Charlotte and Ben first laid eyes on each other at sixth form in 2009. “We met properly when volunteering with Handicapped Children’s Pilgrimage Trust on a trip to Lourdes,” says Charlotte. “We went from only having said a few words to each other to a couple during our week trip to France.”
Ben popped the question at Charlotte’s master’s graduation in 2016. “We’d spent the whole day celebrating, and I was about to return my gown when he insisted we visit a spot for another photo,” shares the bride. “Little did I know he was actually going to propose. My family knew and recorded the whole thing.”
"Our favours were Cancer Research UK pins and broaches," recalls Charlotte. "Ben's mum, unfortunately, passed away from cancer the Christmas before our wedding, so it was important for there to be things that remembered her."
Charlotte and Ben named their tables after their favourite places in Surrey and Hampshire. "We thought it would be nice to share a little bit of where we live with the people who aren't local," says the bride. "Our table plan, invitations and place names were designed and printed by Aimee Paints Illustration. The original pencil drawing she created is now hung in our house."
To decorate the space, the couple incorporated their love of sweet treats. "We had pots of chocolate mini eggs on the bar as well as a sweet table as I'm known for my love of Pick & Mix," adds Charlotte. "We also made our guests yellow party bags for the drive home."
"We used a small company from Guildford called James Lewis Executive Cars for our transport," recalls Charlotte. "He took us from the church to the centre of Guildford where we boarded the barge that was all set up with champagne for us."
The lovebirds had the perfect wedding. "It's a day we both look back on and can't stop smiling," shares Charlotte. "The morning after the wedding, I wanted to do the whole thing again! We loved the boat ride and having a moment by ourselves just after we were married."
"A very funny story came out on our big day," laughs the bride. "In a little bag that my sister made and gave everyone for my family hen party, there was a small yellow bath bomb wrapped up beautifully. A family member thought it was a sweet and saved it for later. When she ate it, she obviously realised it wasn't food as soon as she began foaming at the mouth and, of course, a drink of water only made it worse!"
ASOS
Bride's dress
Bride's shoes
Bridesmaids' dresses
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Ceremony venue
Flowers
Groom's suit
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Photographer
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