WE FOUND LOVE

Becky and Joe’s celebration was decorated with colourful touches and hints of dusky blue

Images courtesy of Vicky Lewis Photography

Becky and Joe Seychell-Lees married on 5th August 2021 at Tythe in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

Becky and Joe met at the University of Gloucestershire. “We got to know one another through the rowing club where Joe was a keen rower and I attended the social events with a mutual friend,” Becky tells us. “I was attracted to his muscles, which he loved to show off! We became a couple and moved in together after finishing university.”

Becky and Joe became engaged in October 2019 during a trip to Edinburgh. “We spent the first day exploring the city in the rain,” Becky explains. “Joe was rather grumpy and concerned about the weather. He suddenly changed our plans about which day we should visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle. The following day, he was in a much better mood because the sun was shining so we visited the gardens, enjoying a hot chocolate as we wandered around the grounds. Joe suddenly stopped in a quiet area and started telling me how great I was before presenting me with a beautiful ring! It was a wonderful surprise and the most magical proposal.”

Here, Becky tells us all about their special day at Tythe in Bicester.

The beautiful gardens and courtyard with all of their quirky features first attracted us both to the venue. We loved the large open space with a few smaller areas for our guests to mingle.

We were both extremely nervous before the ceremony. I was shaking holding my bouquet until I started walking down the aisle. As soon as I saw Joe, I smiled and relaxed. Looking around the room and seeing so many of our loved ones gathered together made me feel overwhelmingly happy. After the ceremony, both Joe and I had the biggest grins on our faces for the rest of the day!

We had bubbles instead of confetti and because it was raining, we took the bubble shot inside which was so much fun! The room was filled with them and everyone was smiling and laughing. It was so good that we walked down the aisle three times to get the best photos and make the most of it!

“We created large boards showcasing photographs and memories of fun times spent with each of our guests. There was a number below each one linking it to a page in our guest book where there was a photograph that they wrote their message next to.” – Becky

We made small jars of honey to give to each guest as favours with a dipper and a personalised label attached. I designed our table plan and printed it myself. Each table name had pictures of us at that age and our centrepieces were jars filled with fabulous floral displays and candles in holders.

REAL WEDDINGS

“Our photographer, Vicky, was amazing! She went above and beyond and so many of our guests commented on how friendly she was. She captured the most beautiful photographs and the candid ones are my favourites. She also made sure that she got to know us and made a point of finding my cat when we were getting ready so she could take photos of her. She also used my childhood teddies in a picture which holds a lot of sentimental value.” – Becky

I wore a Stella York gown. I wanted something which was pretty yet simple and I liked the high neck with the open back. I chose a crystal and pearl hairpiece and finished my look with a pair of sparkly high heels.

We created a display using Winnie the Pooh teddies and a sign which read ‘A day without friends is like a pot without a single drop of honey in.’ Growing up, I loved Winnie the Pooh and the past year has shown just how important family and friends are.

Our blue and white marble three-tier cake matched our colour theme. The white top tier was a chocolate fudge cake with salted caramel and Oreo chocolate buttercream, the middle tier was gluten and milk-free lemon drizzle sponge with raspberry jam and lemon buttercream and the bottom tier was a vanilla bean sponge with biscoff buttercream and salted caramel sauce.

Joe’s groomsmen wore the same suit as him teamed with a grey cravat and both of our fathers wore the same suits but with a grey tie.

Joe wore a grey three-piece suit with a blue cravat to match the bridesmaids’ dresses.

We didn’t book any entertainment because everyone was just so happy to be together again after spending so much time apart throughout the lockdown. We danced all night and all of our guests knew that if they wanted to talk to us, we would both be on the dancefloor! We provided baskets of flip flops for everyone because we knew that dancing would a big part of our reception!

Joe is colour blind so as a present for my new husband, I gave him a pair of glasses so that he could see more colour. It was such an amazing moment for him and he eagerly explained all of the different shades that he could see.

THE DREAM TEAM Photographer, Vicky Lewis Photography, 07748 520 838, www.vickyphotography.co.uk | Venue, Tythe, 01869 321 442, www.thetythebarn.co.uk Catering, Absolute taste, 01869 226 670, www.absolutetaste.com | Cake, Pure Patisserie, 01280 817 911, www.purepatisserie.co.uk Bride’s dress, Stella York at Serendipity brides, 01327 340 011, https://serendipitybrides.co.uk | Hair and make-up, Oxford Wedding Hair & Makeup, 07555 527 417, www.hollypreston.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, JJ’s House | Groom’s suit, Armstrongs, 0190 522 814, www.armstrongs.co.uk | Flowers, Laurels Flowers, 07762 484 431 | Entertainment, Gigz, 0800 0329 844, www.gigzmanagement.com