Summer pastels made for a chic colour scheme. Emma looked stunning in an ivory silk gown while the bridesmaids wore flowing Grecian style dresses in a spectrum of colours to coordinate with the ushers' ties. Emma, who is a teacher, even invited her class to the wedding! "They were so excited about receiving invitations, getting dressed up for the occasion and eating the homemade ice cream served from a traditional tricycle!" she comments.
Tucked into a small country village in the heart of Devon's countryside, Broadclyst Church was a beautiful setting for their wedding ceremony - and the close proximity to a pub proved very handy for calming those pre-wedding nerves!
"The service was relaxed and very emotional with some thoughtful readings," Emma reflects. Her brother, actor Ben Aldridge, sang 'You Are So Beautiful', while Sidmouth Gospel Choir sang throughout the proceedings, ending on a high with a performance of 'Oh Happy Day'.
The idyllic climes of Kia-ora Farm and Gardens hosted the marquee reception. While Oliver's mother Nicky created floral arrangements for the church, Emma's mother Liz decorated the marquee with cascading arrangements and giant Martini glasses filled with coral roses and hydrangeas.
Catering company The Keepers Cottage served up a mezze platter with bites such as cured meats, marinated smoked salmon and sun blush tomatoes. For the main course, a lamb joint was served at each table. "Guests were asked to check under their chairs, and a chef's hat and apron were planted ready for the designated alpha male to carve!" The dessert towers of sweet delights, such as lemon cheesecakes and chocolate brownies, proved a hit.
Emma's father rejected the traditional speech formula and instead picked up his acoustic guitar and sang. He later joined live band 'The Fab Beatles' for an impromptu jam session during the evening reception! A fireworks display ended the party in spectacular style, and the revelry continued the next day with a laidback barbecue in the sunshine.
Reflecting on their day, Emma has plenty of advice: "Book a videographer. It is such a lovely memory of the day to treasure and share with those that weren't able to attend." She adds, "You don't have to stick to tradition: we had a group dance as neither of us were keen on all eyes on us for a first dance!"
And keep those jitters at bay: "Try not to get too nervous, just relax and savour every moment!"
The venue
Broadclyst Church followed by marquee reception at Kia-ora Farm and Gardens
01884 32347 www.kia-orafarm.co.uk
The dress
Sarah Danielle from The Bridal Rooms of Wellswood, Torquay
01803 380580 www.bridalrooms.co.uk
The flowers
Bouquets, corsages and buttonholes by Sophie Astridge
01392 490459 www.astridges.com
Photography
Emma Solley Photography
01392 848500 www.emmasolley.com
Copyright WED Magazine 2011
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