The Real Wedding of Laura & Alfie at Pontlands Park, Essex

Childhood sweethearts tie the knot and celebrate in style

When two people meet at a young age, spark a connection, and continue to keep that relationship going through into their adult life - it's a beautiful thing. A testament to love, commitment and sticking with a feeling. Knowing there is no other person out there, and that you have already found 'the one', must be such a special, comforting feeling. Our couple, Laura and Alfie, who recently hosted their wedding at Portlands Park in Essex, are childhood sweethearts. A rare-breed of couple these days, and such a sweet pair.

Laura tied the knot in the gorgeous Calanthe wedding dress by Mori Lee, and it suited the celebration perfectly. Such a breathtaking, ethereal-like gown that creates wonderfully natural movement, and feels light as air.

The Real Wedding of Laura & Alfie at Pontlands Park, Essex

It is our pleasure to share the stunning pictures from Laura and Alfie's real wedding at Portlands Park, along with a few words from the bride about her experience.

How did you meet?

My aunt and Alfie’s mum were best friends and went to school together. Our families have been friends for many years! One year we all went away on holiday together and that is when Alfie and I properly met, and it all went from there. We were both still in secondary school, so we took it in turns each weekend to make the train journey to see each other.

How did you get engaged?

Alfie proposed in our home on our 8-year anniversary.

What was your favourite moment(s) from the wedding?

If I could relive one moment over and over again, it would be walking down the aisle! The music, the decoration, the love, and happiness in the air. Best feeling ever.

Tell us all about your wedding dress!

The back of the dress (Calanthe by Mori Lee) was a key speaking point at the wedding, everyone loved it. The small details on my dress were just incredible.

The confidence it gave me was out of this world.

What was the general decor for your big day?

Flowers, flowers and more flowers!!

Do you have any advice for future Bellissima Brides?

Soak it in because it really does fly by. Don’t sweat the small stuff and make sure you eat!

Do you have any local suppliers you would like to recommend?

Wedding Venue - Portlands Park

Florist - Stock Florist

DJ - @l.u.k.e__p_ (the dance floor was packed all night long!)

Photographer - Ryan O'O'Donoghue Photography

Videographer - Tony Davies Films

Live singer - Marcello Music

Makeup - Beautiful You Makeup Artist

Suits - Dapper Chaps Formalwear

How was your Bellissima experience?

The best!

I went to a few different wedding dress stores, none could compare to Bellissima. Not only because of the number of bridal dress varieties, but also the overall experience and knowledge of the girls.