28 buffet with huge charcuterie boards so that everyone could pick what they wanted.” There was also some locally sourced bread from a local bakery, Proto Artisan Bakery in Ware and Richard’s parents bought a delicious cheese from The Mousetrap Cheese Shop in Ludlow. LOOKING THE PART Finding the perfect gown was challenging for Catherine, who had to shop around during a Covid lockdown and couldn’t try anything on. She says, “I found my dress at Adore Brides, and the team were so helpful in letting me take it home to try on. I tend to have a flare for the dramatic style, so I went with the longest veil I could find with a princess tiara.” As the dress was quite long at the back, so the bride changed in the evening into something she could dance the night away in. Her bridesmaid Alice found the perfect dress from Halston, who was famous for his 70s styles. Richard wore a sage green tweed suit with a burgundy tie, brown brogues, a brown belt and burgundy socks. The groom comments, “We didn’t request the groomsmen to wear a particular colour, so they could wear any suit that matched the burgundy tie we had bought for them.” Catherine had been a bridesmaid seven times before, so she knew what wearing many different styles and colours was like. She wanted the bridesmaids to feel comfortable and let them choose any outfit to match the colour scheme. One bridesmaid wore a lovely vintage-style dress, while the other opted for a chic-oversized suit and a high-neck blouse – they both looked great. TIME TO CELEBRATE The lovebirds were thrilled to have booked the Tom Braggins Trio, a local band who regularly play in and around Hertford. As their first dance track faded, the band seamlessly carried on the song and went on with their set. Some of their guests stayed on the dancefloor the entire night, so they must have enjoyed the music! The trio played lots of funky dancefloor fillers, and a few people stood in awe as they appreciated how technically gifted they were as musicians. MEMORABLE MOMENTS The couple experienced many emotions as the day went on. Catherine says, “It’s hard not to feel a little apprehensive on the day as there’s a lot of pressure on the bride to look and be a certain way. I felt relieved that the hard work was over and excited to see everyone.” Richard felt super excited in the morning and couldn’t wait to see his bride. He comments, “I was looking forward to seeing Catherine in her dress, and I couldn’t wait to make that commitment to each other to spend the rest of our lives together. I couldn’t believe it when I woke up to clear blue skies and bright sunshine in March!” The lovebirds had a long ceremony full of readings, performances and even a video of themselves to show at the beginning. Different music styles were performed during the ceremony; the bride’s best friend Jo played the oboe, a family friend Mike performed a folk song and another family friend sang Misty by Ella Fitzgerald and led the worship band. Richard says, “We were taken aback when so many of our guests told us that the speeches were some of the best they had ever heard at a wedding. A huge thanks to my father-in-law and my best man, Sam, who made us all gasp in shock at times and roar with laughter throughout.” So many guests and suppliers made Richard and Catherine’s wedding extra special. Catherine says, “Our parents were a great support, and we had an army of people at Hertford Baptist Church who gave up their time to assist us with the ceremony. Our photographer Sharron did an incredible job with the pictures, and our friend Sean did a lovely video. I must thank my bridesmaids for stepping up during the whole wedding week, from last-minute shopping trips to bossing around my brothers and painting picture frames.”
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