Keep scrolling and you’ll see what I mean…
Natalie says…
We chose Hengrave Hall as our venue and they really were absolutely amazing in the lead up and on the day. They were always so accommodating, and also replied to my emails almost immediately! Nothing was ever too much trouble for them, and I would recommend them without hesitation, their expertise is priceless.
My dress was found at The Bespoke Wardrobe in Ingatestone, where their experience clearly shone through. They knew what to suggest for me to try, and the dress I chose was one I had disregarded from looking at it on the rail! The designer was Suzanne Neville, who in the process I got to meet and she drew me a bespoke drawing of my dress! I wore a Suzanne Neville belt in the evening, which I also fell in love with when they suggested I try it on in the shop.
My veil was my mothers veil, which was very special to be able to wear on the day. My shoes were Rachel Simpson and they were so comfortable I didn’t have to take them off, again I just wanted something very classic and timeless.
Chris got his suit made by a bespoke service at Alexandra Wood in Bishops Stortford. Once he had met Alexandra for the first consultation any fears he once had were put at ease. Alex could see his vision and easily put it together so he could imagine the final piece. Alex produced an amazing 3 piece midnight blue tuxedo for him which looked amazing. He experienced so many compliments on the day. The suit itself was everything he had wished for and the quality was second to none. He was looking for something slightly different but nothing outrageously bold or flashy.
Chris was also looking for his groomsmen/usher to wear black tuxedos so the difference in suits would strike the right balance and compliment his suit. He had a rather large party (of ten!) and all the suits were fantastic. His best man was his brother Edd, and ushers included my brothers Lloyd and Grant, his friends James, Dan and Alex and then our fathers, and also his two young nephews Alex and Harry.
The girl’s hair was booked with Botias and we had the lovely Kat and Charli do our hair and makeup throughout the morning for the bride, bridesmaids and mother of the bride.
My five bridesmaids were my best friends Clarissa, Claire, Katrina, Sharon and Zoe. I don’t get to see them all very often as they live all around the country, Manchester, Chelmsford, London but when I see them its almost as if no time has passed at all.
I had known almost immediately that I wanted to get my five bridesmaid dresses from Jenny Yoo, however without a store in the UK I ordered them online. They were the perfect dresses for the girls. Our niece Olivia was our flower girl dressed in a classic white dress, cardigan and shoes from Next.
Little Touch of Heaven added all the extras to our day! I sent them quite a few photos and they recreated it better than I could have imagined! They added the extras like the welcome signs, and the covers on the chairs, custom table names using rose gold frames and acrylic signs. We wanted to have rose gold and clear signage where possible which they got absolutely spot on!
Dreamwave Events provided the DJ and additional lighting, and walkway runner for the civil ceremony. The lighting they provided in the courtyard with the festoons and hanging jars really made it an inviting space for guests to be. I also love the photos of guests on the west terrace in the evening with the fairy lights.
We knew that flowers would make a huge impact on the day, and the fact that I cried when I was handed my bouquet says it all. Tudor Rose florist in Bury St Edmunds honestly showed their experience and skill. All of the flowers were so perfect and exactly like the photos I had shown them from my Pinterest boards! Even the little flower girl tiara was beautiful!
Gemma Giorgio was our photographer. Her style of photography was exactly what we were looking for, and we were so incredibly happy with the photos of our day. She made us feel at ease on the day thanks to a pre-wedding photo shoot and was so laid back but professional on the day too!
Fond Media filmed our day for us and this was a very last minute booking, the week before! Looking back it was one of the best decisions we made. They told us before the day that they we wouldn’t even notice they were there, and to be honest they really did float around amongst everything. We can’t stop watching our video it’s just so magical to be able to see it over and over!
Best part of the day
I will never forget seeing Chris at the alter, the emotion in him literally filled me with more emotion than I have ever experienced. So much love in one room, and so much love for one another.
I remember looking out onto the west terrace during the drinks reception and in the evening and seeing all our guests outside enjoying the grounds. Part of the reason I fell in love with this venue was due to the outdoor space. Seeing everyone enjoying it really did just fill me with so much happiness, it was exactly as I had hoped and dreamed.
From one bride to another…
I would say to definitely get a videographer, I know its an extra cost but it is so worth it to be able to relive those special moments!
Venue Hengrave Hall
Photography Gemma Giorgio Photography
Film Fond Media
Groom’s Attire Alexandra Wood Bespoke
Bridal Boutique The Bespoke Wardrobe
Bridal Designer Suzanne Neville
Shoes Rachel Simpson Shoes
Catering Milsom Weddings
Styling & Event Hire Little Touch of Heaven
Hair & Makeup Botias
Flowers Tudor Rose
Harpist The Cambridge Harpist
Lighting & DJ Dreamwave Events
Balloons Rising High Balloons
