Deborah met Paul in a London bar, drenched from a rainstorm after a disastrous day at work: not a great start, but one that led to lasting love for the pair, both 31. “My friend and I ran into the bar and literally bumped into him,” says Deborah. “As I left, Paul (a pilot) said to me, ‘If you give me your number, I’ll take you up in a plane one day.’ Paul has since kept his side of the deal, flying me to exciting places around the world.’

Six years later, as the couple planned a trip to Venice, Deborah was unaware Paul had a surprise up his sleeve. “He’d been heading off to work at strange times and I’d no idea he was making trips to Hatton Garden to get my yellow diamond ring made,” says Deborah. “He’d been leaving the house in his uniform, then changing into casual clothes and getting the train to London so I wouldn’t catch on!” Paul’s hard work paid off, and he presented Deborah with the bespoke ring on a gondola on the Grand Canal in Venice.

Photographs by Hamish at Eternal Imaging (eternal-imaging.com)

They decided on London for their special day because “it’s where we met, fell in love, and grew as a couple.” Just over 100 guests joined them for a Catholic ceremony at Farm Street Church on 29 May 2010, followed by their celebration at chic hotel The Berkeley, for the reception. “I remembered it from a spa day, and when we looked around, we knew it was perfect for us,” explains Deborah.

Deborah said her vows in an ivory tulle and silver-beaded confection from Enzoani. “I’d made an appointment to try on another gown, but when I entered the shop, my dress just stood out and I had to try it on. The original dress was forgotten: I didn’t want to take this one off!”

Deborah’s bridesmaids looked fab in matching one-shoulder grey dresses from Karen Millen teamed with silver Carvela heels.

Deborah opted for pared-down make-up on her big day, letting her gorgeous Enzoani gown – and her natural beauty – do all the work. Her soft, wavy hairstyle perfectly complemented the structured, strapless neckline of the dress.

A collection of carefully chosen accessories added to Deborah's high-glamour ensemble: she chose an Ernest Jones necklace and earrings, a bracelet from Cachet, a Butler & Wilson sparkly clutch and these nude satin peep-toe shoes from Dune. Paul’s wedding presents to Deborah – an antique diamond and sapphire ring and antique silver butterfly brooch – completed the look.

“I wanted it to look like a vibrant, joyful celebration,” says Deborah of her vivid colour scheme of pinks, oranges and greens. “When we saw the room on the day we were in awe of how perfect it looked.”

A love of butterflies made an impact at the reception, clipped into eclectic flower arrangements and onto birdcages.

For her flowers, Deborah gave florist Mary Jane Vaughan detailed mood boards and a free hand: the result was a riot of colourful Mango lilies, Amnesia and green roses, peonies, Gilda roses, lisianthus and shamrocks.

As a graphic designer, Deborah made all the stationery including the table names and escort cards, housed in a bird-cage (left), herself.

White painted trees hung with garlands and shimmering tealights complemented the vintage-style birdcages on tables, all surrounded by colourful mini posies in mirrored vases.

Guests enjoyed scallops, seabass, beef fillet and bitter chocolate soufflé, with midnight munchies of mini burgers and pizzas served later on. The decadent three-tier ruffled chocolate cake was made by Linda Fripp Designs and was embellished with Deborah’s signature butterflies.

Six-piece band Seduce kept everyone dancing with three sets: lounge and jazz, moving onto current hits. "We chose Avril Lavigne’s Keep Holding On for our first dance,” says Deborah. “It has such emotion. I’ll always remember Paul picking me up and spinning me around to it!”

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