And I mean it. Chino and Laura had one hell of a party a year ago, we went front wiping tears as Laura walked down the aisle, to turning up like maniacs as Soul Patrol and DJ Sombodi played amazing music.

On their first anniversary, I got Laura to share photos and the thought that went into planning the day.

My Rustic Barn Wedding

This time last year was the happiest day of my life, the day I became Mrs E!

I got engaged in the Maldives on 15th March 2014 and almost exactly 6 months later we got married.  We didn’t want a long engagement, we just wanted to be married and so after a hectic 6 months, we were man and wife.

We wanted a wedding that we would always remember. For us, the most important thing was that everyone had a good time. So we put emphasis on the food and entertainment. We also put on a free bar so that everyone could enjoy themselves!

 (Ugo: Having jaegerbombs at a wedding, legends!)

We got married at The Barn at Bury Court near Farnham, Chino wanted a Barn Wedding and we fell in love with this venue. There was only one choice of Caterer (Jacaranda), who are on the expensive side, but they also acted as wedding organisers and ran the whole day. They were excellent and we couldn’t have asked for more. 

For my Dress, as I am petite I wanted a something classic and figure hugging.  After many hours looking my Mum suggested we try Tunbridge-Wells in Kent. I chose my Dress from Isabella Grace. It wasAlan Hannah Dress and was exactly what I was looking for. As I am so small I had to have toile made, which is the dress in a basic cotton fabric which is sent and fitted to me and then sent back to the dressmaker to use as a template (you end up with a much better fit). As this cost was not quoted up front Isabella Grace paid the extra cost which was amazing.

Bridesmaids

My two best friends and my gorgeous niece. Dresses were from Etsy, they chose their own styles and I chose the colour.

Groom and Groomsmen

Chino wanted to wear traditional African Outfit but with a twist, he enlisted Ugo to help him plan and to source what he needed from Nigeria. 

Flower

We used Jay Archer. Jay was the florist for the wedding at the venue the day we looked round and we loved her work. We gave her a very vague spec as to what we wanted but were very happy with the results.

Hair and MakeUp

I used Victoria Fraser Gadd – loved her, so friendly and accommodating and did exactly what I wanted, love my hair and makeup. I wanted my makeup to be natural and my hair to be in a style to the side to show off the back of the dress.

Stationery

Chi handmade the wedding cards, order of service and seating plan. The tables were named after places that hold memories for us.

Favours

My parents spent a few days picking wild blackberries near our home in Canterbury and made an amazing Jam. Chino’s aunt and sister also bought Dashikis which we gave out as gifts.

Cake – From The Cake Store in Sydenham. Nigerian Food at Champagne reception, adding to the African theme we had ChinChin, Groundnuts, Plantain Chips and Suya.

First Dance

This was chosen by Chino, Iyawo Mi (meaning My Wife) by Timi Dakolo

The Groom's Speech

Chino made this lovely video for me which was played in place of the traditional groom's speech

Band

We wanted a mix of Motown and Soul and found Soul Patrol. We opted for the 5 piece. They got everyone up dancing and strutting their stuff. For the break between the Band Sessions, Ugo organised for her DJ friend to come and play afrobeats.

You know the party is turnt when people start dancing on the floor.

Laura and Chino, here's to many years of love, laughter and pouting, I love you guys!

Photo Credits: ShootingHip, Facebook