loving

Sophie and Ed started dating in 2010, but the timing wasn’t right, so the relationship ended. Fast forward to 2016, when Ed messaged Sophie on Facebook asking if she’d like to go out for a drink. “We met up and instantly felt a connection and have been inseparable ever since,” says Sophie. “A few years later, we went away to the Peak District for a few days. We hiked to the top of one of the mountains and when we’d finished and reached the bottom, Ed got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. He told me he had planned to do it at the top, but there were too many people around!”

Here the bride shares some of her favourite moments from their big day...

Ed’s family were connected to St Peter’s Church in Coton, so it was important for us to get married there. For our reception, I had always envisioned a barn, so we visited two local venues and were drawn to Childerley.

To

We went with simple numbers for the tables, and each guest had a place card made from a kraft tag that was handwritten by two of my bridesmaids. One of my maids also made the table numbers, menu cards and table plan. We also created a photo board using a wooden pallet.

One Part Love Bakery provided our three-tiered cake, which had pressed, edible flowers cascading down the sides. We also had cupcakes for guests with dietary requirements.

For the food, we wanted to incorporate America into our menu, so went with breaded brie for the starter, barbecue hickory chicken, mac and cheese, garlic green bean and salad for the main, then pumpkin pie, blueberry cheesecake and chocolate brownie for dessert. We also had a hog roast in the evening. Our caterers, Boxed Events, really listened to our vision and made it come to life.

I had a certain dress style in my head that I wanted, and my bridal consultant helped make that vision come to life. She added a cover-up to the top and a belt that could be tied into a pretty bow at the back. I had always wanted a long train and I had so many comments about how beautiful the dress was.

The men wore navy suits and grey waistcoats from Golding of Newmarket.

We hired singer Emma Stevens to perform while the guests arrived. I had secretly booked Silver Service Singers for the wedding breakfast. The singing waiter was a massive hit and really got the party started. We had a DJ in the evening and a photo booth from The Snap Booth.

Ed and I were both nervous but equally excited. We were relieved when the important parts were done so we could relax and enjoy ourselves. When the vicar started her speech of ‘do you take Sophie’, Ed said straight away: ‘yes!’ Everyone laughed and the vicar explained that she hadn’t finished what she was saying!

Ed’s dad had recently gone into a care home, but was able to make it to the church with support from a care worker. So many people were happy to see him there, and it meant a lot to have him witness us make our vows.

SOPHIE AND ED’S CONTACTS

Ceremony venue, St Peter’s Church, www.lordsbridge.org/churches/st-peters-coton | Reception venue, Childerley, www.childerley.org

Photographer, Creative Pixel Photos, www.creativepixelphotos.com | Bride’s dress and accessories, WED2B, www.wed2b.com

Dress alterations, The Bridal Pixie, www.thebridalpixie.co.uk | Groom’s suit, Golding of Newmarket, www.coes.co.uk/pages/golding

Bridesmaids’ dresses, Jacqueline Louise Bridal Ltd, www.jacquelinelouisebridal.com | Hair and make-up artist, Elly Jayne Makeup and Hair Stylist, www.ellyjaynemakeup.co.uk | Hair and make-up support, Nichola J Makeup, www.nicholajmakeup.co.uk | Cake, One Part Love Bakery, www.onepartlove.co.uk | Catering, Boxed Events, www.boxedevents.co.uk | Flowers, Clare Jones Floral Design, www.clarejonesfloraldesign.co.uk

Transport, Cambridge American Car Hire, www.camcarhire.com | Singing waiters, Silver Service Singers, www.silverservicesingers.com

Singer, Emma Stevens Music, www.emmastevensmusic.com | Photo booth, The Snap Booth, www.snap-booth.co.uk