Alishia and Steven had their real wedding at St. Andrew’s Church, Kingsbury, London in August 2008.
The proposal
Alishia and Steven met at sixth – form college. “He proposed on the Millennium Bridge in 2006,” Alishia remembers. “Afterwards, we celebrated with a trip to see The Lion King in London’s West End”.
The bride’s real wedding outfit
Steven’s seamstress sister came out of retirement to make Alishia’s wedding dress! “She hadn’t made a dress for eight years, after time out to have children,” Alishia says. “I decided to go for a traditional design – it’s the only time I’ll wear a dress like that!” The silk and taffeta gown with matching veil included 1,000 Swarovski crystals. Alishia added her mother’s tiara, her great grandma’s earrings, shoes from Dune and a necklace from John Lewis.
“My great grandma passed away in April that year. I wore her pearl earrings as my ‘something old'”
The groom’s real wedding outfit
“Steven’s suit was ivory to match my dress,” Alishia says. “He added a gold cravat and waistcoat, and ivory shoes.” Steven and his eight groomsmen hired their outfits from Tux ‘n’ Tails.
The bridesmaids
Eight bridesmaids looked stunning in willow green dresses, made-to-measure by a family friend. “I fell in love with the fabric when I saw it in John Lewis,” Alishia says. “When I told people I was having green bridesmaids, they could not picture it – but it looked beautiful”.
Big day details
Bling, butterflies, green, gold and crystal were glimpsed throughout the day. Flowers including lilies, orchids and roses, were fashioned into gorgeous bouquets and table centres by Alishia’s very hard – working friends.
The ceremony
Again, the couple’s friends were at the core of the celebrations in church. One played the cello, another played piano, while another sang gospel during the recession.
The reception
The aptly named VIP Lounge was perfect for the couple’s 300 lively guests at the real wedding! Traditional Caribbean food made up the wedding breakfast, while favours included chocolate hearts in willow green satin bags and a personalised CD of music.
The cake
Alishia and Steven had a three-tier cake by Alishia’s aunt and a two – tier cake by Steven’s aunt. “They were prepared the West Indian way – with lots of rum!” Alishia says of the cake for her real wedding.
The entertainment
“My stepdad and friends used to have a sound system and they played at carnival every year,” Alishia says. “And DJing was their gift to us. We hired dancers to entertain guests after our first dance, and they finished their performance with an electric slide to Cameo’s Candy – this got everyone on the dance floor!”.
The honeymoon
Ten days in Sri Lanka.
