THE THYME OF OUR LIVES

from Your Cheshire and Merseyside Wedding - Issue 58 July/August 2021

COMPETITION

Jen and Tom’s thyme green-styled day began with vows at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Prescot followed by an intimate celebration at Thornton Manor

Images courtesy of Andy J Photography

Doctors Jen and Tom met at Leeds Medical School. “We were just great friends for many years until Tom asked me out on our first date. That was 10 years ago.” Jen explains. Tom took her to their favourite spot in Padstow, Cornwall and proposed over breakfast on the beach.

The date was originally set for 28th March, 2020, but unfortunately only five days beforehand the country went into lockdown, so they were forced to postpone. Jen says, “We were both absolutely devastated. After almost two years of planning, then having to cancel the event with less than a week’s notice was heartbreaking.” As doctors, the couple also had to work throughout the pandemic, which was difficult for them, not least because they very sadly lost family members along the way. “We decided that life was too short and that we’d get married on 12th April, 2021,” Jen tells us. This was after no less than five date changes, but with restrictions being eased, this meant that they could invite 15 guests and enjoy a wonderful day together. The main 120-guest reception has been postponed to 2022 and with all they’ve been through the couple are certainly deserving of a prolonged celebration.

Read on as the bride tells us more about their beautifully intimate April wedding day...

We both felt completely relaxed on the day – like a weight had finally been lifted. We were able to go ahead and get married, we were so happy.

It was such a joy to finally be able to walk down the aisle with dad towards Tom. My brother James played piano for me as I walked, and then played clarinet as we signed the register. Also, our dog Marley was allowed in the church for the ceremony, which was brilliant. I wore a lace Justin Alexander dress with a long train. I paired it with a cathedrallength veil to complement the pearls on my Charlotte Mills shoes.

My bridesmaids wore floor-length dresses in thyme green. Only two of the four were able to join us on the day due to restrictions, but we’ll make up for that at our reception next year. My flowergirls wore white dresses with palette-fitting sashes and gypsophila flower crowns.

Our favours were charity badges in memory of our beloved grandparents and the centrepiece was made up of foliage with floating candles. We all sat around one square table. It was a very intimate day and meant we got to speak to everyone, which was fantastic.

We enjoyed a delicious three-course meal for the 15 of us at Thornton Manor. The most wonderful harpist played for us during the meal and to mark the end of the day Tom and I shared our first dance and cut the cake.

Intimate weddings are absolutely fantastic. There was no stress and everyone had a fabulous time. You just have to make the best of the situation you have and know that at the end of the day, the most important thing is getting married. The main celebration can wait until it’s safe. Be organised, stay calm and enjoy every moment – the day just flies by. Don’t stress the little things on the day!

After the wedding we were able to get a few days away together in North Yorkshire. Just having a full week off at the same time is so rare with our rotas! So, it was lovely just to get away and relax.