Nothing can keep us apart

Emily and Tom incorporated their love of burgundy into their big-day styling at Weston Hall Images courtesy of DJSPhotography

Emily

and Tom met while studying for their PhDs at university. “We were friends for several months before we finally got together in the summer of 2016,” says Emily. “We connected over our similar backgrounds and interests. We completed our studies in the same lab and saw each other everyday. We supported one another, and outside of university, we bonded over our love of cinema.”

Tom left the UK after finishing his studies in 2017 and spent the next three years working in France. “We kept our relationship going long distance which became especially difficult during the pandemic,” shares the bride. “Everything worked out and Tom proposed when he returned to the UK in 2021. He took me away for the weekend in Buxton for my birthday, and on a beautiful August evening, he presented me with a ring and asked me to marry him. It was supposed to be a surprise, but I suspected he might propose. We went back to Staffordshire the next day to share the news with our parents, who all suspected what was going on.”

Setting The Scene

“We chose the Rising Brook Baptist Church for the ceremony because it was where Tom went to church when he was growing up, so we felt a special connection to it,” explains Emily. “Tom’s mum and her friends decorated the church for us. They put ivory tulle and burgundy ribbons on the chairs with bunting in the café for tea and coffee after the service. They also put up pictures of us as children in a heart-shaped frame.

“For our reception, we booked Weston Hall as the staff were so friendly and helpful,” adds Emily. “The dining room/reception room and bar area were wonderful and didn’t need much decorating. We adored the lovely terrace that we could use for our drinks reception and the fact that our wedding party could stay over.”

Tom’s dad made the table plan. He drew cartoons of the giant microbes that the couple had chosen for their centrepieces which represented their jobs. Their flowers were provided by Walkers Farm Shop and Florist. “We had bouquets of burgundy and white flowers to match our colour scheme,” recalls the bride. “Kerry and the team did a fantastic job, and the blooms looked stunning.

“My aunt made our cake,” continues Emily. “It was a three-tiered chocolate cake decorated with white icing, handmade roses and a waterfall-like feature flowing down the side. It was amazing!”

Emily’s uncle transported Emily and her father in his Rolls Royce while her mum arrived in a Jaguar.

“Weston Hall provided the catering,” remembers Emily. “We had a tasting evening before the wedding where we were able to sample various options from the extensive menu, including canapés. We had no problems choosing food that suited us and our guests.”

Dressed To Impress

Emily wore an Allure Bridals dress from J & J Designs. “I must have tried on nearly every dress in the shop before finally settling on the one,” reveals Emily. “Judy and the staff at J & J Designs were very patient and added extra lace motifs to the gown. I chose it because it was flattering and made a statement without being too over the top.”

Tom sported a tailored navy suit from Moss Bros with a burgundy tie to match the bridesmaids’ beautiful maxi dresses.

Joanne Parsons and Marie Carter styled the bridal party’s hair. “Joanne has been doing my hair since I was 12 years old, so I loved that she was able to do it on my big day,” adds the bride.

Memorable Moments

“To keep our guests entertained, we hired a DJ from Blaze Entertainment,” says Emily. “They were recommended by Weston Hall and provided music following the wedding breakfast. We finished the evening by taking photos on the terrace with sparklers.

“We had the best day celebrating with all our loved ones,” adds the bride. “It was exciting and very nerve-racking arriving at the church, but after the ceremony, we relaxed and had lots of fun. Tom was blown away watching me walk down the aisle and said my dress, hair and make-up were stunning. The whole service was special and just what we wanted, and the reception was perfect. Having all our friends and family together in the same place for the first time since the pandemic was wonderful. Our photographer, David Summers, did a fantastic job of getting everyone together for photos and made the whole experience easy and enjoyable.”

Honeymoon

“Went to Sorrento in Italy for a week and then moved around the coast to Maiori for a second week,” shares Emily. “We had a great time sunbathing, visiting new places and exploring the beautiful Amalfi Coast. The weather was very hot, and we had lots of delicious food and wine.”

EMILY AND TOM’S CONTACTS

Ceremony venue, Rising Brook Baptist Church, www.risingbrook.org | Reception venue and catering, Weston Hall, www.weston-hall.co.uk | Photographer, DJSPhotography, www.mrdsummers.mypixieset.com | Bride’s dress, accessories and alterations, J & J Designs, www.jandjdesignsbridal.com | Groom’s suit, Moss Bros, www.moss.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, WED2B, www.wed2b.com

Mother-of-the-bride’s dress, Monsoon, www.monsoon.co.uk | Mother-of-the-groom’s dress, Phase Eight, www.phase-eight.com | Hair stylist, Kinks n Kurls, www.facebook.com/people/kinks-n-kurls/100064104848619 | Flowers, Walkers Farm Shop and Florist, www.walkersflowers.co.uk

Stationery, Feel Good Invites, www.feelgoodinvites.com | Catering for the morning of the wedding, Mrs Honeyman’s Afternoon Teas, www.facebook.com/mrshoneymansafternoonteas | Entertainment, Blaze Entertainment, www.blaze-group.co.uk