A TALE winter’s

from An Essex Wedding - Issue 111 July/August 2023

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Becki and Dan’s picture perfect wedding took place on a frosty, cool winter’s day at Gosfield Hall

Images courtesy of Charlotte Wise Photography

Dan proposed in December 2020 on a staycation in the Cotswolds. It was a crisp winter’s day, so the couples dressed up and went for a grand afternoon tea followed by a walk in the beautiful grounds of Lucknam Park. Becki tells us, “As soon as we left the hotel, Dan started his proposal by talking about how far we’d come as a couple, but I was a little distracted by the random photographer hiding in the bushes with a camera! I thought to myself ‘what on earth is that man doing? Is he taking pictures of a bird or something?’ and then as he started coming closer and taking pictures of us I realised what was happening. After Dan got down on one knee and I said yes, the staff at the venue came out and gave us champagne and we had an engagement photoshoot around the grounds – I had a cheesy grin in all of the photos because I couldn’t believe what had just happened!”

Daniel and Rebecca Sherlock-Burke started planning their big day and they tied the knot on 3rd December, 2022 at Gosfield Hall.

Here, Becki tells us more...

Setting The Scene

The couple wanted a traditional English manor wedding and Gosfield Hall ticked that box, being a former royal palace. “We loved that it was steeped in history and all of the rooms were stunning – the bridal suite is genuinely jaw dropping, and the ballroom (where we had the wedding breakfast) and Queen’s Gallery (where we had the ceremony) were stunning rooms that felt extremely grand and regal.” Becki explains.

To create the dream winter wedding, Gosfield Hall’s décor was second to none. The pair chose lots of lanterns and candles everywhere to give a warm and cosy feel. So much thought went into all aspects of the day as Rebecca recalls, “Each table was named after one of our grandparents (unfortunately only one of them is still with us) with pictures of them in acrylic on each of the tables. This was to acknowledge that we’d not be here without our grandparents and are a large part of who we are today.”

The cake was designed as a marbled white buttercream over five tiers with frosty touches and a central acrylic tier containing flowers. Meanwhile, the floral arrangements gave a fresh feel throughout. The centrepieces were a mixture of tall flower balls of white hydrangeas and roses whilst some tables had lanterns sat within a wreath of eucalyptus and winter florals. The top table had two large white blossom trees with glass baubles and candles hanging from the branches and floating candles with eucalyptus on each end. The bouquets included a mixture of white and red roses, eucalyptus, white anemone, white astilbe and brunia.

Looking The Part

Becki wore the ‘Alma’ dress from the platinum collection by Demetrios. She remembers, “I wanted a showstopper style that felt regal – something I could never wear anywhere else but on this special day. It truly was my dream dress and fit well into the winter theme. As the dress was so intricate and detailed, I didn’t want to overload with accessories and wanted the dress to be the main focus.

I had the matching lace veil and wore pearl earrings. I changed in the evening as the dress was too large to dance in and we had prepared a first dance; my reception dress was the ‘Winter’ dress by Maggie Sotterro, which was still elegant but easier to move in.”

Dan looked the part in a tailored morning suit from Charles Tyrwhitt with black tails and grey pinstripe trousers. The couple accessorised together and chose to wear the same wedding scent: Maison Margiela’s By the Fireplace. I love this idea!

The bridesmaids wore fitted dark green velvet dresses with a bardot neckline finished with a single pearl necklace and pearls in their hair.

Time To Celebrate

The couple chose a string quartet as the guests arrived, during the ceremony and reception drinks covering classical versions of pop songs. During the evening there was a DJ playing to dance the night away. To top off the day they lit the sky with fireworks. Becki describes, “Everyone loved the sparklers and fireworks, the cherry on top of a fantastic day and on a cold winter’s night it felt particularly magical. We received the photobooth album after the wedding was over, and it’s clear everybody was absolutely loving that extra touch!”

Memorable Moments

As the couple remember their special day, they agree that their first dance was a highlight! “We’d taken lessons and been practicing in a car park behind Tesco for months, but it all paid off!” Becki tells us! “Everyone loved it and it felt like such a special moment. But when everyone joined us for dancing with the DJ after, that was the best bit with everyone living their best life, with ties round heads, guests being lifted up, knee slides, twerking, and throwing all the shapes we could - it was brilliant!

BECKI AND DAN’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK!

Venue, www.gosfield-hall.co.uk | Photographer, https://charlottekimberleywise.com | Dresses, www.fairytalelondon.com

Hair stylist, https://botias.co.uk | Make-up artist, www.instagram.com/krystaldawn_mua | Suits, Moss Bros Cake, https://sugarplumbakes.com | Flowers, https://stockflorist.co.uk | Wedding rings, www.elegancejewellerslondon.co.uk