We were delighted when our gorgeous bride Florence agreed to a little Q&A about her wedding earlier this year. She shares with us the highs, lows and all the glorious bits in-between.

“Who is your other half and how did you meet?”

His name is Jamie and we met at the Flower Potts beer festival in Cheriton in 2013.

For my 25th birthday Jamie took me to Florence. On the evening of my birthday he took me to this stunning hotel restaurant for dinner (Belmond). After dinner he took me into the secluded grounds and into a private small garden with a couple of chairs over looking Florence. He gave me a card (I started crying) I think at this point I knew what was coming. On the last page it said to turn over, there was an envelope on the back page which I opened which said “Turn around”, I turned around and he was one knee. It was so romantic, there was no one there but you could hear the piano from the restaurant.

“Where was your venue?”

We chose to get married at Tylney Hall. We booked during the first lockdown and I hadn’t actually been to Tylney Hall before however I did lots of research and I knew that was the place. We drove there to sit in the car park during the first lockdown and I went with my heart and knew it was the place.

“How did you decide which suppliers to use?”

I looked at lots of photographers but I chose Charlotte Scholey who I actually went to school with. I had seen her work before and I loved her photos. My make up artist Alice (ABK make up and hair stylist) was my cousins cousin on the other side of the family. Again, I did lots of research for the make up as that was a massive deal for me and I’m so glad I chose Alice, she did our hair and make up and it was perfect. We were recommended Orange Discos by the Venue and they didn’t disappoint. Nothing was too much to ask, they were fantastic. We then decided to get a pianist - Christian Smith who exceeded our expectations. He played during the ceremony, drinks reception and the evening reception. He was amazing and it created a fantastic atmosphere. He made the effort to learn songs that I particularly wanted and he was so lovely.

“What three tips would you give to other brides planning their wedding day?”

1. Take in the morning celebrations - I really wanted to enjoy getting ready with my mum and bridesmaids.

2. Take a bag - I prepared a little clutch bag which my photographer carried. In it I had a miniature perfume, lipstick, lipgloss, powder and hairbrush. It was the best thing I did as you’ll need to top your lipstick up!

3. Make sure you’re prepared. I made sure that absolutely everything was done the night before, the dresses were hung up, my jewellery was on the table ready for me to put on, my underwear was on the bed ready and it helped the getting ready process go so smoothly.

“What was your favourite part of the planning process?”

My least favourite part, was planning a wedding during the pandemic and having to rearrange it 3 times. It was so stressful and I cried so many times but it was all worth it.

My favourite part was going dress shopping, it’s something that you always dream of doing since you are a little girl.

“What was your most memorable moment of the day?”

There’s so many but when I walked up the aisle and I saw Jamie at the end, and I just remember I couldn’t stop smiling. I made sure I walked slowly up the aisle and I’m so pleased I did as I noticed all my friends smiling at me and telling me how beautiful I looked. It was a really special moment I’ll never forget.

“What did you enjoy the most about shopping for your dress?”

I remember when I tried my dress on and I thought this is the one. I looked at myself in the mirror and I felt like a princess. It was really special choosing my dress as I only took my mum with me. I really enjoyed it just being us two.

“Who was your most Most Valuable Person on the day?”

The most valuable person was our best man Ben. I’ve never seen someone do such an amazing job as a best man. He made sure everything ran smoothly. From going into the ceremony room to turn on the mood lighting before guests arrived, making sure fairy lights were turned on half an hour before we went for our wedding breakfast to coming up to my room to check if we needed anything. We met up with him about a month before and ran through the itinerary of the day and he was so on the ball. His best man speech was amazing and I will forever be grateful for everything he did for us that day.

And to you Emma, you made my wedding experience so amazing. I couldn’t have actually done it without you. I will miss coming into the shop!

Florence’s contact list

Venue - Tylney Hall https://www.instagram.com/tylneyhallhotel/

Photographer - Charlotte Scholey https://www.instagram.com/charlottescholey/

Hair & Make up - Alice from ABK Makeup & Hair Stylist https://www.instagram.com/abkmakeup/

DJ - Orange Disco https://www.instagram.com/orangediscos/

Pianist - Christian Smith

Dress - Bessie by Alan Hannah https://www.instagram.com/alanhannahbridal/

Boutique - Boo Bridal https://www.instagram.com/boobridalboutique/