neutral tones. “I wanted to keep everything simple, and I was really pleased with the look. They’re now at home on our mantelpiece and will be a lasting memory of our day” she says.

TOP TIP: Keep everything simple and stress free. Dried flowers are great as it’s one less thing to worry about on the day and you can keep them forever!

The ceremony was extra special for the duo as their daughter walked down the aisle to Isn’t She Lovely and their son handed them the rings. “Having them involved in such an intimate moment was amazing,” shares Abi.

They finished their day at their house with loved ones and their friend who’s a DJ played music into the evening. “We were so thankful that our friends and family came together to help out with the last-minute plans. My sister decorated our house for when we got home, a friend got Champagne glasses at short notice, two friends did readings that we sprung on them the day before and I even had a surprise hen!” says Abi. “Our day was just perfect in every way. We were relaxed, happy, and surrounded by our closest friends and family.”

ABI AND ANDY’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Venue, Orleans House Gallery, www.orleanshousegallery.org | Photographer, Trilion Productions, https://trilionproductions.com Bride’s dress, Badgley Mischka, www.badgleymischka.com | Hair and make-up artist, Marianna Pacolt, https://mariannapacolt.com Groom’s suit, Hugo Boss, www.hugoboss.com | Flowergirl dress and pageboy outfit, Monsoon and John Lewis at Westfield Stratford, https://uk.westfield.com/stratfordcity | Flowers, Your London Florist, www.yourlondonflorist.co.uk | Rings, Bvlgari at Selfridges, www.selfridges.com | Balloons, The Party Box UK, www.thepartybox.co.uk