Classic elegance with Anna Sorrano

A striking mermaid design was the perfect choice for real bride Hannah when she married her childhood sweetheart after their postponed wedding.

Hannah and Joe first met when they were nine years old and in Year Five at school. “We became boyfriend and girlfriend and shared our first ever kiss with each other!” says Hannah. “We then went to different schools and didn’t see much of each other, but fast forward and we met in a bar and hit it off! The following night we went for what was supposed to be one drink."

"Six hours later the pub was closing, and we couldn’t stop talking."

"It was at that moment we knew we had met 'The One'. I’ve never felt so loved, safe and adored by anyone. Joe makes me feel like the most special person in the world. I am truly the luckiest person.”

A proposal in Venice

Joe proposed on Hannah’s 25th birthday, after the couple had been together for just over a year. "I was four months' pregnant with our now three-year-old daughter,” says Hannah.

“We went to Venice for the weekend and, on my birthday night, 25th June 2018, Joe proposed on a gondola."

"It was a dream. Beautiful views, stunning ring and the most amazing man in the world. Joe got down on one knee and, due to the waves, he fell but he quickly got back up. Then, after we finished laughing, he asked the question. I felt like I was dreaming, a dream proposal by my dream man!”

An amazing bridal shopping experience

Hannah had followed wed2b for a while before she visited the Chesham store. “I was greeted so kindly by the manager,” she says. “She asked what type of dress I was looking for and then found me four options. I was then handed over to Charlie who discussed each part of the dress, then ran around the store getting things for me. She helped me in and out and showed my maid of honour how simple it was to do the corset up. She also carried my train as I walked around and found me a veil too. Charlie was amazing from start to finish, and even in my receipt info she left me the kindest note."

"Such an amazing experience by the kindest souls.”

Discovering Anna Sorrano… 

Hannah chose our Alvie design, a strapless tulle mermaid style with intricate Guipure floral lace.

“Alvie suited my body type the best,” says Hannah.

“I loved how it flattered my cleavage, showing a little but not too much. It also wasn’t too ‘out there’ but flowed perfectly down the rest of my body. It really made me feel like a million dollars. I am currently pregnant and the style of the dress also hid my bump, which I loved. It showed my curves in the most positive way!”

Hannah styled her dress with a smoothing, low back Wunderskirt and also added some draped Andi straps. If you love this look, but want even more detailing, take a peek at Aleezah or Damiana for dramatic ruffles and the prettiest sleeves. Alternatively, keep it simple and contemporary with Stefano, a sleek modern mermaid. 

A postponed wedding date

The couple married at Hanbury Manor, a Jacobean-style manor house set in 200 acres of beautiful countryside in Ware, Hertfordshire. They had a postponed wedding date, which was the 16th April 2022. “Fourth time lucky!” says Hannah. “I knew when I was a teenager that I was going to get married at Hanbury Manor, so to be able to book and go ahead was a dream. It’s an old fashioned, Grade 2 listed building but the inside is modern and stunning. It’s a beautiful venue with the most amazing staff.”

The big day

Hannah got ready at the venue with her six bridesmaids, two flower girls, three page boys, mum and mother-in-law. “The weather was stunning,” she says. “One of the first hot days of the year, with blue skies and the sun was shining. My brother walked my daughter in, followed by my dad who walked me down the aisle."

"It was a truly special moment."

"My cousin and my godson did a reading each, and they were beautifully done. We had a guitarist who played ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis, as I walked down the aisle."

"The most special moment was when my daughter walked down holding her sign saying, ‘Daddy here comes Mummy’. It felt surreal that it was finally happening.”

After the ceremony there was a drinks reception and photos. “The same guitarist also gave the drinks reception an indie vibe. Later, our singer sang ‘You Are The Reason’ by Calum Scott for our first song. It was really emotional.”

A classic and elegant theme

Hannah’s classic wedding colours of rose gold and ivory were the perfect match for her Anna Sorrano dress. “We had candelabras with flowers as our centrepieces and acrylic signs for our guest,” she says. “Our wedding cake was stunning. It had three tiers and three different flavours; Victoria sponge, pink champagne and tequila."

"As we married on Easter weekend we also had mini eggs as wedding favours, as well as shots."

"Plus activity books for the children.”

Dinner was tomato soup, rump of beef and chocolate brownie and during the meal guests were surprised by singing waiters. “They also carried on a live performance in the evening,” says Hannah. "Afterwards we had our DJ performing the night away!"

The most memorable moments…

“The most memorable moments were getting ready with my closest friends, marrying my best friend and our singing waiters!” says Hannah. “The whole day went so quickly but those were my favourites.”

And for other Anna brides…

“Find yourself someone who will deal with any problems on the day (flowers are late etc). Don’t deal with it all yourself, as you won’t have time.”

It’s an absolute joy to see how you’ve styled our designs so, if you’ve enjoyed Hannah’s elegant look and her stylish postponed wedding, then please share your big day pictures too. Just click here to send us your story and photos and we’ll be in touch. Don’t forget to check out more of our beautiful weddings too!

With much love,
The Anna Sorrano team

Hannah and Joe’s Dream Team 

Photographer: Natalie & Max

Venue: Hanbury Manor Hotel and Country Club

Wedding dresses Chesham: wed2b

Makeup: Glam by Polly Salon

Hair: Hair by Natasha

Singing waiters: Silver Service Waiters