We’re getting all classically beautiful in the country today with the really rather splendid nuptials of WWW readers Dominic and Sophie, who were married on the 25th June 2016. They are based in London, but headed back to Sophie’s family village and the family home, for their wedding celebrations. They were married in the village church in Norfolk, followed by the most darling marquee garden reception. Think chocolate box cottage, rambling roses and the a stunning patterned pole tent marquee erected within the trees. The tent was decked in flowing wild purple and blue blooms and festoon lighting. It looked magical. What a perfect space to celebrate in.
There were some really special details including a gin bar in Sophie’s grandpa’s garage and a stunning meringue cake. Scrummy. I adore Sophie’s lace top Pronovias gown and she scooped her hair into a relaxed and pretty up do. Dominic and the gents wore classic attire, while the bridesmaids and little ones all looked super gorgeous.
Thanks so much to Blondie Photography for sharing these remarkable photographs.
THE PROPOSAL | A totally-out-of-the-blue proposal very early in the morning on a train station platform, followed by a whistle-stop trip to Paris.
THE VISION | We got married in the tiny Norfolk village Sophie’s family live in, and wanted to keep the day simple and rural, while extracting our favourite elements from our London lives (giant gin and tonics, a brass band and an epic Argentinian asado…). We wanted our guests to feel relaxed and completely at home, and for everything to reflect the beautiful garden at the height of June.
THE PLANNING PROCESS | Very relaxed for the first nine months, slightly more frantic for the ensuing six!
THE VENUE | Sophie’s family home in Kettlestone, Norfolk. We got married in All Saints’ Church, a tiny church just down the road from our house, and had the reception in a tent in the garden, and recently renovated party barn.
THE DRESS & ACCESSORIES | Dress was by Pronovias, from Mirror Mirror London.
Shoes were by Rachel Simpson.
FINDING THE DRESS | A chance finding of a store in Islington, near to where Sophie lived. The girls there were brilliant at taking very initial ideas and finding something simple and beautiful to bring them to life.
GROOM’S ATTIRE | Morning dress.
THE READINGS & MUSIC | We tried to find unusual readings, which we hadn’t come across before, which included a Pable Neruda poem and a piece of writing by Robert Fulghum. The music was simple and classical, performed by a cellist and organist, and included a piece by Massenet which was played at Dom’s parents’ wedding.
BEAUTIFUL BRIDESMAIDS | Sophie’s best friends Emma and Jenny. We also had three little flower girls: Dom’s niece, and our two god-daughters.
THE FLOWERS | All designed by Sophie’s mum, Jenny Little, and her team of friends.
THE CAKE | A giant meringue covered in summer fruits and edible flowers, made by our wonderful caterer Jake at Florentina Events. We cut it during the drinks reception, using Sophie’s grandfather’s sword from his time in the navy, and served it to our guests as pudding.
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER | Blondie Photography.
THE HONEYMOON | A week in Sicily.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS | Marrying each other!
Firing up the Argentinian asado to cook all the food.
Everyone discovering the gin bar in Sophie’s grandpa’s garage.
Dancing in the barn to the big brass band.
Our guests reading the postcards we left on their place settings in the tent – each one with a special message thanking them for coming.
ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES | Savour it! Preparing for your wedding will only happen once; enjoy it to the full and don’t let the day run away with itself.
CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE |
Photography | Blondie Photography
Tent | LPM Bohemia
Food | Florentina Events, The Vargas Brothers
Flowers | Jenny Little (bride’s mum) at the Kettlestone Flower Company
Bouquets and buttonholes | The Passion of Flowers
Hair and make-up | Tanya and Lisa from Jo Jordan Hairdressing
Invitations and Orders of Service | Strawberry Sorbet
Music | Café Manouche Collective Trio, and Big 6 Brass Band
Utterly beautiful.
Thanks so much to Dominic and Sophie for sharing their wonderful nuptials here today xo Lou