A Hertfordshire Spring Fete Wedding

Andy and Carly wanted their flower-filled wedding to feel like an old-fashioned village celebration

Andy Mackillican and Carly Lewis

Where: Ceremony at St Andrew’s Church, Stanstead Abbotts followed by reception at The Ware Priory, Ware, Hertfordshire

Photography: Nicola Norton Photography

I wanted to have a traditional spring wedding with as many of my favourite flowers as possible and I wanted an old-fashioned village fete feeling. I always had The Ware Priory in mind as a venue, as this was the venue my parents had their wedding at. I’d also heard how efficient and friendly the staff were and this stuck in my mind when searching for the perfect venue.

On the morning, I felt so excited and not nervous at all. There are no words to describe how euphoric I felt walking down the aisle towards Andy.

When we reached our venue I could hear the barrel organ playing. I was so overwhelmed at the look of the room I could have cried. It all just looked so beautiful and a mass of colour – everything I had imagined and more. I can never thank Gill Sutton, our florist enough, she turned my dream into reality.

Chloe Noble our cakemaker had listened to my ideas and produced a beautiful spring flower-themed cake which had chocolate, lemon and vanilla tiers and each one was delicious.

The wedding breakfast and reception just flowed and we couldn’t have asked for more. All of the speeches were heartfelt, personal and the balance of amusing and emotional was just right. I made a speech too so I could thank my family and friends for all their support and love which has always meant so much to me.

WHO DID WHAT

Photography: Nicola Norton Photography, Ampthill, Bedford, 07866 544642, www.nicolanortonphotography.co.uk

Venue: The Ware Priory, Ware, Herts, 01920 460316, www.warepriory.co.uk

Dress: Fleur De Lys Bridal Shop, Saffron Walden, Essex, 01799 526982, www.fleurdelysbridal.co.uk

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: (adults) New Look, www.newlook; (flower girls) Monsoon Bridal, www.uk.monsoon.co.uk

Groom’s suit: Peter Posh, Fleur De Lys Bridal Shop, Saffron Walden, Essex, 01799 526982, www.fleurdelysbridal.co.uk

Hair: The Mobile Hairstylist, Duxford, Cambs, 01223 839643, www.themobilehairstylist.com

Make-up: Louisa Desmond, 01763 242369, www.makeupbylouisamarie.com

Stationery: Ivy Ellen, Hove, East Sussex, 0845 388 4403, www.ivyellen.com

Flowers: Gilly Bean Flowers, 07983 629538, www.gillybeanflowers.co.uk

Cake: Fairy Scrumptious, 07740 510216, www.fairyscrumptious.com

Catering: D & J Hampton Ltd, Ware, 01438 816059, www.hamptonscatering.com

Chair Covers: Organza, Cheshunt, Herts, 07956 444205, www.organza.name

Transport: Wedding Cars of Herts, Welwyn, 01438 717007, www.weddingcarsofherts.co.uk

Videography: Ivory & Gold, Stevenage, Herts, 01438 223679, www.ivoryandgold.com

Entertainment: Disco SPJ Uk Ltd, Ware, 01920 464726, www.spjuk.com; toastmaster, David Bond, Hatfield, Herts, 07768 418163, www.dmbond.com; barrel organ, Terry and Margaret Pankhurst, St Albans, Herts, 01582 832817