OUR KENTISH CEREMONY
MARRIED AT DONNINGTON MANOR HOTEL
SEVENOAKS ROB AND TRACEY CRESSWELL CELEBRATED THEIR DAY SURROUNDED BY GENERATIONS OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS - AND MARKED THE OCCASION WITH SUSTAINABLE TOUCHES AND AN EXTRA-SPECIAL WEDDING CAKE
Photography by : CPLavery Photography
THE VENUE We found our venue by searching online - we wanted something that was within an hours ’ drive of where we live , but it was also very important to us that the wedding planner was approachable and listened to our ideas and needs . We wanted everything under one roof including accommodation as between us we have four daughters and five grandchildren .
Donnington Manor ’ s Wedding and Events Manager Rebecca was so lovely and helpful throughout the whole process . The entire team saw to our every need on the day and made the whole event more enjoyable because we were relaxed , with nothing to worry about .
THE OUTFITS My dress was by Alie Street , and I bought it from John Lewis for £ 225 . I wanted something simple , with no train - I ’ m not a frills and bows type of girl ! It also had to be comfortable .
The chosen colour for the day was royal blue , with a hint of yellow as I wanted sunflowers in my bouquet . My grown-up daughter was maid of honour and 36 weeks pregnant at the time of the wedding . So , we bought two dresses and the brilliant designer and seamstress Nova Clarke of Broadstairs made one larger dress for her bump ! The two flower girls ( our eldest granddaughters , aged six and seven ) wore white mid length dresses with a royal blue waist sash , and the groom and best man wore a dark grey lounge suit , white shirts with waistcoats and royal blue ties .
THE CEREMONY My favourite part of the ceremony was walking down the aisle and seeing Rob ; I welled up and kept it together , but when he turned around and I read his lips , he said ‘ wow , you look amazing ’, which really did make my day . There was also a little funny moment when the registrar announced the marriage of Jean and Robert , rather than Tracey and Robert ( Jean is my middle name ). I lent forward and whispered to the registrar , and she handled it brilliantly . It caused a chuckle amongst the guests .
THE CAKE The cake was really special . We live on a narrowboat so as a surprise to my groom it was narrowboat themed . It turned out brilliantly and tasted divine .
THE PERSONAL TOUCHES I tried to be as sustainable as possible , so no balloons or a hint of glitter or foil anywhere . For the ladies ’ favours I had a small handmade candle in the shape of a beehive wrapped in royal blue gauze with a packet of wildflower seeds to help save the bees . This was presented in a small brown paper bag . The men ’ s favours were a bottle opener and a scratch card . For gifts for family members , my cousin Kathryn made beautiful personalised jute gift bags .
THE PHOTOGRAPHY Our photos were done by Colin Lavery . I first met Colin at my stepdaughter ’ s wedding . I have a keen interest in photography myself and Colin was extremely creative . He is such a likeable person and really knows how to keep his subjects calm and relaxed . He doesn ’ t get in the way , has great ideas and is quick to capture candid moments .
THE HIGHLIGHT The ceremony was our highlight . It was so emotional , and I was completely relaxed . The groom however was not !
118 | AKENTISHCEREMONY . COM | AUTUMN 2023