One and only

Joanna Green said ‘I do’ instantly when it came to the venue and gown for her wedding to Christopher Stickings

Christopher Stickings and Joanna Green

Where: Ceremony at St John’s Church, Higham, followed by reception at Bradbourne House, East Malling

Photography: Graham Scott Studio

I grew up in Higham so we knew we would like our ceremony in Higham Church. We researched many reception venues and found Bradbourne House, a stunning venue close to the church which offered exclusive use for weddings. This was the only venue we looked around.

I thought I knew what my perfect dress would be – a straight, classic gown. However, after visiting Bridal Gowns at Jodi with my mum and nan, that changed. I tried a Maggie Sottero dress edged with Swarovski crystals and a ruffle skirt. That was ‘the dress’.

On the morning of the wedding, we were both so excited and nervous. I got ready at my mum’s house along with my bridesmaids, sister Claire and best friend Katie. They wore floor-length Hilary Morgan dresses in aubergine and carried hand-tied bouquets featuring lilac and ivory roses, lilac freesia and foliage. My bouquet used the same flowers, but in a teardrop style.

Christopher got ready with his best man, his father John, at his parents’ house. The men wore grey tails with silver waistcoats and matching cravats, while Christopher wore an aubergine cravat.

I was escorted down the aisle by my father to Wagner’s Bridal Chorus. It was a very emotional experience. Our church service was very traditional and concluded with bells, and confetti being thrown outside.

We then made our way to Bradbourne House in a dark blue Rolls-Royce Phantom. Our guests were greeted with drinks and canapés, while our photographer, Graham Scott, took photos.

The Great Hall was set up for our wedding breakfast with chair covers and candelabra centrepieces following our aubergine colour theme. The food, supplied by Scott Anderson, was fabulous. Our wedding cake was a three-tiered fruit cake iced in white and edged with pearl beading. Each tier was topped with a handmade spray of ivory roses, lilac freesia and eucalyptus leaves. The cake tasted as wonderful as it looked.

The evening started with our first dance, Joanna, by Kool and the Gang followed by a night of music from The Choos. We also booked Rich Nairn, a caricaturist, who drew his interpretations of our guests.

We had a truly special wedding day that we will both cherish for the rest of our lives together.

WHO DID WHAT

Photography: Graham Scott Studio, Sandling (Bluebell Hill), Kent, 01622

683868, www.grahamscottstudio.net

Venue: Bradbourne House, East Malling, 01732 897436,

www.bradbournehousekent.co.uk

Dress: Bridal Gowns @ Jodi, Maidstone, 01622 755090, www.weddingdressesuk.com

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alta Costura, Maidstone, 01622 688838,

www.altacostura.co.uk

Hair: Emma Daley Bridal Hair, Maidstone, 07917 034395,

www.emmadaley.co.uk

Make-up: Michelle Steward, michelle.steward@medway.gov.uk

Groom’s outfit: Penguins Suit Hire, Chatham, 01634 843046, www.penguinrental.co.uk

Stationery: Handmade by the bride

Flowers: Florian Flowers, Sidcup, 07736 039977, www.florianflowers.co.uk

Cake: Gemma’s Bespoke Wedding and Celebration Cakes, Maidstone,

01622 716848, www.gemmasbespokecakes.co.uk

Catering: Scott Anderson, Faversham, 0845 116 2433, www.chefscottanderson.co.uk

Transport: Phantom World, 01634 890831, www.phantomworld.co.uk; Lady R Wedding and Chauffeur Hire, Dartford, 01322 285988, www.ladyr.co.uk

Toastmaster: Michael Bowdrey, Rochester, 01634 221502, www.toastmastermichaelbowdrey.co.uk

Entertainment: Caricaturist, The Artful Doodler, 07958 039170, www.theartfuldoodler.co.uk; band, The Choos, 07711 718348, www.thechoos.co.uk