A AFFAIR family

Jodie and Peter were keen to have a big day filled with relaxed fun, love and laughter

Images courtesy of Chris Blair Photography

Microsoft Teams is by and large to thank for Jodie and Peter’s meeting. The two got to know each other via the platform through work during lockdown and officially became a couple in January 2021. “We’re basically the same person but in male and female forms,” says Jode. Their relationship moved apace and Pete proposed at the end of April that same year. “Soon after we got together, we just knew we wanted to spend our lives together and had spoken about it from the very beginning,” she continues. He popped the question during a day out to Ormskirk. Jode admits to having a feeling, but was nevertheless surprised. The couple knew West Tower was the place for them as soon as they saw it. In fact they cancelled the other venue viewings they had booked, feeling confident nowhere else could come close. “We fell in love with how beautiful it was and the exclusive aspect was appealing since we’d have kids at the wedding,” Jode shares. So, the date was set for 24th February, 2023.

Join us as we learn more about the big day from the bride herself...

Originally I wanted a long-sleeved dress, but when I tried them on, they didn’t feel right. So, I went for a sleeveless gown in the end and the corset made me feel really comfortable.

Rachel J Florist created my bouquet, and the bridesmaids’, as well as the buttonholes, top table vase arrangements and flowergirls’ wands.

Everyone commented on how relaxed we both were! Pete admitted after the wedding that he was nervous before the ceremony, but once he saw me he felt calm.

The bridesmaids’ dresses were sage green. The two bridesmaids were dressed to match, whereas the maid-of-honour’s gown was slightly different.

Pete and his groomsmen all wore matching suits. They were hired and were spotless and in perfect condition.

The favours were mason jars filled with sweets, as well as small, rustic keepsakes all made by my auntie Shellie, plus colouring books for the kids.

Our table plan was a simple board decorated with eucalyptus to complement the flower theme.

Originally, we’d booked a stylist recommended by the venue, but sadly due to Covid and Brexit her company went bust. So, Event Cheshire took over and helped to create the same arrangements featuring white roses, eucalyptus and hydrangeas that we’d already had in place.

Emma from Event Cheshire worked with Rachel and I to match the centrepiece flowers with the bouquets as closely as possible. Both were patient and easy-going, even when changes were made. The overall result was so well-matched, we were delighted with how it all looked.

It’s safe to say the food was amazing, and everyone loved what they ordered.

We had a wedding-themed bouncy castle for the kids, but the adults, including the two of us, were on it too

The whole day was easy-going; everyone got along and enjoyed themselves during the speeches. Even our three-year-old son Jack got involved! We all just had loads of fun.

We’ve planned a family-moon to enjoy with the kids. We’ll have plenty of time for holidays, just the two of us, when the children are older.

THE W-DAY TEAM

Venue and catering, West Tower, www.westtower.com | Photographer, Chris Blair Photography, www.chrisblairphotography.co.uk

Bride’s dress, bridesmaids’ dress and accessories, Wed2B | Jodie’s ring, Wongs Jewellers, www.wongsjewellers.co.uk | Pete’s ring, Ernest Jones | Hair stylist, Paula at Room 289, www.facebook.com/room289hairandbeauty | Make-up artist, Georgia Francis, www.instagram.com/georgiafrancis_mua | Groom’s and groomsmen’s suits, The Groom Room, https://thegroomsroomsouthport.business.site | Cake, Vanilla Nova, www.instagram.com/vanilla_nova_cakes | Centrepieces, Event Cheshire, www.eventcheshire.com | Bouquets, Rachel J Florist, Rachel.J.Florist | Stationery, TwistStationery, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TwistStationery | Entertainment, Bouncy Castle Parade, www.bouncycastleparade.com