Fiona married Paul on 9 April 2014 in a small ceremony in St Lucia, but their reception took place 16 August 2014 in Bedfordshire. The pair met at work around 13 years ago, and were friends for years before they became a couple. After nearly eight years and two kids together, finally, Paul secretly asked Fiona's father for her hand in marriage, before proposing on their daughter's birthday. They wanted a rustic and summery feel for the décor, and the wedding was designed and styled by Fiona's friend, Sarah Waller from Wit & Wisdom: Event Planning.
I wore my mother's wedding dress, from the Seventies.
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I was very lucky that not a single alteration was required.
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Paul wore a suit designed and made by Stephen Williams at Bespoke HQ.
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Paul and I live in Hertfordshire, so we wanted somewhere nearby and commutable for the guests. We also wanted somewhere we could have exclusive use of the venue, so we opted for the beautiful grounds of Shortmead House in Bedfordshire.
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With the gorgeous gardens and a swimming pool, it felt like we were in another country.
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As a Scottish person I couldn't have a wedding without some tartan! My son was bestowed this task, wearing a lovely wee kilt.
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The flowers on the tables were hydrangeas, with an array of other flowers dotted around the marquee and outdoor tables.
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The marquee looked amazing, with lovely pinks and greens - all decorated by my friend Sarah Waller.
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As an additional touch, we had a drink fountain flowing with Pimm's and lemonade.
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There were hand-stamped doilies for name-places and lots of gorgeous pink hydrangeas on the tables.
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Proudly displayed was a photo of my parents on their wedding day, you can see my mother is wearing the same dress.
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There were ribbons tied behind our Bride and Groom chairs.
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The speeches were funny, moving, heartbreaking and heartfelt. Various points in the day we remember those who we would have love to have been present, but speeches are a time when things everyone is feeling are mentioned and remembered.
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The first dance was a free-for-all, we chose Diana Ross' I'm Coming Out.
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The new issue of ELLE Wedding is a dress special. What are you waiting for? Buy it now!