YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME

REAL WEDDINGS friend in me YOU’VE GOT A Abbie and Alex’s childhood friendship blossomed into a love to last forever

Images courtesy of Hayley Crone Photography

Abbie and Alex grew up in the same town of Spennymoor. “We knew each other since we were teenagers, but didn’t get together until our early twenties,” says Abbie. “Since then we’ve been inseparable! Alex is funny, the first one to dance and keeps me laughing, and Alex loves how spontaneous I am. He’s got a point – we’d only been seeing each other for a month when we went on holiday to Tenerife!”

Alex planned his proposal to Abbie with the utmost of precision. “Alex had finished his nightshift and was sleeping his Saturday away, so my mum took me around the shops, which I now know was a ploy to keep me out of the house. When I arrived home, I was exhausted, and asked if we could chill, but Alex wanted me to make an effort as he was cooking a three-course meal. I wasn’t best pleased, but put on a jumper dress – only to see Alex come downstairs in a shirt and tailored shorts! We sat down to a home-cooked Indian feast, then afterwards Alex disappeared, returning with a gift of an album. I opened it, still clueless, to see that Alex had created an album of our first date; the homes we’d moved into; when our little Frenchie, Fergus, joined the family, plus many more memories. It was only when I turned the final page and saw a picture of me as a toddler in a wedding dress and veil that I realised Alex was proposing to me in our front room!”

The couple set the date for the 17th October, 2021, marrying at Le Petit Château. Here, Abbie tells us more about their big day…

Le Petit Château had a totally different spin as a wedding venue to others we’d seen. We loved how the coordinator said they could make anything possible. The cocktail menu was a bonus, too!

Our cake was amazing! I’m not the girliest of girls and wanted something different, so opted for an edible paper design. It was a mix of red velvet, chocolate orange and cherry and almond flavours. The venue really does go above and beyond their call of duty. On the morning of the wedding I asked if I could set up the table names – only to be told, “that’s our job!” I didn’t have to do a thing, which made the day extra special.

All our stationery was made by my best friend Suzanne, who’s a graphic designer. We opted for white and off-white in style, with a hint of black throughout.

I tried so hard to get heels and be a bit girlie, but I ended up buying white Dr Martens platform sandals! They were perfect: I danced all night, didn’t get sore feet and didn’t panic I was going to fall.

Alex and his groomsmen looked fantastic. We wanted to keep colours to a minimum with our venue being so bright, so they wore grey checked threepiece suits and textured bow ties. My six bridesmaids looked stunning in their pure white dresses. A lot of people were shocked I wanted them to also wear white. It actually made me feel more comfortable – and just look at the photos!

I had a vision of white flowers on the tables, which in Autumn is a challenge! In the end we cracked it, with white flowers and silver charger plates, which kept the vibe classic and simple.

Alex and I booked singer Glen Roughead for our ceremony and drinks reception. We love him! I walked down the aisle to an acoustic version of Tina Turner’s Simply the Best. Our all-white flower scheme had an amazing effect. We had a meeting beforehand with our florist, who spent a lot of time looking at what type would be the closest to our vision.

Some of our guests enjoyed the party more than others and didn’t make it to the evening! My dress strap also snapped from dancing, as Alex and my family twirled me around so much that it gave way!

Ask for an evening meal to be delivered to your room, if you’re too busy dancing and miss the food. It’s lovely seeing it there when you go back hungry and in need of fuel! My best friend Kirstie did a speech along with Alex’s best man, Ryan. Alex also printed a photo of our dog on the back of his speech, as he wasn’t with us on the day.

Don’t take on too much yourself – the suppliers know what they are doing – they are the experts and will make your day a lot less stressful.

ABBIE & ALEX’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK Photography, Hayley Crone Photography www.hayleycronephoto.co.uk | Venue, Le Petit Château https://le-petit-chateau.com Abbie’s Dress, The Wedding Dress Company https://theweddingdresscompany.co.uk | Hair, Meia Hair www.instagram.com/hmbymeia Suits, Suit Culture https://suitculture.co.uk | Cake, The Master Cakesmith www.themastercakesmith.co.uk | Flowers and Table Plate, Fleur Couture www.fleurcouturefloral.com | Band, Glen Roughead www.glenroughead.com | DJ and Saxophonist, AMV Live Music https://amvlivemusic.com | Stationery, Suzie Creative www.instagram.com/suzeestudio

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