Orlane and Adam met through a dating website in 2018. “I’m not sure how we matched as I lived in London and he was in Dorking, but I think it was a sign that we were meant to be,” says Orlane. “We went crazy golfing and had dinner in London, which was the best date ever. Adam and I texted for two months before we met, and we would send massive messages to each other and never get bored of talking. I found out later through his family that he is usually bad at replying to people!” Adam popped the question at home. “I always joked about having a man getting down on one knee to propose to me, but I knew Adam wasn’t that kind of person and that it would actually feel a bit weird if he did,” shares the bride. “Adam couldn’t quite afford a ring, and I remember saying to him that evening that I didn’t need a ring for him to propose, so we decided to become engaged! We knew what we wanted and that it would take a couple of years to prepare a wedding, so it just came naturally.” SETTING THE SCENE “We used to live next door to Denbies Wine Estate and would go there for walks and lunches,” explains Orlane. “I had planned to visit a few other properties, but I kept talking about Denbies Wine Estate and realised nothing was going to compare, so I cancelled the viewings and booked Denbies. Dawn and her team were absolutely amazing to work with. She made sure the day was perfect and kept checking on us to make sure everything was the way we wanted it to be. Dawn was there for me from the start, and I never felt worried about anything. I feel so thankful that we never had to deal with any drama and that we could always trust the team with the planning of our day!” For their favours, the couple gave their guests personalised cards and wildflower seeds. “Our main treat was a train ride,” recalls the bride. “We had a lot of guests travelling from abroad, some of which were making the journey just for the wedding, so we wanted to make sure everyone had fun and would have the best memories. The train ride was a real success and a nice way for our friends and family to get a bit of fresh air as well as take some lovely pictures from the top of the hill.” The table plan was provided by The Surrey Wedding Company. “It was a wooden and glass door with the table names written on the windows,” adds Orlane. “We made the place names using corks, which looked great.” Orlane and Adam opted for a cupcake and macaron tower. “We wanted to have a treats table where everyone could try French and English sweets,” continues the bride. “The cupcake tower had a cake at the top from Gorgeous Gem’s Bakery, which we brought home and enjoyed the next day with close family. Having the perfect macarons was important to me, so when I found the talented Jelena from Macarons Versailles, I was over the moon.” Adam drove himself on the day, and Orlane arrived in an executive car booked through a taxi company. “I wasn’t overly fussed about having a fancy car,” reveals Orlane. “However, we did book a vintage British bus from 1950s Vintage Bus Hire for our French guests staying in Leatherhead. The bus picked them up and took them to the venue, which they all loved as it was a surprise!” DRESSED TO IMPRESS “My dress was called Finley by Modeca,” says the bride. “I had seen it on BRIDE by Aster’s website but I assumed it would never suit me, however it turned out to be the one! Hannah and her team were amazing, they are all about body positivity and made sure I felt like a princess. I was stressed about trying on dresses, but they made the experience so special. I accessorised with a Links of London bracelet that Adam bought me, a necklace and cute earrings. I also wore one of my grandma’s pins in my hair. She sadly passed away in December, so it was a way to have her with me on the day and as my something blue and old. “My employer made me try on her veil one day to see if I liked the look of REAL WEDDINGS 43
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=