LOVE TRAIN

Love is

ALL AROUND

Bryony and Jonny had a stunning vintage-inspired wedding

Images courtesy of Pippa Collins Photography

After meeting at a teacher training course and discovering their shared love for history, Bryony and Jonny’s friendship blossomed into a relationship.

After planning to propose at Machu Picchu, Jonny ended up popping the question on the beach at Loch Ness after their original trip was cancelled. Bryony says, “Jonny knew I’d always wanted to try and find the Loch Ness Monster, so he packed a lovely picnic and asked me to marry him. I was suspicious that a proposal was coming soon, but I was surprised on the day.”

Here Bryony shares details about their special day…

When planning the wedding, we wanted to ensure it was a day that everyone enjoyed and cherished.

We wanted somewhere with a blank canvas, so the white marquee at Shottle Hall suited us well.

The flowers on the day featured beautiful gypsophila.

The centrepieces featured wooden logs, jam jars, milk bottles and flowers.

Jonny loves trains, which he got from his grandad Peter, so we got a steam train from Wirksworth to Shottle on the day. Jonny’s grandad had never forgiven him for being too scared as a toddler to get on the footplate of the Flying Scotsman – the groom made up for it by having a picture with his grandad 27 years later!

My make-up artist was so amazing at her job and made me feel like a princess! I picked a Morilee trumpet dress after falling in love with the style at Team Bride Derbyshire – I added a small belt and a simple veil to show off the back. I changed into a different evening gown to ensure I could fully get involved in the party!

Jonny and the groomsmen all wore blue suits, but the groom wore a paisley tie to stand out.

Our lawn games were a massive hit with guests and included mini golf, hook a duck, sack race, corn hole, whack a mole and skittles.

We had a live band called The Wam Bam Band, mini-celebrities of my hometown. I had always gone to their gigs with loved ones growing up and had always wanted them at my wedding. They were an inevitable hit as at least half the guests already loved them.

Jonny was nervous at the church and before his speech, but he was over the moon to share our love for each other with the people most special to us. I smiled the whole day but didn’t stop crying until after we cut the cheese at around 5 pm; it was just amazing to have everyone we love in one place.

It felt like just Jonny and me during the ceremony – the moment felt so intimate. I completely forgot everyone was watching, so it was nice to feel like we were in a bubble of love.

I may be biased, but my dad’s panto-style speech made the day extra special and involved the whole room with classic audience interactions. He created a jokey rivalry between the people from Derbyshire and the people from the North East to break the ice.

BRYONY AND JONNY’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Venue and catering, www.shottlehall.co.uk | Photographer, www.pippacollins.com | Bride’s dress and accessories, www.teambridederbyshire.com | Hair and make-up, www.theloftsalon.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, www.chichiclothing.com Groom’s suit, www.sandershirewear.co.uk | Cake, www.dannah.co.uk | Flowers, Willow and Rose Flowers 07721 489 470 Transport, www.e-v-r.com | Stationery, www.zazzle.com | Entertainment, www.thewambamband.co.uk