From the magic of a Christmas engagement to dreams of a sun-drenched summer wedding, the couple instantly fell for the charms of Rockbeare Manor to host their celebration.
"We just knew it was the place for us as soon as we pulled up to the house," says Charlotte. "It was so perfect - just what I'd imagined, the dream wedding venue. All the rooms are so tastefully decorated with a modern twist and the grounds are stunning."
Taking the bridesmaids' dresses as her colour cue, Charlotte picked a pretty palette of dusky pink and gold that featured in everything from the flowers to the wedding stationery. Flanked by beautiful decor including a fingerprint canvas created by Charlotte's godfather, the tables were decorated with hurricane vases filled with candles and wrapped in wreaths of flowers.
"My bouquet was a mixture of dusky pink flowers and neutrals: one white rose for my nan and one calla lily for Ben's mum who both sadly have passed away," adds Charlotte.
Pinterest helped Charlotte plan and execute her vision for the day, presenting her with ideas such as hangover kits, flip-flops, a memory table and 'pimp your Prosecco'. "We made our own sloe gin for favours," explains Charlotte. "My mum and I walked around Seaton where I'm originally from to find the sloes."
The Swing Kings were on hand all day to provide the crowd-pleasing entertainment, first performing during the drinks reception where guests enjoyed ice cream canapes while playing Connect 4 and Giant Jenga on the lawn.
Magician, Bruce Farrell, wowed guests with his trickery during the wedding breakfast, which comprised a fabulous feast of cheddar and leek tart, roasted chicken supreme and dark chocolate parfait. The evening party then got into full swing, featuring a jam-packed dance floor and show-stopping sunset. "It was incredible," recalls Charlotte. "I couldn't believe it as I walked outside - I just kept thinking to myself how lucky we were to have such a perfect day."
"Being organised definitely makes it easier on the day and also I'm really glad we had a fab photographer like Gareth who is incredible at his job, and Alan who was our videographer; it's so lovely to look back on," says Charlotte when asked about her advice to other engaged couples.
Photography GRW Photography grw.photography
Venue Rockbeare Manor rockbearemanor.co.uk
Dress The Little White Dress Bridal Boutique thelittlewhitedress.uk
Bridesmaids' dresses Chi Chi London chichiclothing.com
Groom's outfit Debenhams debenhams.com
Hair Pride Hair pridehair.co.uk
Bride's make-up Eve Ashby eveashby.co.uk
Bridesmaids' make-up Zoe Johnston
Bridesmaids' hair Kelly Walker
Flowers Emma Hewlett emmahewlett.co.uk
Videographer Alan
Stationery Outdo Design outdodesign.co.uk, R&H Signs randhsigns.com
Entertainment The Swing Kings theswingkings.co.uk
Bruce Farrell brucefarrellmagic.weebly.com
Copyright Wed magazine 2018
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