There's nothing better than a lovely English countryside wedding, particularly one with an elegant colour palette and a
giant chocolate cake. The lovely couple, Claire and Tom, clearly have fabulous taste, as every detail fits perfectly, creating a truly chic affair brimming with stealworthy ideas. My favourite spots are Claire's bouquet of long-stemmed Avalanche roses, her bridesmaids' hair accessories and the simple-but-oh-so-special orchid blooms for the table displays. Plus the extravagent train on Claire's
Rosa Clara dress is to die for! Copy their style by choosing just two colours for your big day, rather than a whole selection - it makes it easier to make everything match. Gorgeous photographs as ever from
Nikole Ramsay, and scroll on down for Claire's helpful hints, plus all her suppliers.
The Before the Big Day Bridal Q&A - Claire was kind enough to fill in our bridal questionnaire, aimed at helping other brides with their planning process. Feast your eyes on her answers for helpful hints and tips from someone on the other side of her big day!
Where and when did you get married?
26th June 2010 at South Lodge Hotel, Lower Beeding, West Sussex
What was your thinking behind choosing the venue and the decoration of the reception?
We chose the venue because it was beautiful, and somewhere that no one we knew had got married. Which was something I wanted.
Did you have a theme, colour or motif in mind?
All white with a touch of silver.
Who made your wedding outfit, and how did you come to that decision?
My dress was from Rosa Clara at Liberty. It was the 3rd dress I tried on and it was perfect. My shoes were Christian Loubotin. I love them! I wore a diamond braclet which Tom brought me especially for the day and my dad brought me a Tiffany key necklace, but the chain was too long so I attached the pendant to my bracelet.
What about your husband’s outfit? Where was it from?
Tom’s outfit was from Lapels Mens Hire in Maidstone Kent. Mark was very helpful in dressing the groom, 2 best men, 5 ushers, 2 fathers and 2 page boys.
What type of cake did you go for, and how did you come to that decision?
We went for a chocolate cake, from Purita Hyam. We chose it as i don’t like fruit cake or jam, and I am a chocolate lover. Purita sent us a sample and it was delicious.
Did you have any favours? What were they? Was there any particular reason why you picked them?
We had lottery tickets, unfortunately nobody won, but a couple of £10’s were.
What flowers did you choose, and how did you come to that decision?
We had white avalanche roses and orchids.
Who was your photographer and how did you choose them?
Nikole Ramsay. We chose her as she photographed my dad’s wedding and they were amazing pictures (as are ours). She was recommended by my auntie who is also a photographer.
Did you enjoy planning your wedding?
I loved planning my wedding, albeit a bit stressful at times. I want to do it again.
What advice do you have for brides planning their big day?
Keep calm and carry on and go with your instincts, don’t do things just to make others happy.
Before the Big Day - the Best UK Wedding Blog.
