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A childhood sweethearts love story: Bianca & Matteo's wedding at Woodland Manor, Bedford.

Gordon Baxter

There are love stories that feel like they’re pulled straight out of a movie - Bianca and Matteo’s wedding day was just that. Childhood sweethearts, their relationship had already spanned over 15 years by the time they stood at the altar. Having recently bought their first home and started a family, this wedding marked not just the start of a new chapter but a beautiful continuation of a journey they had been on for so long.


The Proposal

Matteo, who’s never been one to shy away from his emotions, had long dreamt of the perfect proposal. Brighton held a special place in their hearts, making it the perfect backdrop for this life-changing moment. While on a weekend getaway celebrating their anniversary, Bianca surprised Matteo with dinner by the beach. It was during a quiet moment in their hotel room that Matteo, ever the sentimental soul, presented Bianca with a ring pop from a local shop. With a sparkle in his eye, he asked her to marry him, and the simplicity of the gesture was perfect for their down-to-earth love. It was a sweet, intimate moment that reflected their relationship - unpretentious and full of heart.


A Woodland Manor Celebration

Fast forward to May 2023, the couple exchanged vows at the picturesque Woodland Manor in Bedfordshire. With its lush, green surroundings and classic elegance, the venue was the ideal setting for their wedding day. The couple opted for a minimalist yet sophisticated colour scheme of white and green, brought to life by the talented team at The Brickhill Flower Co.. Bianca’s bouquet, a stunning arrangement of white roses, eucalyptus, and delicate greenery, was more than just beautiful; it carried deep sentimental value. Lockets with photos of her late father and grandparents were lovingly attached, a reminder of their presence on this special day.

The florals, including those used throughout the reception, mirrored the couple's timeless and refined taste. The soft, pale blooms paired with lush foliage created a calm and classic atmosphere, complementing the venue’s natural beauty. Every petal seemed to reflect the couple’s love - delicate yet enduring.




Bride's Preparation & The Ceremony

As the bride prepared for her big moment, surrounded by her mother Mary, maid of honour Jessica, and her daughter, the room was filled with laughter and joy. However, as the clock ticked closer to the ceremony, Bianca's nerves started to show. Peeking into the reception room, she sought comfort in the calmness of the space, grounding herself as the excitement grew. Seeing that everything was falling into place reassured her, allowing her to focus on getting ready.

Her dress was a vision of understated elegance - a plain white, fitted gown with a diamante belt that added just the right touch of sparkle. Bianca was breath-taking, and the dress perfectly reflected her personality: modest, yet effortlessly beautiful. The subtle jewellery details brought her entire look to life, adding just enough shine without overwhelming the simplicity of her gown.

Matteo, ever the doting father and groom, arrived at the venue in matching tuxedos with his son, who also played the role of page boy. When Bianca finally walked down the aisle, escorted by her mother, the emotions between the couple were undeniable. As soon as they locked eyes, both Bianca and Matteo were overcome with tears, and the moment was shared with their 40-50 guests. It was as though the years of love and memories they had shared culminated in that single glance, and not a dry eye was left in the room.




A Memorable Reception

After the sweet and intimate ceremony, guests enjoyed drinks and mingled in the manor’s garden, while I captured some formal portraits for the couple. The reception that followed was lively and full of laughter, largely thanks to the unforgettable speech by Jake, Matteo’s best man. His speech was a hilarious tribute to Matteo, filled with stories of late-night adventures, botched car repairs, and a less-than-successful sushi-making attempt. But underneath the humour was a genuine love and admiration for Matteo, especially for the unwavering devotion he had always shown Bianca.

As the evening continued, we snuck away for a few intimate shots around the venue, including a beautiful fireworks display that perfectly encapsulated the magic of the day. The cake-cutting was another elegant affair - the three-tier white cake adorned with sugar-crafted white roses and eucalyptus was a work of art in itself. It was simple yet perfectly fitting for the couple’s style and wedding theme.




The night ended with the first dance, and you could tell Bianca and Matteo had danced together many times before. Their movements were effortless, full of love and familiarity, as if they were in their own world. The day may have come to a close, but their love story was far from over - it was just beginning its next chapter.



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