Band of gold

19 Mar 2014

Band of gold

A trio of musical guests provided the accompaniment when Laurel walked down the aisle to marry Ian

Image gallery

Ian Chilcot and Laurel Smithson

Where: Ceremony at Hitchin Christian Centre followed by reception at Hitchin Priory, Hertfordshire

Photography: Ryan Jarvis Photography

I knew I wanted to get married in Hitchin as it is my home town.I wasn’t that nervous on the morning of the wedding, the only issue I had was getting my parents’ naughty kitten Lottie to stop attacking the train on my dress. Then, when

I was walking down the aisle, I realised too late that my veil was too thick at the front and I couldn’t see properly. Luckily, my dad was there to guide me.

We had a vintage theme with décor like crystals and bird cages, and vintage cars. Ian is a Mini enthusiast and his dad’s green Mini was an essential part of the day, along with the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud wedding car I picked (which apparently Rod Stewart had been in a few days before). My mum, Stephanie, decorated the church and venue with the things we had picked out (bird cages, table crystals, flowers, cake pop favours.) We also asked friends and family with particular talents to be involved, including my sister, Holly, who designed all the stationery; Ian’s neighbour Irene Pickering who made us a beautiful cake and a friend Joni Hazell, who designed the bouquets of calla lilies. We picked a purple theme – the colour of the main stone in my engagement ring.

A highlight of the day for me was the music during the ceremony performed by my aunt Barbara Morton and her son, Ashley and friend Anthony Spicer. Anthony performed Clair de Lune on classical guitar as I walked down the aisle, while all three performed Till There Was You (The Beatles) and Calico Skies (Paul McCartney) during the register signing.

I won my photographer at the Archant Wedding Fair at Wimpole in 2011. The photographs in the setting of the Priory just looked magical, with the Georgian building backdrop and the autumn colours.

WHO DID WHAT

Photography: Ryan Jarvis Photography, 07775 661288, www.ryanjarvisphotography.co.uk

Venue: Hitchin Priory, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, 01462 420500,

www.chartridgecollection.com/hitchin-priory

Dress: Preloved.com

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Tidebuy, www.tidebuy.com; Light in the Box, www.lightinthebox.com

Hair: Patricia How, 01462 638160, patricia.honour57@gmail.com

Groom’s outfit: Expressions Bridal Wear, Hitchin, 01462 431122, www.expressionsbridalwear.co.uk

Stationery: Holly’s Cards, hollysmithson@tesco.net

Flowers: Joni Hazell (friend)

Cake: Irene Pickering (friend)

Catering: Hitchin Priory