Felicity & Dan had the most beautiful wedding at Barley Wood House in the rolling Somerset countryside just outside of their hometown Bristol. It was extra special for me as Fliss is my oldest friend, we’ve been friends from the age of six, and despite more years apart than together it’s one of those friendships where nothing changes between us despite long stints of time between catch ups. This weekend she married her childhood sweetheart Dan, who is a producer at Radio One, so I suspected there’d be a musical element to the day, but it was on another level.

During the ceremony at the lovely Holy Trinity Nailsea, instead of a traditional hymn as the closing song they chose ‘Lean on Me’ lead by a sort of ‘pop up gospel choir’ of their mates. It was so uplifting and joyful and really emotional. Dan also sung a heartfelt and funny song written for Fliss in during his speech as a surprise, whipping his guitar out from behind the fire doors as all the guests watched in awe. And finally as a tribute to Fliss & Dan’s first kiss –in the wings of their school’s production of Les Mis– the best man started a rendition of ‘Do You Hear the People Sing’ with ushers jumping up spontaneously all over the dining room to sing their own verse, climaxing in a sing-a-long by all the guests as he’d also hidden the personalised lyrics under every seat in the room!! It really was quite something. The pair’s evening music was by the bride’s cousin’s band who got everyone onto the dance floor. Each and every one of these contributions to the day brought such a personal element to the wedding that was so unique, special and heartfelt. It was wonderful to witness.

Aside from the musical elements there were a myriad of personal touches. Fliss had thought through every element of the multi coloured décor perfectly, using a swatch of Liberty fabric as the inspiration for the colour palette. Her lovely Mum made Dan’s tie as well as and pocket squares and gift bags for the bridesmaids from the fabric and the multitude of colours was pulled through in the flowers, bridesmaids dresses, and the streamers painstakingly hung from the ceiling at Barley Wood. The flowers and cake were both DIY as well as the biscuits served along with a nip of sherry outside the church! Fliss, who works for Dr. Martens had even had a bespoke pair made for Dan to complement his gorgeous baby blue suit. Felicity has always been stylish. Even as a child I remember being a bit jealous of her seemingly effortless sense of style and she looked absolutely amazing in her Catherine Deane dress teamed with mustard velvet sandals from Whistles and a multi tonal flower crown.

Thank you so much for asking me to be a part of your day you lovely pair. I wish you every happiness together in the years ahead, and if your send off was anything to go by I know you’re surrounded by some of the loveliest people to help you along the way. Congratulations, I couldn’t be happier for you.