Nick and Abi Guy first met at Bournemouth University, where they were both part of the rowing team. “We had so much in common, and we were both really sporty,” explains the bride. Fast-forward seven years, and Nick was planning on taking their relationship to the next level. “We were going for a nice meal in London for Nick's birthday, and he planned on popping the question there,” the bride tells us. “Unfortunately, I came down with food poisoning so we had to cancel.” Not to be perturbed, Nick cooked Abi a delicious breakfast the weekend after and proposed to her then. “It was a total surprise,” Abi recalls. “Especially as I was still in my dressing gown, having just got out of the shower!” The couple soon set the date for 15th July, 2017. Here the bride tells us all about their perfect wedding…
We tied the knot at St Peter & St Paul's Church in Charlton Adam, a quaint building in the Somerset countryside. It was where my grandparents tied the knot 50 years ago, so we loved building on that family history.
We had signs and pallets to help people navigate and let them know the order of the day. There was bunting, fairylights and lanterns everywhere to tie in with our theme, and in the evening, we had hay bales set around a firepit.
Nick's 15-year-old cousin did a brilliant job making our cake and decorating it with the help of her sisters. There was a slight panic when their car broke down on the way from Cambridge, so the creation had to come down by train.
My dress was by British designer Charlie Brear. It was an elegant silk style with a delicate lace overlay and a small sparkly belt. I teamed this with a chapel-length veil for the ceremony. My mum leant me a small blue beaded bracelet that she wore on her wedding day.
During the da y, we ke pt our family and friends enter tained with garden games and a singer. In the evening, we had a brilliant band followed by a DJ for the late-night ravers!
We chose a festival theme to run throughout the day, and our colour palette was inspired by wild flowers. Blue, purple, green and white blooms filled the tipi and really brought it to life.
As lots of our guests camped overnight, we fired up barbecues the next morning and fea sted on bacon and sausage rolls while reminiscing about the day before. We were so touched by how much our loved ones helped us out – it was a real family event.
Our photographer felt like one of the guests; he blended in and really captured the feel of the day. He even let one of our friends borrow his camera to snap some brilliant action shots.
Bride's dress and accessories
www.lovelybridal.co.uk
Bridesmaids' dresses
www.asos.com
Canapés
www.marksandspencer.com
Flowers
www.bloominglinda.co.uk
Groom's suits
www.johnlewis.com/
Photographer
www.mattgutteridge.co.uk
Picnic food
www.greendale.com/