The Story
Alex and I met over Hinge, he was my first ever dating app date so I was very lucky! He popped the question after two years of dating in Kenya during a sundowner at the breath-taking Lewa Wilderness. The engagement ring is Alex’s late grandmother’s so it is incredibly special to us both. It was the perfect fit so it didn’t have to be resized at all which we were blown away by. The ring was originally put on the right hand by mistake until Alex’s sister Miranda called us out on it towards the end of the sundowner, which was hilarious! The start of our magical wedding experience in Monmouthshire…
Venue
We got married in Monmouthshire, South Wales in my home village. We had a traditional yet magical wedding service conducted by Heidi who we call ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ – she is the best. The service followed by a reception across two interconnecting marquees near by. Danielle from County Marquees is a super hero and was utter perfection from start to finish.
Fashion
My bespoke dress was by Suzanne Neville – I can highly recommend Suzanne and her team at Beauchamp Place, they are the dream. I chose a popular shape for the dress structure, however I selected an embossed material that hadn’t been done before which I feel in love with. Shoes were from Emmy London and the something blue was a small bow sewed inside the corset of my dress.
Jewellery
I don’t really wear jewellery so went very simply for the day. I wore pearl drop earrings with diamonds which were worn by my mum previously. My mother also handmade the pearl hair comb I had in my hair attached to my veil. These were all old pearls from herself, my granny and a friend.
Bridal Party
They were named the ‘Bridal squad’! Consisting of ten cousins and nephews of both myself and Alex and my very special Maid-Of-Honour Kitty – they were all divine and created so much laughter and love.
Transportation
I was driven back and forth from the church by my amazing brother James. For our going away transport we left in an Argo Cat!
Tablescape
The marquees were very important to me and I had so much fun creating this with the super talented Catherine Gray. There was a woodland glade as you entered the marquee with trailing greenery, blossom and white flowers throughout, along with showstopping hanging floral chandeliers. I wanted an ‘OTT’ canopy of flowers for the dinner. This consisted of tall table centrepieces and low centrepieces which included garden roses, hydrangeas, peonies, viburnum, Solomon’s seal and white lilac. Throughout all the arrangements down the long tables there were pillar candles in vases. It was mind blowing and I am so in awe of Catherine and her team for totally capturing our vision. Each place had a printed out menu tied with a canvas bow around the napkin.
Food & Drink
We had a local caterer Napier Catering who were exceptional. To produce 172 perfectly cooked beef wellington is a serious achievement! After dinner drinks were, Margaritas, Espresso martinis and Negronis.
Other highlights in the marquee were my mother’s famous wedding border which was planted ten years ago and ran the length of the marquee and her showstopping wedding cake which took centre stage. My mum is a super talent.
Entertainment
First dance song: ‘Waiting For A Star to Fall’ – Boy Meets Gril.
I came down the aisle to the Spice Girls ‘Say You’ll Be There’ played on the organ by the amazing Jeanette!
Gospel Touch Choir performed ‘Blinded By Your Grace’ during signing of the register and ‘Joyful Joyful’ as we walked out.
For dancing we had DJ Joshua Roberts and Alex Chadwick on the saxophone who were awesome.
Beauty & Wellness
I had my usual hair and make up super woman Helen Hand who I have been working with for years. My hero products in the build up to the magical wedding were: Zo Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads and Daily Power Defense.
Magical Wedding Gifts
The Wedding Present Company were excellent to work with – an efficient system and really helpful team. Highlight gifts were the Lincoln Green backgammon board and the Sage ‘Bean To Cup’ Coffee Machine.
Honeymoon Plans
10 days at the beautiful Carlisle Bay in Antigua – heaven!
With Thanks
Bride & Groom: Alicia Lowes & Alex Simpson
Caterer: Napier Catering @napier_catering
Marquees: County Marquees @countymarqueesltd
Dress: Suzanne Neville @suzanneneville
Page boys: The Little Wedding Company @thelittleweddingcompany
Flower girls: Next @nextofficial
Florist: Catherine Gray @catherinegrayflowers
Wedding Invitations: Gee Brothers @geebrothersprinters
Stationery: VistaPrint @vistaprint
Wedding Logo Design: Matilda Craston, Graphic Artist @matildacraston
Photographer: Nico Wills @nico.wills
Videographer: Clementine Cusack Films @clementinecusackfilms
Hair & Makeup: Helen Hand @helenhandmakeup
Bridesmaid/Page gifts: Aspinal Of London @aspinaloflondon
DJ/Sound: Joshua Roberts @djjoshuaroberts
Saxophonist: Alex Chadwick @chaddysax
Gospel Choir: Gospel Touch @gospeltouch
The Wedding Present Company @weddingpresentco
Related Article: Inside: A Charming Wedding On The Isle Of Wight
