WPC Real Wedding: Hannah and Myles' West Sussex Wedding

At what I thought was a continuation of my 30th birthday celebrations, we returned to one of our favourite places, Ivy Cottage in Brinsop Court. After arriving in style (thank you, to my mother-in-law for loaning us her drop-top!), Myles handed over my last birthday present; a personalised book with illustrations depicting his favourite things about me. On the final page, and much to my surprise, there was 'the' question.

After double checking that Myles was not joking, I obviously accepted with much happiness and excitement.

It was a weekend to remember in a cottage that will always be special to us both.

Myles and I were completely overwhelmed (in a very good way) by the London Showroom. Neither of us are great with interior design, so although we loved all of the items, we struggled to know which would fit in our home. Our advisor, Emily, came over to our home to help us and was brilliant - she had such a great eye and all of her recommendations were spot on. I don't think you can get a more personal service than that. 

We had our wedding at my parent's house in West Sussex.

We used South Downs Marquee. We could not recommend them more. We went with them because they were connected with our catering supplier Jacaranda.

I chose all the decor myself. I bought a lot of things from Etsy. We were able to personalise the day to fit us a couple. We were able to tailor the day to fit the "picture" that we had of our wedding day. 

The most wonderful lady, Caroline of Cherfold Flowers. I found her on Instagram by going through the florists that were recommended by our caterer and marquee company. I would highly recommend this, look at companies that have worked together before. Have a look at other people's weddings and take inspiration from the parts that you love!

Are you even planning a wedding if you don’t go to Miss Bush?!

My dress was Jesus Peiro 906 with some adaptation - it was actually the first dress I tried on. Emma at Miss Bush is insanely good at listening to brides and finding a dress that fits their personality. It was also the only dress shop I went to where they picked dresses for me - a much better way of doing things as they have a lot more experience!

For shoes, it another Etsy purchase! I am no good in high heels, and because we had a relaxed vibe, I went for wedges. I went with a brand called Forever Soles. In terms of jewellery, I wore my own pearls and diamonds for earrings and then I wore a beautiful diamond tennis bracelet given by Myles' Grandma.

My bridesmaids wore Vera Wang navy dress from David's Bridal. They wore their own shoes, but they were all the same colour. Another recommendation I have, is to allow the bridesmaid to make their own choice. This way they feel super comfortable on the day.

Our hairdresser, Callum and another colleague, Megan from Roscoe Hair did my bridesmaid's, mum's and my hair. They are based in Chichester. I would always recommend that you go with someone who knows you and your hair. In addition, my best piece of advice would be to do your hair trial on the morning of your final fitting. It gives you the best idea of how you will look on the big day!

I did my make up myself, I wear very little day-to-day, so I was very reluctant to get someone in to do it. I wanted to look like me on my wedding day. My dear friend, Megan, helped me to nail the natural look prior to the wedding day. On the day, I just followed her instructions to the letter!

We had the most delicious food! Minty from Jacaranda was our hero. She was present on the day as almost a wedding planner. Because the marquee and catering are sister companies, organisation was seamless. Jacaranda were recommended to me by a colleague - they tailored our dishes to us as a couple.  Nothing was ever too much trouble!

Poppy from Hazlebury Kitchen made our wedding cake. We have mutual friends and she baked my 30th birthday cake which was so yummy. When we got engaged it was a no brainer we would use her. She is now my go-to for friend's birthdays! 

Wine and fizz was supplied by Waud Wines.

Our photographer Kris of Piotrowski Photo who was a colleague's son, and his photos are some of the best I have seen (not that I am biased). He was a relaxed photographer who focused on the ambience and raw emotion rather than staged photos (something that fit us perfectly as a couple). 

We chose our videographer quite late on. We initially did not want one, but through persuasion of almost all our married friends, we gave in. It was one of the best decisions we made and every couple should seriously think about investing. It was so worth it. On the day filming was done by Vic Kovachev and editing was done by Kim Williams. Kim was a recommendation - she had done our friend's wedding and we adored their video. She was unable to make the day, so Vic came along in her place. He was awesome, very subtle and caught some magical moments.

We had a three piece for the drinks reception.

We spent the majority of our wedding budget on The White Keys, and my god they were worth it. They were the hot topic the next day - forget the bride and groom!

Many thanks to our fathers for loaning us their cars for the day. Andy Graham provided his Porsche 1969 911 for a father and daughter drive to the church. Then to Jeremy Waud for lending his Aston Martin 1985 V8 Vantage for our drive from the church to the venue.

Our menus and order of service were done by the wonderful Aimee Willows. Her artwork is amazing and she was so helpful with the design and advice. The order of service was super. We used Papier for our invites and thank you cards.

The taxi to take the bridesmaids to the church not arriving. The florist saved the day and transported everyone in the back of the landcruiser!

Walking down the aisle. It was the part I was most nervous about, but wow was it mindblowing. Slow down, look around and smile - everyone is happy for you!

Another stand out moment was doing a speech. I wanted to say a few words, so I wrote a poem which I read before the cake cutting.

Allow your "image" of the day to develop over time. Have a notebook handy and take ideas from weddings you have been to and ones you see online. From there you can piece together something unique and so personal.

Do not spend too much on favours - unless they are edible or drinkable as a lot get left behind.

Remember that people love weddings. The people at your wedding love you. So whatever happens, people will have a great day!

Spend the morning doing something that calms you. I went for a run with my best friend, because that is normal for us. It meant the day started in a way that was normal for me.

Do not be afraid to ask your wedding party to do things. That is what they are there for and they are expecting to help - they want to make the day perfect for you.

Wedding List: The Wedding Present Company

Marquee: South Downs Marquee

Flowers: Cherfold Flowers

Bridal Fashion: Jesus Peiro from Miss Bush

Hair: Roscoe Hair 

Catering: Jacaranda

Wine and Fizz: Waud Wines

Music: The White Keys

Photography: Piotrowski Photo

Videography: Kim Williams / Vic Kovachev⁠

Stationery: Aimee Willows and Papier