Some people are just meant to be together forever – childhood sweethearts, Becca and Alex certainly were. This is their story…

Alex and Becca’s love story began many years ago in their late teens when they first met via a mutual friend. Just a few months later they were totally smitten and officially started dating. Fast forward ten years and they are now very happily married, having tied the knot at their dream venue, Buxted Park Hotel, in late June 2017. 

The East Sussex Palladian country house hotel is just a 15 minute drive from Crowborough where our couple grew up and still reside, so it is always been on their wish list. Becca takes up the story: “When we first arrived at Buxted, we knew instantly this was where we wanted to celebrate our wedding day. It ticked every box for us. The house and the grounds are beautiful, and the staff are so friendly and accommodating. In fact, they continued to amaze us throughout the whole planning process up to the day itself – we couldn’t compliment them more.”

While Buxted Park Hotel does have a licence to host weddings, Becca and Alex chose to get married at St John’s, a traditional 19th century church on the edge of Ashdown Forest. Becca’s family played a big part in the ceremony – two of her sisters were bridesmaids and two of her brothers were Alex’s ushers.

In total, there were 104 guests at the church service, all of whom then followed the newlyweds in a Beaufort to Buxted Park. “We used Falcon Cars – one of the hotel’s recommended suppliers. Our driver was great and we were welcomed by a bottle of fizz, chocolates and a card from the team so we could enjoy our first journey as husband and wife.”

Becca also took Buxted’s recommendation when it came to the evening’s entertainment. “Disco Fever supplied us with a DJ and an open photo booth, which meant more guests could get involved in having their picture taken – they had so much fun with all the different props. Our entire song list was played and corresponded well with all the different activities we had going on. During our last song, everyone gathered around us in a circle for a group hug. It was such a great way to end the night."

“Sprinkles and Swirls, another preferred supplier, made cake pops, which were loved by adults and children alike, and the wedding cake featuring a Victoria sponge, lemon and chocolate tier, while Pollen took care of all our table decorations and flowers. Our day would not have been what it was without them. They handled a lot of the décor, suggesting lots of different ideas while still capturing my vision for the day – they deserve so much credit.”

Working with Becca’s colour scheme, grey and light pink, complimented by the bridesmaids’ dresses, bouquets and the buttonholes, the venue looked simple but elegant. As they say though the devil is in the detail and to that end, Becca helped by friends and family made up the favours, personalised children’s activity bags and hangover kits for the guests to take with them when they left. “They went down a treat and everyone loved them. I also provided flip flops for everyone on the dance floor for all those with any sore feet."

“We had three guest books – one allowed people to stick in prints from the photo booth and add a message, another was a huge blank canvas with a marker pen for people to add comments, and then lastly we had a finger print tree, which my sister and chief bridesmaid organised. We have them all in our lounge – it is such a wonderful way to bring back memories of our wedding."

“And what a fantastic day we had – our guests still compliment it now – I would recommend having a wedding at Buxted Park to anyone. While the location, service and food were all perfect, it was all so incredible because of the people we had surrounding us and it is all thanks to the generous financial contribution from my wonderful mum and dad.”

THE DETAILS

PHOTOGRAPHER: Simon Butler Photography (07909 227681)

CAKE: Sprinkles and Swirls (01892 655407)
ENTERTAINMENT: Disco Fever for DJ and open photo booth (07799 782764) 
FLOWERS AND DECOR: Pollen (07810 116 848)
WEDDING DRESS: Fross Wedding Collections (01825 763380)
WEDDING CAR: Falcon Cars (07718 200970)