Tracey’s Estate Wedding in Justin Alexander
How did your partner propose?
Bob & I had been together for over 25 years, always with the intention that we would marry one day, the decision to finally ‘tie the knot’ came through a bit of prompting from our young niece who was desperate to be a bridesmaid and we just thought if not now then when? So on New Years Eve 2019 we went shopping in Brighton for an engagement ring and had a champagne breakfast in the Lanes. No official romantic proposal but a lovely end to the year.
What’s the best piece of advice you received in the run up to your wedding?
This is your day and it’s about the two of you, so plan the day that you want.
How did you go about finding your wedding dress?
I considered my age and shape and the style that I thought I might like and did lots of on-line searching. I created a pinterest board and added my favourite looks. I hasten to add that once I actually started trying on dresses the style I’d originally intended changed quite dramatically.
How many dresses did you try on before you found ‘the one’?
Four or five
Do you know the name of your dress designer?
Justin Alexander
What made you fall in love with the dress that you chose?
The process of trying dresses on drastically changed my mind on the style I thought I might wear, so feeling a little perplexed I was very much guided by my Sister, niece and the fabulous team at Fross. Loving the dress I chose but a little uncertain of the style on me, I worked with the fantastic seamstress Helen, who worked her magic, made some modifications, and the dress became ‘mine’. I had so many great compliments on the day it was wonderful.
Did you wear a veil and/or any other bridal accessories?
I wore a gorgeous sparkly vine, a gift from my sister and purchased at Fross on the open evening that we attended, where I also met the fabulous Grace Benson, who became our hair and make up stylist on the day.
Tell us a little about your wedding day – the vibe, what inspired you, etc.
We were married at Blackstock Country Estate. We chose this stunning venue for the fabulous setting, wonderful grounds and accommodation and excellent food. Ours was a relatively small wedding and we wanted an intimate and relaxed feel, mainly family with just a few friends, with a wedding breakfast but no evening reception (thinking this would be more ‘age appropriate’). Inspiration for the décor came from the venue and working with the supplier (Inspiration Décor). We had a wonderful harpist (Fiona Hosford) play for the ceremony, choice also inspired by an open day at Blackstock. After postponing the day a number of times due to COVID (from original date of May 20 to Oct 21) we changed our plans a little and extended our day with live music, a gypsy jazz band, into the evening. The end result was a happy, emotional and laughter filled day with a little more formality than originally thought but absolutely the right thing to do. The venue wedding co-ordinators and staff were completely brilliant from the beginning of the process at the open day right through to the end of the evening, where the bar was probably open for a little longer than anticipated (so much for age appropriate behavious!), and at breakfast the next morning with some of our guests.
What was your favourite moment from the day itself?
So many lovely moments, especially getting ready with my sisters and bridesmaid, and a few moments with my lovely brother, who walked me down the aisle, just before the ceremony. Aside from the actual ceremony, I guess it was walking back down the aisle together and hearing the cheers and congratulations from all our guests, very emotional.
Is there any advice you would be happy to share with other brides?
Enjoy the day, don’t worry, everything will be ok. If you have a venue co-ordinator check with them what their responsibilities are on the day. Do delegate other responsibilities to your bridal party, bridesmaids, ushers etc, you choose them for their love & support, they’ll help the day run smoothly, with good instruction. If possible, have a calm, reliable person on hand to manage any minor last minute hitches or organisation, our Ushers and my Sisters were fab on the day, as were the venues co-ordinators. Top Priority: Take a moment just for the two of you, it’s a full on busy day and you will appreciate it later on if you stop and take a breather together
Are you taking a honeymoon and if so when (in relation to your wedding, ie, immediately after, or sometime later) and what are your plans?
We have postponed planning anything until everything normalises with COVID and restrictions, then we plan to take a break abroad, but we are not sure where yet.
Would you mind sharing details of any other suppliers you used?
Planner/Stylist – wedding coordinator provided by venue | Decoration: Inspiration Décor – inspiration. decor7 | Venue – Blackstock Country Estate | Shoes – Rainbow from Lace & Favour | Accessories – JURA, Lilly & Roo | Groom’s suit – Moss Bross | Bridesmaids – David’s bridal Stratford (first dress from Monsoon but she grew a lot between 11 & 13 years old) | Florist – Anns Florist Eastbourne, flowers_at_anns | Cake – GOSH Patisserie goshpatisserie | Transport – Hughe Schauffeurs| Entertainment – Fiona Hosfordharpsussex Bands for Hire – The Django Rags | Rings – Gold Arts Eastbourne | Catering – BlackStock Country Estate | Stationery – Etsy- The Vow Sheffield, Twist Stationery | Hair Stylist – gracebensonmua | Makeup Artist – gracebensonmua