A pretty real wedding in coral with country garden details to die for

A beautiful real wedding in a fab coral colour with DIY, country-garden details to die for! Lauren and Luke got married in July 2011. Read on to find out all about it!

The proposal

"The proposal happened while we were travelling in Australia," remembers Lauren. "We were at my cousin's house for a New Year's Eve party, watching the firework display over Sydney Harbour. Luke got my attention and whispered in my ear - 'will you marry me?'. I had to keep asking again and again if he was being serious, not drunk and messing around! It wasn't until he pulled out a ring that I realised he meant it!" adds Lauren

The bride's outfit

"I felt like an absolute princess in my Maggie Sottero," recalls Lauren. "The real wedding dress was different to what I had been looking for initially, but as soon as I tried it on I knew it was perfect - I didn't want to take it off!"

"I was bitten by an insect and had to have my engagement ring cut off!"

The accessories

"Our real wedding rings were made by Kurt Reppin of Reppin and Jones in Whistable. He did us a great deal on our platinum wedding bands and was a real lifesaver - fixing my engagement ring after I had to have it cut off my finger in hospital, during my hen do in Spain! I was bitten by an insect and my finger swelled up so badly the doctors said that it was that or my finger!" exclaims Lauren

The bridesmaids

"I had my bridesmaids' dresses made by local dress maker Shirley Ann," explains Lauren. "She used to make all my dance costumes when I was younger, so I contacted her when I realised it was going to be very difficult to buy full-length coral dresses off the hanger during the middle of winter."

The groom's outfit

Stylish groom Luke hired his suit from Slaters in Canterbury. He chose a black tail coat worn with a white shirt, ivory waistcoat, cravat and handkerchief. "He looked so gorgeous, like a character from an old movie," beams Lauren

The ceremony

The couple's relaxed wedding service took place outside, in the grounds of Solton Manor house. Two of the couple's close friends performed a reading On Your Wedding Day

The stationery

Because Lauren is a graphic artist she was very excited about creating her own real wedding stationery. "I love designing for weddings and making bespoke stationery, so it was great fun doing my own," smiles Lauren

The flowers

Breathtaking floral displays were designed by Flower Power. These included the bouquets, buttonholes, the summer house flowers and six striking pillar displays to use in the reception barn. We love the contrast between the cream and coral roses

"Luke looked so gorgeous, like a character from an old movie..."

The decor

Lauren bought wooden letters from Altered Chic, three birdcages to hold cards and well wishes, and wicker hearts. She also collected old jam jars to hold pretty tea-light candles for the evening. We love the country-garden details!

The honeymoon

Lauren and Luke booked a five-star all-inclusive trip to Egypt, snorkelling in the Red Sea.

The real wedding gallery

Prev Next