Laura and Neil met through mutual friends and from the moment they started chatting it was clear they had a lot in common – it even turned out that they'd actually been living around the corner from each other for the past two-and-a-half years. Neil won Laura over with his cooking and prepared her a chicken pesto pasta dish on one of their first dates. "We don't know what would have happened if he hadn't made me that meal," Laura laughs.
The couple headed to New York to celebrate Laura’s 30th birthday and went to watch the sun rise over the Brooklyn Bridge on the first morning there. Laura remembers, “It seemed to take forever thanks to all of the high-rise buildings.” But when it eventually peaked out from behind the skyscrapers Neil got down on one knee and presented her with the engagement ring. “It was a huge surprise! We were expecting our first child that August and were about to move house, so I’d thought a wedding would have to wait,” Laura shares.
It was love at first sight when the pair visited Abbeywood Estate. “The gardens are breathtakingly beautiful – the perfect setting for a summer wedding,” Laura explains. The venue had to close during lockdown, but its gardens could remain open, and they made the most of them by going for walks with their new daughter. So, by the time the wedding date came round, they felt a real affinity with the place.
Here, bride Laura shares her memories of the big day...
A flower arch adorned the church entrance, with two dramatic pedestals bearing blooms flanking the aisle. At the reception venue, grey chiffon runners were draped along the centre of the tables and glass candle sticks holding tall dusky rose candles sat on top, with eucalyptus and roses carefully wrapped around the bases.
The table plan was created in a white canvas with eucalyptus detailing around the edges and the place names were designed to match. As wedding favours, guests were gifted super-cute packets of seeds, which were labelled "let love grow."
Acoustic musician Daisy Kate played during the drinks reception, creating a beautifully relaxed atmosphere. "We'd hire her again in a heartbeat. Many of our guests commented on how good she was," Laura remembers. The garden games too were a huge hit, especially with the children. Owner of the Rustic Wedding Company Tina even came to set them up in the morning, and collected them the following day ensuring a stress-free experience.
The evening do centred around six-piece band, The Back Beats booked via Entertainment Nation. "They were amazing and so accommodating with requests," Laura says. Guests also loved the converted VW Campervan photo booth, which provided heaps of fun throughout the evening.
Alterations
Bride's and bridesmaids' dresses
Entertainment
Entertainment
Favours
Flowers
Guest transport
Hair and make-up
Hair stylist
Jewellery, accessories and wedding rings
Lawn games
Photo booth
Photographer
Stationery
Suits
Table numbers
Venue and catering