How did Billy pop the question?
“We were skiing in the French Alpes. Billy arranged to meet me at the top of the mountains. He actually (accidently) skied past me in the end and went all the way to the bottom! He had to rush back up the ski lift hoping I would still be there. Fortunately, I waited for him and he pretended to enjoy the view across the Alpes. Then out came the ring and all I could do was cry happy tears! It was the best moment I had ever experienced”
As soon as Kate and Billy got home they phoned venues to book in show rounds. They both agreed that booking the venue was the most important thing and everything else would follow.
“As soon as we pulled up to Leez Priory we knew it was the place for us. The style of the building reminded us of a castle and the landscaped gardens were perfect for our idea of an outdoor wedding. The building is just beautiful.”
Did you have any ‘Must have’s’?
“We wanted a venue that would be exclusive to us on the day and one that had both an amazing inside and outside ceremony location. As soon as we saw the Tower in the courtyard, we were sold.”
Billy and Kate used social media sites such Instagram and Pintrest where they found lots of inspiration but struggled to come across a theme that suited them. They then decided to base it on their love of dressing up for black tie events with a splash of vintage to add colour. Billy had always wanted to wear a velvet tux so they both decided this was the one.
This couple knew their stuff when it came to style and decoration. Kate went with a dress that had a detachable skirt with a crystal belt to give both a day and an evening look, teamed with a veil that was ordered to match the dress and a pair of Vivien Westwood shoes to give a pop of colour, the same colour that she had in her bouquet. She decided to wear her Nan’s blue topaz diamond ring on her right hand in her memory.
What did you choose for your menus and welcome drinks?
Canapes:
Basil crostini with Feta and Tomato Pearls (V)
Rare Roast Beef served on Rye Bread with a Horseradish Cream Mousse
Blue cheese crostini with honey roasted Figs
Free range honey chilli Chicken skewers
Free range Bang Bang Chicken
Smoked Duck Croquette
Welcome Drinks:
Sparkline wine
Pimms
Gin Mule
Wedding Breakfast:
Mozzarella and Rocket Salad with Tomato and Chilli Salsa
Pan Fried Chicken with Chargrilled Asparagus
Roasted Portabello Mushroom
Chocolate & Salted Caramel Brownie
Where did you have your wedding breakfast and Ceremony?
“We had our Ceremony outside in the sunshine in front of the Tower. It made and amazing backdrop to the ceremony. We had our wedding breakfast in the Coach House because we fell in love with the old beams and character of the building.”
They opted for a sweetheart table during the meal, so they could spend a bit of time together during the day.
Pete our resident DJ made sure the dance floor was filled all night with guests.
“He was brilliant and so helpful.”
What was your favourite part of the day?
“Three parts. Walking down the aisle, the greeting line where we got to thank everyone for coming and the party! The food was fantastic. I also really enjoyed staying in the Fisherman’s Cottage the night before in the hot tub with my bridesmaids.”
Kate and Bill chose these as their favourite photos of the day. We can tell why!
If you could do it all again what would you do?
“We would do it all the same! We had such an amazing time.”
After the wedding the couple jetted off to New York for their mini moon and are set to go to St. Lucia in November.
Suppliers
The Brides outfit: Blue by Enzoani from Bellissima Weddings.
The Grooms outfit: Custom made to measure suit from Anthony formal wear in Billericay. (They also supplied the groomsmen’s suits)
The Bridesmaids: Custom made by Kim the dressmaker in Leigh on Sea
The accessories: Etsy
Wedding Ring: Hand made in Hatton Gardens
Wedding Cake: Lolly’s Cakes Essex
DJ: Resident DJ – Pete
