An Ivory and Gold Wedding at Gaynes Park + a Maggie Sottero Dress

Melissa and Daniel's big day was a multi-generation occasion with their large families. The couple even hired Italian singers to honour their roots!

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Hannah Watkin

12 February, 2020

Melissa and Daniel’s taste was beautifully showcased throughout their big day. Every aspect of the décor oozed luxury with a colour scheme of white, ivory and gold. Even the bridesmaids wore ivory! They were complemented by the groomsmen in James Bond-style tuxedos.

However, the most adorable aspect of the couple’s big day was their 17-month-old daughter who wore a sparkly dress to walk her Mum down the aisle.

Melissa and Daniel met in the gym in 2012 but didn’t get engaged until August 2018. They were able to celebrate their big day with four generations of their large Italian families at Gaynes Park, Essex, in September 2019. 150 guests made this a day to remember!

Photographer: Cristina Rossi Photography

Melissa and Daniel - Gaynes Park Wedding

The Wedding Dress

Melissa chose a gorgeous Maggie Sottero dress which she bought from the Clifford Burr Bridal shop.

“My dress was simply stunning! I was in love with it the second I tried it on. It had beaded lace motifs and Swarovski crystals, a halter neckline with an illusion plunging V-neck. It also had a tiered tulle and organza skirt finished with crystal buttons.

“It wasn’t the style I thought I’d go for, my mum chose it for me to try on. As soon as I put it on I just knew it was ‘The One’. I loved everything about it, the style, the lace, the Swarovski crystals, the fishtail, the lace back – it was just perfect.

“I tried on about ten dresses before I found this one! I went with my mother, sister and my bridesmaids. It was such a fun girly afternoon.”

Bridal Beauty

While getting ready, Melissa spent time with her daughter, mother and grandmother which is a moment she’ll “treasure forever”.

“Abbie M Makeup did my makeup. I chose a style that was quite similar to my normal look, just more glam and bigger lashes!

“I wore a veil and tiara, a beautiful pearl bracelet that my mum bought me, and beautiful pearl earrings that Daniel bought for me.

“I also wore my Mother’s ring which was my something borrowed, something old and something blue as it has a gorgeous blue stone.

“We got ready in a stunning cottage at Gaynes Park. I fell in love with the location the first time I went to see the venue and for months I pictured getting ready there with my friends and family.”

The Wedding Party

Making guests say “Awww” was Melissa and Daniel’s daughter, Sienna-Lou, who was an adorable flower girl in a sparkly dress.

“I had three bridesmaids. My sister was my maid of honour and my beautiful baby girl was my flower girl. They wore stunning, elegant ivory dresses by The Dessy Group.

“The groom and his groomsmen hired James Bond-style tuxedos! I helped him choose along with his best man. Daniel wore his suit with a watch I bought for him.

“The night before the wedding, Daniel stayed at his usher’s house. They relaxed and had a couple of drinks. The next day he got ready at the venue with his best man, ushers, and soon to be father-in-law. They had a bottle of Champagne and enjoyed the build-up!”

The Ceremony

The couple got married in the Orangery at Gaynes Park which provided a long aisle that had the feeling of being outside. The venue was styled by Mediterranean Occasions and flowers were arranged by Violets and Velvet.

“It was so beautiful. My theme was white roses and gold candles. My venue stylist did an amazing job as well as my florist.

“During the ceremony, my Aunty Sharon did a reading. The song I walked down the aisle to was Songbird by Eva Cassidy. Every time I hear that song it gives me goosebumps and fills me with emotions.

“We hired a singer who sang all the ceremony songs. Her name is Marianne Dunkling.”

The Reception

As soon as the couple set foot in Gaynes Park, they knew they would be getting married there. Even though it was the first venue they viewed, they fell in love and booked it the day after they looked around.

“It really is a beautiful venue. I loved the Orangery, the rustic barn and the coach house accommodation. It has stunning grounds and gardens.

“For our décor, we chose white, ivory and gold. Our centrepieces were large, gold candelabras with white roses trailing around each one.

“We had a gorgeous four-tier, white, gold and ivory spray cake with rose ruffle details which we served to our guests on the night. It was made by Dream Big. Dream Cakes!

“My favourite moment of the day was having all the people I love in one room. I remember having the wedding breakfast and after the starter course, I took a moment to look up and take it all in. I thought, ‘Wow, look at all my family and friends in one room, happy and celebrating’. It was an incredibly special moment and we made memories that will last a lifetime.”

Special Touches

In keeping with their wedding theme, Melissa and Daniel chose ivory wedding stationery with gold foils. They hired Katy at Olive and Millicent to create the “romantic and elegant” designs.

“Our favours were handmade artisan chocolates and truffles by Artisan du Chocolat, London. They were presented in a beautiful gold box.”

The Entertainment

The couple honoured their roots throughout their wedding day by hiring singers who sang in Italian.

“We hired Hetty and the Jazzato Band and a singer called Max Curto. Our first dance was to Let’s Stay Together by Al Green.

“One of the most special moments was dancing the father-daughter dance. Also, seeing my parents dancing and celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. I loved dancing to our holiday hen songs with my bride tribe!

“There is nothing we would change about our wedding day. We just wish it didn’t go so quickly!”

The Honeymoon

Melissa and Daniel’s family booked a surprise honeymoon for them to enjoy in Greece. They flew out to the stunning adults-only spa called Lango Hotel for some much-deserved pampering.

“Our honeymoon surprise was given to us the day after the wedding by my parents, grandparents, sister and brother-in-law.

“It was pure bliss and relaxation. We had beautiful weather, luxurious spa treatments, great food and cocktails, and a private pool!

“Our best advice for other couples who are planning a wedding is to enjoy the process – even the stressful parts! You’ll miss it once it’s over. Try to stick to a budget, be organised and plan ahead because, before you know it, the day is upon you.”