The proposal…
“We went to Paris, which is my favourite city. On our last day, we went to the Palace of Versailles where Ben rented out a rowing boat in their gardens. We went up to the “temple of love” and he got down on one knee just behind the temple and asked me that all important question.”
What made you choose Leez Priory?
“We liked how homely it felt inside and how it reminded us of a fairytale castle. As soon as we drove up, we both said “yes this one” at the same time. So, we knew instantly we didn’t need to see anything else.”
What was your first step in planning your wedding?
“We knew that we wanted a summer wedding as we loved the idea of an outside ceremony. The first step was the venue and then the photographer.”
Where did you get your wedding ideas from?
“The majority off Pinterest of course! It was mainly this one wedding I had seen on Instagram a few years back in South Carolina and they had little quirky ideas that I hadn’t seen before, which is something I knew I needed to do.”
What were your wedding “must have’s”?
“The perfect dress, incredible entertainment, beautiful flowers and the perfect venue that just screamed… this is so Jess and Ben.”
How did you personalise your big day?
“I love a good quote and everybody knows it! We had them everywhere. On the bar, at the top of the aisle, on every table. We stuck with our wedding theme throughout of blush and rose gold glitter, from the bridesmaid’s dresses to the glitter favour CD’s to take home.”
What wedding suppliers did you have and how did you choose them?
“West End Singing Waiters – I kept these as a surprise for Ben on our wedding day, something no one knew about. I had seen them perform at a wedding fayre and I knew that I had to have them as a surprise for everyone!
King of the Booth – One of our bridesmaids works for them and had told me that they were incredible, they didn’t disappoint!
Oakwood String Quartet – Recommended by Leez Priory and they played throughout our ceremony and canapes, perfect.
Fairytale Finishes – I found this independent company on Instagram. She was so kind and lovely and brought my ideas to life! We hired the magical Throne chairs which we had at the top of the aisle and at the top table. Lanterns and our photobooth arrow sign.”
Describe your wedding attire…
“My bridesmaids wore Rose gold sequin Sorella Vita dresses. Ben wore a Tailed Black suit with an Ivory Waistcoat and cravat. I went for a Mori Lee design fit and flare with diamante and pearls over the bodice and across the back with buttons down the train of the dress paired with a diamante and pearl long veil. It sparkled in the sunshine and it looked so magical and beautiful.”
What accessories did you wear on the day?
“I purchased my jewellery at Bellissima Weddings, the same place where I got my dress from. They recommended the hair comb that would match my dress along with Diamond and Pearl drop earrings. My shoes were Ivory satin with diamonds on the back and up the heel, the designer of these are Badgley Mishka.”
Were there any embarrassing or funny moments during the day?
“I think our funniest moment of the day was at the wedding breakfast when the West End Singing Waiters came and made myself and Ben do the dirty dancing lift.”
What was your favorite part of the day?
“Everything was honestly amazing, but right at the end of the night, we had our very own surprise… my Mum had arranged fireworks which ended our wedding perfectly.”
What were your menu choices and welcome drinks?
Welcome Drinks:
Pimm’s
Strawberry Daiquiri
Raspberry Fizz
Canapes:
Honey Chilli chicken skewers
King prawns
Duck croquette
Chocolate covered strawberries
Mango tart
Cheesecake bites
Three Course Meal:
Chicken Liver Parfait
Roast Beef
Eton Mess.
We also had the ice cream alongside the canapes and the BBQ in the evening.
Where did you have your ceremony and wedding breakfast?
“We had our ceremony under the tower outside. The Oakwood string quartet played and my Dad Barry walked me down the aisle. We had our wedding breakfast in the Coach House.”
Tell us about your first dance – what song did you chose and why?
“We liked the fact we hadn’t heard anyone have our song before. Being a dancer, everyone expected us to have a first dance prepared which is why we didn’t.”
Have you got a favorite photo from the day?
“We couldn’t possibly choose, they all tell a different story. Jasmine Jade was just incredible.”
Based on your own experience, give us some top tips…
“Keeping to a budget. Never think early is too early to be preparing things or booking things with suppliers. Remember to keep things personal, it’s the little things your guests remember from your day.”
Please leave a summary of your wedding…
“After being together since we were 13 it was everything we could have ever dreamt of and more. Perfect is only the beginning of what our day was like.”
If you could do it all again, you’d…
“Stop time and make it longer.”
Did you go on a honeymoon or mini-moon?
“We went on a mini moon a couple of days after the wedding. We had a long spa weekend at the Life house Spa and then we went to Snowdonia in Wales. We are going on our honeymoon in January to the Maldives.”
Suppliers:
Wedding attire – Mori Lee fit and flare dress from Bellissima Weddings.
Black tailed suites – Formal wedding hire
The accessories – Bellissima hair comb and earrings.
Wedding shoes – Badgley Mishka
Bridesmaid’s dresses – Sorella Vita
Mother of the Bride dress and jacket – Condici from the Wedding Shop in Colchester
Wedding rings – Ernest Jones
Wedding cake – 4 tier ivory cake with ombre flowers around the cake from Twins, Romford
Cars –Essex Limos, white Hummer limo. It was my surprise to Ben to take him and the groomsmen to the venue
Invitations – Wedding Stationery Boutique
Photographer – Jasmine Jade
Videographer – NDR Films
Band/disco/DJ – In house DJ. West End singing waiters. Oakwood string quartet
Wedding favours – Etsy and made our own.
Chair thrones – Fairytale finishes
