Alexa and Andrew combined their love of travel with thoughtful details for their perfect day.
Alexa and Andrew were set to put down a deposit on another venue the day they visited Charlton Hall for the first time – but the stunning 18th century stately home stole their hearts (and that deposit) the moment they saw it.
Adorning the dream location with shimmering decorative details, cascades of blooms and warm fairylights, the couple also opted to give a nod to their shared passion for travel, with bursts of blush pink adding some extra sophistication. And the bride’s dress! Despite initial uncertainty about what to expect (of which more later), Alexa’s fishtail wedding gown couldn’t have been more perfect for her had it been bespoke made. Doesn’t she look gorgeous?
In short – from a Prosecco wall (no, really) to their gorgeous pooch making an entrance in a floral collar, it’s safe to say Alexa and Andrew’s celebration was filled with fun and meaningful elements that made their day truly unique to them. Read on to find out how they did it!
With images by Danny Birrell Photography.
Proposal
Alexa says
: We got engaged while on Holiday at Disneyland Florida. We booked to go to Florida, the Caribbean and Vegas for Andrew’s birthday. Andrew proposed in front of the castle at Disney – after eight long years of waiting, he did it in one of the most magical places in the world!Setting
We got married on 20 July 2019. What better way to start six weeks of summer than with a wedding?
Our venue was Charlton Hall – we knew instantly it was the one for us. We had looked at another venue but went to Charlton Hall the morning of paying our deposit and loved it. It had a chilled atmosphere and the team there are amazing. Andrew was sold when he saw the quirky vaults!
On the day, the staff were just beyond words. They made me feel so special! They had the tissues waiting when Andrew and I entered the building; he cried all morning and the staff managed to keep him in the building, which is definitely a plus!
We decided to share our special day with my sister, who was doing a gender reveal. We have amazing memories to share with her baby boy when he finally arrives.
And of course, our wedding day wouldn’t have been complete without a visit from our fur baby – he made a stir in his flower collar by Floral Quarter, stealing the show as always.
Theme
We went with a theme that would link our love of travelling and holidays to the wedding, something we agreed on from the start. In terms of a colour scheme, we opted for lots of blush pink; I wanted something subtle that wouldn’t detract from the venue’s amazing decor.
Dress
I went to YAP Bridal and what a service! Andrew had often mentioned getting married but I always dreaded the idea of wearing a white dress. I have an ileostomy, which means I have a bag on my side. I always wanted a tight fitting dress but went to YAP thinking it just wouldn’t be an option.
The ladies there made me feel so comfortable and encouraged me to try on what I loved, regardless of my bag. They didn’t bat an eyelid when I got changed and my bag was there. And of course I instantly loved the dress when I tried it on! My friend even made me a bag cover as my ‘something blue’.
Groomswear
Andrew wore a suit from Moss Bros and a tailored waistcoat that was different from the rest of the party. He pulled it off! The groomsmen wore matching suits.
Bridesmaids
My bridesmaids also went to YAP and found gorgeous dresses by Motee Maids. One of my bridesmaids was unfortunately in the middle of breast cancer treatment at the time, and the dress was perfect for her. She cried when she tried it on because she felt and looked so beautiful.
My sister, my Maid of Honour, choose a matching dress but in a fully-beaded finish. She then found out she was pregnant and we had a bit of a panic, dreading her not being able to wear her beautifuL gown – but on the day she pulled it off perfectly!
Beauty
Sophie Punshon worked miracles on our hair, whilst LWF made our faces beautiful!
Photography
Our photographer was Danny Birrell and he was so chilled. We didn’t want posed photographs, it just isn’t us and it isn’t what makes the memories – he totally understood this and the photographs capture the moments of our day perfectly.
Videography
Our videographer was Marc Trotter from Inspired Wedding Imagery, who worked amazingly alongside Danny. He has produced a jaw-dropping video that shows both the beautiful and the comical moments of the day!
Styling
Floral Quarter knew what I wanted even if I didn’t! She totally read my mind and I didn’t need to worry about a thing – the flowers were a showstopper.
The night before the wedding, the decorating magic happened. My family and our friends came up and fuelled by plenty of Prosecco we managed to get everything set-up.
Great British Bash joined in our decorating party and helped us set up. She was amazing and made it the relaxed, celebratory atmosphere we both wanted.
My dad made a wonderful sign stand where we hung our neon sign. Our table signs were designed by a fabulous lady at The Perfect Wedding Shop; she really helped me create what I wanted.
Favours
We tried to personalize our place settings. My wedding scent from Jo Malone was made into wax melts for the women. For the men we had scratch cards in cute little covers – the biggest win we had was a whole £1!
Our lovely page boy had a goodie bag, complete with a juice bottle and bib. Our grandparents were happy to receive a tea cup. And our closest unmarried lady friends each received charms to put on their bouquets when their own special days come.
Cake
Our stunning cake ended up being a real showstopper – not to mention so tasty! Sweet Things Cakery really surpassed my expectations.
Bessy’s Sweet Bakes came in her beautiful baby blue van and gave each of our guests a wonderful cupcake. I would definitely say it was a great surprise for everyone and it was such a lovely touch.
Catering
The catering was Andrew’s main concern of the wedding! The food at Charlton Hall was just a dream and we had real fun choosing the most amazing menu.
Entertainment
We had the wonderful Mark Deeks play the piano for us, who was a real tear-jerker – the emotions were definitely running high when he played the piano as I walked down the aisle.
Mark continued to perform during our cocktail reception and everyone commented on his beautiful playing. For the evening reception, we opted for his band, who absolutely brought the party atmosphere to the occasion.
Best bit
It has to be seeing our friends and family having such an amazing time. The memories we have made with them all really cannot be replaced!
Honeymoon
We haven’t yet gone on our full honeymoon. We had a mini-moon at the stunning Brimstone Hotel and Andrew surprised me with a trip to Ibiza. But as big travellers, I am sure there is a cruise to come!
Advice
Enjoy it! I know it’s cheesy but the day goes so quickly, so enjoy every moment.
