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As a homage to their early days together, Laura Taylor and new husband Gavin sprinkled their wedding with special touches celebrating wonderful memories as they look to their future…
Describe your partner in five words:
Thoughtful, Caring, Funny, Soul mate, Hardworking
How did you and your husband meet?
My husband and I met through match.com. Our first date, we chose to meet on Brighton Pier. Since our special moment Brighton has always had a place in our heart. We incorporated the fun of our meeting in Brighton in our wedding.
Tell us about the proposal…
Our special moment happened on our five year anniversary Saturday November 21st 2015 we woke on the morning and there and been a flurry of snow leaving a pretty scattering on the ground, which was romantic in itself we felt. Much to my surprise Gavin booked us a spa day at our favourite spa we had visited few times. We were having a wonderful relaxing day, following our champagne afternoon tea we decided to take a stroll in the beautiful grounds, once we had reached a perfect viewing point to admire the views, snow started to flurry once more, I turned around and Gavin was on one knee presenting my stunning engagement ring. Wow, what a moment to remember, the whole day felt truly magical.
Where did you get married and how did you choose the venue?
The Barn pub and restaurant, Tunbridge Wells was our choice of venue.
On our first dates of getting to know each other, we spent many an evening relaxing here chatting and laughing the hours away. With its intimate charm and exclusivity of the wedding day along with the central location in Royal Tunbridge Wells where we have set up home together, it felt the perfect place for us.
Tell us about your big day and some of its key highlights…
Our day had a wonderfully relaxed feel, with lots of organizing going on behind the scenes by Philippe and his very professional team at The Barn in Tunbridge Wells.
I started the day at our home with my mum, two bridesmaids and plenty of Moet! We had a family friend to collect us in his Bentley draped in ribbons. As it was the hottest day of the year (so far), the roof on the car came down and we were able to enjoy our journey to the fullest.
I was so pleased how beautiful the barn was decorated, all the windows were open with the springtime sun beaming through. I couldn’t have been happier.
My husband and I and our guests enjoyed our intimate ceremony followed with bubbly in the garden, chatting and celebrating whilst our Spanish guitarist serenaded our guests. My husband and I walked over to the calverley grounds with our photographer Sam Yardley and my sister/bridesmaid Rachel for a fun photo shoot carrying giant wedding balloons!
What companies contributed your special day and would like to recommend to future brides? We gave ourselves four months to plan our dream wedding.
I visited Frou Frou bridal boutique, as they are fashion forward yet timeless and very individual for brides who want to stay true to themselves. I found a sleek and exquisite silk gown designed by Sanyukta Shrestha and a Stewart Parvin beaded sash. I also got a lace bolero from Isabella Grace as a finishing touch.
Brides and bridesmaid’s bouquets and flowers were created by the brilliant talented team at Colonnade florist. Our photographer was Sam Yardley (www.samyardleyphotography.com), and we couldn’t have asked for a more energetic and enthusiastic photographer capturing all the special moments of the day. My Sister Rachel (www.rachel-page-photography.com) took over from Sam for the evening celebrations.
Our 3-tier vintage fairytale wedding cake and matching cupcakes were made and supplied by Fiona Cairns and her team. She also made the royal wedding cake for William and Kate.
For hire of some venue decorations like bay trees and lanterns, we used Lorna at Beautiful Covers. She was very helpful and professional all the way.
Spanish guitarist Bob Hooper played a chosen selection along with freestyle pieces to complement our day with musical perfection.
Favours were Mr and Mrs Taylor love heart sweets and sugar coated chocolate hearts.
How did you start your married life together? Did you treat yourself to a honeymoon?
Our home we have made is in Royal Tunbridge Wells, a short stroll to the pantiles. We are so excited about our honeymoon we have booked for May 2016, with two destinations firstly being Dubai, an exciting city break then onto the Maldives for a sun sand tropical paradise. We cannot wait.
FIVE TOP TIPS FOR FUTURE BRIDES AND GROOMS
1. Like the old saying ”too many cooks spoil the broth” remember to keep your planning to what you and your husband really want, asking to many people for advice can get confusing.
2. Use local suppliers, supporting them and they will support you and give you their best, they will be familiar with the venues in your area too.
3. Having a clear vision for your day, and make it personal, remember you only do this once, it’s a celebration of your journey together.
4. For the bride! Take along another pair of high heels, just in case a heel was to break or your feet are getting a little sore from all the dancing!
5. This may sound silly but remember to spend the day together, it’s your day.
