Garden flowers and a champagne colour scheme made this one super pretty celebration for Claire and Gavin, and their rustic wedding was the happiest day of their lives!
The proposal
It was an instant attraction when Claire and Gavin met in 2007, and the couple were soon dating. Gavin proposed six years later while they were in Frinton on Sea for Claire’s birthday. “He was looking for the perfect spot, while our little girl Georgie was getting grumpy,” Claire says. Gavin then handed Claire a photo album their daughter had made which contained the story of ‘how mummy and daddy got together’ and on the last page was Georgie in a t-shirt saying ‘mummy, will you marry daddy?’. The bride looked up and Gavin was on one knee. “Of course I said yes, and we celebrated with fish and chips,” says Claire. “It was so thoughtful and I love photos so it was perfect!”
The bride’s outfit
Claire bought her 1950s-style tulle gown with vintage bodice from Adore Brides in Chelmsford. “It was only the second one I tried on but I just loved the fullness of the skirt and sweetheart neckline,” Claire smiles. The bride particularly loved the lace overlay as she didn’t feel comfortable strapless. “It was just really lovely and girly, exactly what I imagined!” Sticking to the retro look of the dress Claire chose a stunning pair of Vivienne Westwood heels and Joules wellies for the muddier photo opportunities.
The groom’s outfit
Gavin didn’t go down the traditional route for his outfit, instead choosing a blue suit,
a peachy pink tie and a tweed waistcoat from River Island to finish the look. “He looked so handsome and the smartest I have ever seen him look,” Claire recalls.
The bridesmaids
Claire was accompanied by her sister Kate as bridesmaid and daughter Georgie was flowergirl. “Kate was seven months pregnant so we found her a lovely vintage- look lace dress from ASOS’ maternity range and luckily it still fitted her on the day!” Claire says. Georgie wore an adorable champagne coloured dress and ivory shoes both from BHS.
The ceremony
The couple had a civil ceremony in the stunning rustic venue The Granary in Sudbury. “We didn’t choose to have any readings but changed our vows to include Georgie,” says Claire. The beautiful bride walked down the aisle accompanied by her dad to a stripped back piano version of Mr Brightside by Luke T. “When I heard it before walking up the stairs and into the room it was just an amazing feeling!” Claire remembers.
The reception
As the couple had their reception in the same room as the ceremony they had boat rides and canapés for the changeover. “We also had afternoon tea which is a favourite of ours and it worked really well,” Claire explains. The speeches were filled with emotion but also humour from Gavin when he told the wedding party Claire’s sister Kate was ten months pregnant!
The details
Claire and Gavin chose a rustic theme for their big day and called on family and friends to help. “My lovely friend Lauren designs bouquets so as a wedding present to us she did all of our flowers!” Claire explains. “My mum made our three-tiered chocolate Guinness cake and my mother- in-law made the bunting.” The couple also got stuck into creating various things for their day. “Gavin designed all the stationery and made the light up ‘Love’ sign while I made the ‘C & G’ letters,” says Claire. Music was provided by live band Jukebox Fury and there was a cardboard colour-in wendy house for the children.
The honeymoon
The couple spent an unforgettable honeymoon in Venice, enjoying the sights and gondola rides.
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