Lincolnshire and Rutland Bride & Groom Magazine 2023

The Wedding of ............................................................. & .............................................................

Ceremony Held At: .....................................................................................................................

Reception Held At: .....................................................................................................................

Date: ........................................................................................................................................

Ihope that you will find lots of ideas and resources in this magazine to help you to plan an amazing wedding day. I’m sure you will! There is so much to do, so much to think about, so many choices to make, for everyone involved: What to wear? What to eat? What to give as a present?

The wedding day itself is really important, and I hope that you will have a wonderful celebration, surrounded by the people that you love and who love you, as you make your promises to each other.

And I hope that you can think of the day itself as an expression of something bigger and even more important: the wedding ceremony is the formalising of your marriage, not the marriage itself.

Ultimately, if I can say this, your life together is what matters most – which is what you are bringing into focus in the wedding – which then also becomes an expression of your shared personality and values.

If you choose to get married in a church, the minister taking the service will begin by describing your marriage as a ‘gift.’ From the Christian viewpoint, this thing that is unearned now becomes part of the framework of your shared life with your partner. During the service, you will receive the further gift of God’s blessing, to strengthen you and enrich you.

In whatever place you make promises as a couple, this wonderful occasion flows over into the rest of your life, and I wish you well for your future together.

+ NicholasGrantham

By

Managing Director: Julian Wilkinson.

Sales Director: Zoie Wilkinson.

Customer Service Manager: Abby Moon.

Sales Executives: Kim Alford and Tamara Mortimer.

Executive Editor: Rob Davis.

Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray.

IT Manager: Ian Bagley.

Web Developer: Joe Proctor.

Office Manager: Chloe Watson.

Administrator: Bethany Freeman-Burdass

Our VIP Wedding Gue sts

Best Man: Chief Bridesmaid: Bridesmaid:

Bridesmaid: Bridesmaid: Bridesmaid:

VIP: VIP:

VIP:

The Top Table:

THE GROOM BRIDE’S MOTHER GROOM’S FATHER CHIEF BRIDESMAID

THE BRIDE BRIDE’S FATHER GROOM’S MOTHER BEST MAN

Bride’s Father: Bride’s Mother: Usher:

Groom’s Father: Groom’s Mother: Usher:

VIP: VIP:

VIP:

NB: If both sets of parents have divorced and remarried, there’s a revised order of; groom’s stepmother, bride’s stepfather, chief bridesmaid, groom’s father, bride’s mother, groom, bride, bride’s father, groom’s mother, best man, bride’s stepmother, groom’s stepfather.

This is the traditional layout for a top table at your wedding breakfast...

The Wedding Timeline

Your ‘at-a-glance’ guide to what to plan, and when to plan each element...

12 - 18 Months Before...

SET THE BUDGET q

BOOK A WEDDING VENUE OR MARQUEE q

BOOK A CHURCH OR REGISTRAR q

SET THE WEDDING DATE q

PUT TOGETHER THE GUEST LIST q

9 - 12 Months Before...

CHOOSE THE BRIDAL PARTY q

SEND OUT SAVE-THE-DATES q

BOOK A PHOTOGRAPHER q

BOOK TRANSPORT q

BOOK A DJ OR A BAND q

BOOK CATERERS q

DECIDE ON A MENU q

BOOK A FLORIST q

BOOK A CAKEMAKER q

6-9 Months Before...

BOOK ENTERTAINMENT q

START SHOPPING FOR A WEDDING DRESS! q

BUY SHOES, UNDERWEAR AND JEWELLERY q

BOOK HAIR AND MAKEUP q

ORDER YOUR WEDDING DRESS q

HIRE OR BUY GROOMSWEAR q

BOOK THE HONEYMOON q

3 - 6 Months Before...

ORDER/MAKE WEDDING FAVOURS q

BUY THE BRIDESMAID DRESSES q

BUY WEDDING RINGS q

CHOOSE READINGS AND POEMS q

AGREE THE ORDER OF SERVICE q

BEGIN WRITING WEDDING VOWS q

0 - 3 Months Before...

SEND OUT THE INVITATIONS q

ATTEND DRESS FITTINGS q

WRITE SPEECHES AND THANK YOU LETTERS q

BUY GIFTS FOR BRIDAL PARTY q

HAVE A HAIR TRIAL AND MAYBE A TRIM q

HAVE A BRIDAL MAKEUP TRIAL q

The Week Before...

START WEARING IN SHOES AT HOME q

CONFIRM NUMBERS WITH VENUE q

CONFIRM NUMBERS WITH CATERERS q

CONFIRM ALL TIMINGS WITH SUPPLIERS q

PAY FINAL BALANCES q

COLLECT GROOMSWEAR IF HIRED q

COLLECT WEDDING DRESS q

HAVE A MANICURE AND PEDICURE q

ENSURE YOU GET PLENTY OF SLEEP q

Wedding Photographer: Lee Daniels Photography, 07738 255683, leedanielsphotography.com.

CHURCH MARRYING in CHURCH in

Marrying in a church provides a beautiful backdrop for your special day as you say your vows before family, friends and before God. Here, we explore why and how to marry in church...

Image: Wedding Photographer: Sarah Vivienne Photography, 01604 372543, www.sarahvivienne.co.uk.

‘To have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer’, these timeless vows will make any bride’s heart skip a beat. However, the number of church weddings are decreasing and only 27% of couples choose to get married in a church or religious building. There are many reasons for this; many people are raised without religion or they’re choosing to marry somewhere other than their traditional parish, whilst some may view churches only as places for those who are keenly religious. Other couples may simply like the idea of having their ceremony and reception all in one place.

The church is trying to counter these reasons and marrying in a church is now easier and more relaxed than it has ever been. The uniqueness and splendour of a church wedding is something that other venues cannot live up to. The history of a church wedding and knowing that millions of other couples over the centuries have made their commitment to each other in that same place is a wonderful feeling and makes you part of something special which other venues cannot offer.

Church buildings are places of outstanding beauty and can be described as having a ‘peaceful’ or ‘serene’ atmosphere. For some couples, religious or not, the church simply seems the ‘proper’ place to get married.

In October 2008 The Church of England changed their marriage rules and as long as certain conditions are met, you can now marry in any parish where you have a connection. These connections include being baptised or confirmed in the parish, if either the couple or the parents of the couple have lived in the parish for a period of at least six months, if either the couple or the parents of the couple have regularly attended normal church services in the parish for at least six months or of the couples parents or grandparents were married in the parish.

With these relaxed rules it is possible for couples to get married in any church of their choice and with the Church of England having approximately 16,000 churches across the UK there is a huge choice. The Revd., Sandra Millar, Head of Church of England Life Events says “Wherever possible, churches want to say ‘yes’ to the couples who want to get married in a church. It’s such a privilege to be part of this special moment in each couple’s life, and every wedding will be different.”

Once the couple have chosen the church, they will need to call the vicar to let them know the good news and arrange a time to discuss what happens next. This is the time when some couples worry and they think the vicar is going to interrogate them on reasons why

they want to get married in a church, but this is not the case at all. The vicar will put the bride and groom at ease and the meeting will give the couple a chance to get to know the vicar and answer any questions and suggest readings and hymns. At this time the couple can also book the organist, bell ringers and in some churches, there will be the option to have the church choir.

Three months before the wedding, the banns will be read. This is an ancient tradition and are the first announcement in church of your intention to marry and a chance for members of the congregation to put forward any reasons why the marriage may not lawfully take place. After the banns are read the congregation may also pray for the bride and groom and their marriage which can be a special and moving experience.

Many couples like to be in church when their banns are being read. The marriage banns must be read out in church for three Sundays during the three months before the wedding and then again on the wedding service.

During the wedding ceremony the congregation will be asked to come forward if they know of any reason why the marriage may not lawfully take place, there is then a dramatic pause and the dreaded EastEnders moment... but for 99% of couples this bit in the service will pass by without a glitch!

Usually Church of England wedding services last about 30 to 45 minutes. The marriage vows are at the heart of the ceremony and spoken before God and in front of the couple’s family and friends. The marriage vows used are unique to church weddings, the words cannot be re-written or changed in any way for legal reason and they are the words of commitment which define the marriage. >>

“To have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer” Church of England Wedding Vows

Wedding Photographer: Jonathan Mank at PM Photography Ltd, www.lovemy.photos, 01522 522067.

>> The couple can add something additional at this time if there is something they want to say to each other in this setting or they can choose an additional reading from a poem or book which describes their feelings to each other.

The completion of the marriage ceremony is the giving of the rings which is the symbol of unending love. After this the couple will sign the register creating a legal record of the marriage.

The uniqueness and beauty of a church wedding is undeniable. Marrying in a church is personal, meaningful and the timeless atmosphere adds a spiritual dimension to the wedding, even if couple do not have defined ‘religious’ beliefs.

One local couple who recently married in one of the county’s parishes said “After visiting this church we knew this was the place we wanted to get married. It was such a beautiful building and with the tranquil atmosphere, no other venue could compare. Our Vicar, Chris was helpful, friendly and very funny. He took the time to get to know us as a couple and his sermon was personal to us.”

Revd. Sandra Millar also says, “A wedding day is so very special. It should be happy, it should be joyful and above all it should reflect the love that is at the heart of every marriage.”

“Couples can just ask a church about their hopes and dreams for their wedding day. They may be surprised at the choices open to them and discover that the spiritual depth of a church wedding can be part of their story too.” n

WEDDING COSTS...

If you choose to marry in a church, it will be a beautiful and personal ceremony, but it doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune. The legal fee for marrying in your home parish is £496 or £540* if you marry outside your local parish. The fee includes the cost of the vicar, the church, reading and the certificate of banns, marriage certificate and lighting.

There are, however, some ‘optional extras:’

n Adding heating in the church. The older the church, the colder the building. Your vicar will be able to give you a price if applicable.

n Church organ and organist, approximately £70.

n Bell Ringers, this can differ from church to church but usually between £120-£160.

n If the church has a choir, they may be available on your wedding day. This can be between £50-£100 depending on the number of people in the choir.

n The support of a verger who will ensure the church is warm, tidy and can help with handing out Orders of Service and hymn books etc. This can vary from parish to parish but is approximately £50.

n Extra copies of the marriage certificate are £4 each on the day and £11 each afterwards. It may be worth getting a second copy of the marriage certificate as you will need to send your marriage certificate away to have your name changed on driving licences and passports.

n Some churches can also print Orders of Service.

*According to the Church of England.

Wedding Photographer: Sarah Vivienne Photography, 01604 372543, www.sarahvivienne.co.uk.

Wedding Dresses

The UK’s most well-regarded wedding dress designers have revealed their 2022 collections...

This Page: This crisp Mikado wedding dress is perfect for the sophisticated bride who wants to show off her stylish side. Style Fiona, www.justinalexander.com.

1. Barcelona, www.eddyk.com.

2. Phoenix style PH3112, www.phoenixgowns.co.uk.

3. Style 23-018, www.riccasposa.com.

4. Alev, www.alanhannah.co.uk.

5. Style 1105-01, www.allurebridals.com. >>

Our Juanita designer wedding dress serves dreamy drama. www.morilee.com

1. Phoenix style DC100, www.phoenixgowns.co.uk.

2. Hilaria, www.morilee.com.

3. Blythe, www.alanhannah.com.

4. Emelina, www.sophiatolli.com.

5. Mari, www.annageorgina.co.za.

Alice, www.eddyk.com.

A whimsical daydream, our Harmonia designer wedding dress is a true fantasy! www.morilee.com

Top/Left: Jordanna, style #2509, by Mori Lee, www.morilee.com.

Top/Right: Autumn Bodice & Limia Skirt, www.annageorgina.co.za.

Above/Left: Nelly, www.eddyk.com.

Above/Right: Style 23-029, www.riccasposa.com.

1. Josefina, www.morilee.com.

2. Quinn, www.sophiatolli.com.

3. Style 9904, www.allurebridals.com.

4. Goddess, www.enzoani.com.

5. Florien, www.justinalexander.com.

WEDDING DRESSES

Amanda Wyatt’s Honesty is an elegant lace gown with illusion neckline and back. www.ukbride.co.uk.

Top/Left: Judith, www.morilee.com.

Top/Right: Phoenix style PHX20003, www.phoenixgowns.co.uk.

Above/Left: Augusta, www.alanhannah.co.uk.

Above/Right: Freesia, www.justinalexander.com.

Amara, www.martinthornburg.com.

Top/Left: Heather, www.eddyk.com.

Top/Right: Hadley.www.morilee.com.

Above/Left: Style 23-005, www.riccasposa.com.

Above/Right: Style 1103-01, www.allurebridals.com.

Que stionsto Ask

IN THE BRIDAL SHOP

HOW MANY FITTINGS WILL I HAVE? q

Usually you’ll have an initial fitting, then a further one after the changes have been done. The average amount of fittings is two to three. Because of the amount of fittings, it’s worth looking for dresses well in advance of the wedding day.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME? q

You want to feel confident when you try on dresses. Some bridal shops will have strapless bras, heels and jewellery for you to try on with your dress but some may not. Make sure to bring an open mind too! You may surprise yourself with the dress you finally decide on.

CAN I BRING MY MUM AND FRIENDS? q

It’s always worth asking this question. Of course you want your friends and family there with you on the day, but some bridal shops may not have the space for you to do this. If you have a busy lifestyle, it might also be worth asking if they do late evening fittings. It’s less busy at this time so you’ll be able to bring friends.

WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE? q

If the store is in the Retail Bridal Association, it means the business has been running for more than five years and its standards are checked annually. Check if the seamstress is qualified.

MONEY SAVING TIPS

n The number one rule when it comes to buying wedding dresses is DO NOT try on a wedding dress that’s over your budget. You either blow your budget or break your own heart!

n As a rule of thumb, the more intricate the design, the more it will cost so opt for simpler styles.

n Wear your mother’s wedding dress. It puts a personal touch on the day and you save around £1,000. You could equally buy from a pre-owned site. They’ve only worn it once!

n Shop at the right time. Like the fashion industry, there are busy times and not so busy times, so get the late summer and winter sales and visit wedding shows for show deals.

Make sure you’re visiting a store with good credentials.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE? q

When you buy a wedding dress, you try on the sizes they have in store. They then order that dress closest to your size and alter it to fit. Make sure you find out how much the alteration will cost; some bridal shops include alterations in the price but watch out for these additional costs.

CAN I BRING ALONG A CAMERA? q

A lot of bridal shops surprisingly don’t allow this, but it’s important you ask so you can look over the pictures later and compare them to other styles you liked in different stores. If they don’t allow you to bring a camera or take photos, take a note of the name of the designer and the dress name or number so you can look the style up later online and save them that way. n

WIN A DREAM WEDDING

WORTH UP TO £25,000

SIMPLY JOIN THE UK’S NUMBER ONE WEDDING WEBSITE FREE AT www.ukbride.co.uk

ALWAYS THE BRIDESMAID

The bridesmaids serve a crucial role in looking after the bride on her special day, but they can also convey the colour scheme and style of the wedding via their dresses...

6 7

Sorella Vita style 4022 in navy.

1. Mori Lee draped empire chiffon dress in over 50 colours, shown here is Deep Sea, www.morilee.com.

2. Romantica Lisa in rose, 38 different colours, romanticaofdevon.co.uk.

3. Ronald Joyce style 69598, www.ronaldjoyce.com.

4. Romantica Laine dresses in powder blue with lace-capped sleeves www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk

5. Sorella Vita Charmeuse bridesmaid dress with full skirt style 9520 in amethyst, www.essensedesigns.com.

6. Linzi Jay cowl back dress, chiffon in green eyes, style EN064, www.linzijay.com.

7. Florence dress Hi-lo dress in silky, flowy chiffon with soft gathering shown here in magenta by Vera Wang, www.verawangbride.com.

8. Allure Bridal style 1699, silky stretch jersey dress with A-line profile. Not only beautiful but ultra comfortable. In Autumn, allurebridals.com.

9. Romantica Arya in Turkish Blue, also 38 other colours, romanticaofdevon.co.uk.

10. Mori Lee high neck junior dress, caviar mesh, in five colours, shown here in gold, www.morilee.com. >>

>> 11. Allure Bridals, bridesmaids in style 1604 and 1605, pink mist, www.allurebridals.com.

12. Vera Wang Noa, www.verawangbride.com.

13. Linzi Jay v-neck dress with waterfall sleeves in navy, style EN453, www.linzijay.com.

14. Open-back maxi-dress with bow detail in orchid pink, www.uk.dessy.com.

15. Sorella Vitaa off-the-shoulder bridesmaids dresses in aubergine and dusty lavender, style 8818, www.essensedesigns.com.

16. Twist-halter Imogen gown in French blue by Dessy, www.uk.dessy.com.

17. Perrie flower girl dress with waterfall skirt and lace from Wed2Be, www.wed2b.com.

18. Mori Lee one-shoulder satin dress with skirt split, 15 colours, shown here in Sapphire, www.morilee.com.

19. Allure bridal ruched spaghetti-strap dress in mineral green, www.allurebridals.com.

20. Romantica Dee dress with gathered shoulder and skirt detail, in soft pink, and 38 other colours, romanticaofdevon.co.uk. n

How to be the perfect bridesmaid...

n Be there to listen... sometimes even the groom will tire of wedding talk! It’s important for the bride to feel she has someone who will always listen to her and she can always turn to.

n Compromise when it comes to the bridesmaids’ outfits... the bride’s choice of dresses can sometimes bring her into conflict with her maids. Find a way to diplomatically negotiate any colours or styles that you’re not keen on so everyone is happy with the final outfits.

n Plan a really great hen night or weekend. This doesn’t have to be a wild night out, just something memorable, enjoyable and something that the bride will remember for the rest of her life.

n Help to maintain a calm atmosphere on the morning of your bride’s wedding.

Mum’s THE WORD

Our selection of stylish outfits for the mother of the bride or groom

Ian Stuart style, ISL875, www.ianstuart-bride.com.

1. Veni Infantino style 992004, www.veni-infantino.com.

2. Veromia style VO8121, www.veromia.co.uk.

3. Ispirato style ISG817, www.ispirato.co.uk.

4. Bombshell London, www.bombshellhq.com.

5. John Charles style 29030, www.johncharles.co.uk. >>

6. Ispirato style ISH907, www.ispirato.co.uk.

7. Morilee style 72706, www.morilee.com.

8. Veni Infantino style 992012, www.veni-infantino.com. 9. Condici, 71100, www.condici.com.

10. John Charles style 29018, www.johncharles.co.uk.

11. Veni Infantino style 9991910, www.veni-infantino.com.

12. Veromia style IR7132S, www.veromia.co.uk.

13. Veromia style VO8129, www.veromia.co.uk.

14. Ian Stuart style, ISL888, www.ianstuart-bride.com.

15. Veni Infantino style 992008, www.veni-infantino.com.

16. Linea Raffaelli style 221-549-01, www.linearaffaelli.be.

17. John Charles style 29034A, www.johncharles.co.uk.

18. Ispirato style ISH824, www.ispirato.co.uk. n For Mother of the Bride stockists, bridal dresses and accessories, visit www.ukbride.co.uk.

Charlotte Mills, Henrietta Pearl, £295. www.charlottemills.com

ELEGANT ACCESSORIES

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5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

1: Ivory & Co, Rebecca Tiara, £405. 2: Harriet Wilde, Arabella Block Ivory Blossom, £530. 3: Lido Collection, Statement Pearl Earrings, £195.

4: Michael Kors, Pavé Heart Stud , £129. 5: Harriet Wilde, Peony Low Ivory, £130. 6: Sophia Webster, Leah Sandals, £525.

7: Lido Collection, Pearl Brooch, £75. 8: Olivier Laudus, Amalia Freshwater Pearl Pendant, £29. 9: Dune London, Boxy Embellished Clutch Bag, £175.

10: Ivory & Co, Hair Comb, £105.

11: Jimmy Choo, Sacaria 100, £1,495. 12: Freya Rose, Mother Of Pearl Long Drop Earrings, £148.50.

13: Ivory & Co, Rochelle Earrings, £55. 14: Sophia Webster, Cleo Wifey For Lifey, £350.

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2.

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4.

12.

An English Country WEDDING

English Country WEDDING

This month we’ve some blooming beautiful ideas for your forthcoming wedding as a team of local wedding suppliers led by photographer Amanda Forman and makeup artist Alice Snell gathers at Barnsdale Gardens to create a stunning ‘English Country Garden’ themed summer wedding...

This month we’ve some blooming beautiful ideas for your forthcoming wedding as a team of local wedding suppliers led by photographer Amanda Forman and makeup artist Alice Snell gathers at Barnsdale Gardens to create a stunning ‘English Country Garden’ themed summer wedding...

Photography: Amanda Forman Photography, 01572 492791, www.amandaforman.co.uk.

Photography: Amanda Forman Photography, 01572 492791, www.amandaforman.co.uk.

Blooming beautiful... that’s the only way to describe this styled wedding shoot held at Barnsdale Gardens in high summer, with the best local suppliers providing all the elements you need to celebrate your special day. To show just how good a Rutland wedding can look when you seek out the creativity and flair of local suppliers, Barleythorpe photographer Amanda Forman and makeup artist Alice Snell have pulled together local wedding suppliers to create this stunning summer wedding shoot.

It’s difficult to find a positive in Covid, of course, but the lack of people walking around Barnsdale Gardens did nonetheless afford Amanda and her team the chance to use the unusually deserted gardens as a backdrop for a showcase designed to provide ideas for your own Rutland wedding.

“When putting together the plan for this styled shoot, we knew our dream location would be Barnsdale Gardens. We wanted to show just how beautiful Rutland is and what alluring locations it has to offer. Barnsdale Gardens is such a beautiful location and one that isn’t celebrated enough when it comes to its capacity for weddings,” says Amanda.

“The team at Barnsdale Gardens were so friendly and accommodating from start to finish. Charlotte who organises the weddings was on hand all day for anything we needed.”

“As suppliers, we chose to work together on this project not only for the shoot concept that we all found fitted our brands well, but also the alliance in our styles of work and to help showcase what incredible local talent Rutland has to offer.”

“It was important to us that all of suppliers were local and we can safely say we achieved this with our incredible creative team.”

“We chose to split the styled shoot and work with two couples on this occasion, which enabled us to really showcase our range of expertise. Jack, and florist Amanda, worked seamlessly together to create multiple sets and floral designs for the day, including the aisle, drinks table, wedding breakfast, cake hive and so much more. It was so exciting seeing the designs come to life and even more so when you compare the vision from Jack’s sketches to the final images.”

“Working with two couples also allowed us to showcase two completely different bridal looks so our hair and makeup artists Michaela and Alice were in their element and Naomi from Lace & Pearl bridal was

able to showcase two completely different wedding dresses.”

“Styled wedding shoots are so much fun to be a part of and it allows so many of us to work together and showcase the very best of our talents. It also allows us to give inspiration to brides and grooms still planning weddings, and show them beautiful stationery designs, plus delicious favours in the form of biscuits from Caroline at the Kitsch Hen and tell them about the beautiful sounds of our harpist Harriet Flather.

“We truly hope that this incredible shoot not only gets couples excited enough to start planning their weddings again but also to book and shop locally for their wedding. It has been a long year for the wedding industry and for our couples and we are so looking forward to working with them again!” n

An English Country Garden Wedding: Our Local Suppliers...

Wedding Styling: Jack Barton from Pretty Quirky, 07842 289620, www.prettyquirkyhire.co.uk.

Floral Design: Amanda of Amanda Steele Flowers, 01572 717757, www.asteeleflowers.co.uk.

Photography: Amanda Forman Photography, 01572 492791, www.amandaforman.co.uk.

Makeup Artist: Alice Snell, 07568 511436, www.alicesnellbridal.com.

Hair Stylist: Michaela at The Boho Bridal, www.instagram.com/the.boho.bridal.

Wedding Stationery: Lucy of In the Details Design, www.inthedetailsdesign.co.uk.

Wedding Cake: Michele at Love Life Eat Cake, www.lovelifeeatcake.com.

Harpist: Harriet Flather 07771 552945, www.harrietflather.co.uk.

Handmade Biscuits: Caroline at The Kitsch Hen, 07799 516179, www.the-kitsch-hen.co.uk.

Wedding Dress: Naomi of Lace & Pearl Bridal, 07402 248276, www.laceandpearlbridal.com.

Wedding Veil: Kat from Olive & Grace Bridal, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/oliveandgracebridal.

Wedding Venue: Charlotte at Barnsdale Gardens, 01572 813200, www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk.

Our Models: With thanks to Hannah Goodwin, Sam Payne, Nikki Cooper and Matthew Favell. n

A Chance Meeting

Happily, the only thing that melted during Peter’s snowy Zermatt proposal was Sam’s heart, and after two false starts (thank you, pandemic), the couple finally managed to tie the knot recently, in a ceremony on Rutland’s Exton estate…

Wedding Photographer: Sarah Vivienne Photography, 01604 372543, www.sarahvivienne.co.uk.

THERE’S A SONG by Jarvis Cocker’s 90s Britpop group Pulp, called Something Changed in which the song’s protagonist mulls over the unlikely happenstance that he should meet his future love.

‘Do you believe that there’s someone up above? And does he have a timetable directing acts of love?’ the song asks, and later ‘When we woke up that morning we had no way of knowing / that in a matter of hours we’d change the way we were going / where would I be now, where would I be now if we’d never met?’

Those lyrics could comfortably have been written about Samantha and Peter’s meeting, back in 2018. Ordinarily, our featured couples tell us how they were childhood sweethearts, or had been ‘just friends’ for years. Not this time though. Sam was born in the States, but she was raised in Staffordshire. Peter, meanwhile, moved from his native East Yorkshire to Melton Mowbray. The two never had any cause to meet. But when Sam was flying out of Birmingham Airport heading towards Finland, and Peter was collecting his luggage in the arrivals lounge after a trip abroad, there was window of no more than 30 minutes when they could meet. Both were on the dating platform Bumble, which is dependent on potential matches being in proximity of one another, which Sam & Peter were... but only very briefly.

The two exchanged their first messages in that small window of potential, and the rest is history. If that’s not a one in a million chance to find the person you’re meant to be with, we don’t know what is.

The couple’s second date took place in Rutland, at Clipsham’s Olive Branch, and as a keen competitor in triathlon events, Peter was also keen on the area, visiting often.

Peter proposed on a snowy mountain in Zermatt, at a brisk -10°c but at least with beautiful surroundings.

WEDDING SUPPLIERS

The two wanted to marry in Rutland in anticipation that they’d eventually move there – which they did, finally settling in Whitwell – and finding the Exton Park Estate, they fell in love with the place immediately.

“When we called we got straight through to Harry Campden, and we dealt with him all through the planning. He was so accommodating and a delight to work with.”

“He had a list of recommended suppliers and his suggestion of Events & Tents was a good one. The nice thing about a marquee wedding is that you have so much choice when it comes to your wedding venue; size, shape, position, layout, lining, lighting...”

“The amount of choice is almost overwhelming but Andrew from the company met us on site and then we had a drink at Barnsdale Lodge. He helped us out, guiding us through our reception options.”

Wedding Ceremony: Revd., Anthony Oram, St Peter & St Paul, Exton, www.achurchnearyou.com.

Reception Location: Exton Estate, 01572 812208, www.extonpark.co.uk.

Marquee: Events & Tents, 01780 408298, www.eventsandtents.co.uk.

Food: Emerson & Wests, 01858 462181, www.emersonandwests.co.uk.

Real Ale: roundcornerbrewing.com.

Wedding Dress: www.pronovias.com.

Groomsmens’ Tailoring: The Cad & The Dandy, www.cadandthedandy.co.uk.

Wedding Flowers/Styling: Sophie’s Flower Company, 01949 81199, www.sophiesflowerco.co.uk.

Wedding Cake: Ruddington Cake Company, 07966 541639, theruddingtoncakecompany.co.uk.

Band/DJ: Phil Rostance & The Marshall Band, www.themarshallband.co.uk. n

“We had to re-arrange the event twice due to Covid, and though we kept most of our suppliers, we met our caterers, Emerson & Wests, when our original caterers couldn’t make our new date. Thankfully, they were amazing. We didn’t want to compromise on the food. We had fresh asparagus, sirloin of Welland beef and a trio of desserts, and everyone said it was the best food they’d ever enjoyed at a wedding.”

“Drink was important too, and we hired ‘Matilda,’ a Land Rover converted into a bar and run by Round Corner Brewery of Melton Mowbray. It was brilliant!”

“My dress was by Pronovias, from the Atelier collection, and was a capped-sleeved A-line dress with beading and lace.” Peter and the groomsmen had their suits tailored by the same tailor that the Duke of Cornwall used for his wedding, The Cad & The Dandy on Savile Row, and wore the official tie of his gentleman’s club, The Gentleman Spoofers – look up the rules to spoofing online. >>

>> “Another bride recommended Sophie’s Flowers, based in the Vale of Belvoir, and in addition to providing beautiful flowers she really helped out with props and the styling of the venue too.”

“Our hanging cake was created by The Ruddington Cake Company, and had four tiers, with Champagne & strawberry, Victoria, chocolate, lemon and red velvet flavours. It was the first time Lisa had made a hanging cake before but it looked amazing and tasted great!”

“My maid of honour was Danielle, one of my old work friends, and two further bridesmaids, plus our flower girl. Peter’s family sent our three-year old niece Aurelia down the aisle a minute or so before me, with a little sign saying ‘Aunty Sammy is on her way.’ It was so cute and melted everybody’s hearts.”

“Another highlight was a choir in the church who performed the song Viva la Vida by Coldplay, accompanied by the organ. They’re our favourite band so we used Sky Full of Stars as our first dance too.”

“After an overnight stay at The Finch’s Arms in Hambleton, and spending the next day with family and friends, we enjoyed a honeymoon in Santorini. The day after was really nice as it gave us the chance to reflect on the day.”

“We were pretty relaxed and expected at least something to go wrong, but nothing did. It all went so smoothly and it was so enjoyable. We were lucky with some great suppliers and our family and friends who were all there to celebrate our day with us!” n

Wedding Photographer: Sarah Vivienne Photography, 01604 372543, www.sarahvivienne.co.uk.

Wedding Venues

The backdrop to a beautiful local wedding is a stunning wedding reception venue. Here, we’re profiling a few of the most beautiful and versatile wedding venues across the county which will allow you to create your perfect wedding...

Words: Rob Davis.

The Elm Tree, Hundleby,

Lincolnshire’s most picturesque

five star bed and breakfast, nestled on the edge of Spilsby; offering luxury stays and exceptional intimate weddings. Lovingly restored and converted into a luxury boutique bed and breakfast, opening in 2016, offering a unique country house experience amidst the stunning Lincolnshire Wolds.

“Weddings at The Elm Tree mirror the five star delights. We are a fully licensed venue to hold civil ceremonies onsite with the option of our garden pagoda for an outdoor ceremony.”

n Hundleby, Spilsby PE23 5LZ. 01790 753534, elmtree.co.uk.

nr Spilsby

The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa

The Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa is synonymous with Edwardian style and elegance, providing 30 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in which to plan a very individual wedding of any size and style.

“We have a range of elegant ceremony and reception rooms to suit wedding parties of all sizes,” says the hotel’s Tina Pearson. “For weddings up to 30 people, our Garden Room is perfect and opens onto our award-winning Peto gardens. For weddings of up to 150 guests, the larger setting of the Woodland Suite is ideal with its own private bar and terrace area leading onto the gardens. For those seeking an outdoor wedding, host your ceremony in the Temple Garden with its beautiful vistas.”

“We have a lovely selection of menus to choose from for your wedding breakfast (so-called as it is your first meal together as a married couple). From three courses or more to afternoon tea menus, we will work with you to create a menu that fits your vision of the day.”

“We are delighted to recommend singers and musicians to fit with your wedding theme. From harpists, pianists and classical musicians to soloists, themed duos, bands and DJs. We can connect you with the musical accompanists of your choice to set an elegant theme to your reception drinks or have the dance floor full in no time.”

“Our stunning four poster rooms boast garden views, luxurious free standing baths, fluffy robes and slippers and Penhaligon’s toiletries.”

The Petwood Hotel was built in 1905 as a private home and became a hotel in 1933. It retains its connections to Lincolnshire’s 617 Dambusters squadron, having been requisitioned during the war as accommodation for Bomber Command squadrons. Today though, the hotel is more typically favoured by local couples who are creating their own history and planning the perfect wedding.

n Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa LN10 6QG. Call 01526 352411 or see www.petwood.co.uk.

The Granary Wedding Barn, Hubberts Bridge

Carre Arms, Sleaford

Sleaford’s Carre Arms hotel and restaurant has been owned by the Cuñago family for the past 25 years and as well as providing dining and accommodation, the business can also host weddings and civil ceremonies. Three rooms are available for your ceremony or wedding breakfast including the award-winning function room, ‘The Courtyard Suite,’ in the area which originally housed the hotel’s stables, its hay lofts and cart houses – each of which have retained most of their original features including the glass-covered roof. The is also The Mareham Room, for more intimate weddings, whilst The Victorian Conservatory is lush, light and provides the feel of an outdoor wedding, but one the rain cannot spoil. There are 13 individually appointed bedrooms and bespoke packages available.

n Mareham Lane, Sleaford NG34 7JP. Call 01529 303156, www.carrearmshotel.co.uk.

The Granary Wedding Barn is a beautiful early 18th century Grade II Listed Barn with a vaulted roof, exposed brickwork and original beams. The venue is located adjacent to ten cottages in converted barns and stables, which are set around the same pretty courtyard garden as The Granary.

Eight of the cottages will sleep up to 36 of your close family and friends in 18 bedrooms. These are included with your wedding package. Each cottage has a comfortable open plan lounge, kitchen, diner a TV and Wi-Fi.

Gather your family and friends for a relaxed country weekend wedding, enjoy exclusive use of Granary barn with its stunning honeymoon suite in the barns loft plus award winning holiday cottages at Elms Farm for two nights over a weekend.

The Granary, a traditional Lincolnshire Barn is licensed for Civil Ceremonies or Civil partnerships with the wedding barn and cottage accommodation both set around a pretty courtyard garden.

Couples and wedding guests will enjoy a pre wedding get-together on the Friday evening. After your ceremony or church wedding on the Saturday, celebrate with drinks and delicious canapés in the courtyard before sitting down for your wedding breakfast in the beautiful Granary barn. Also on site is a large, level private car parking and over 18 acres of grass paddocks ideal for your wedding photographs.

n Elms Farm, Hubberts Bridge, PE20 3QP. Call 01205 290840 or 07887 652021. www.weddingbarnvenue.co.uk.

Guildhall, Boston

Boston’s historic Grade I listed Guildhall was built in the 1390s and can host weddings in the heritage-laden Banqueting Hall.

“We can accommodate both small and larger wedding parties of up to 80 guests and welcome enquiries and viewings and the opportunity to discuss your day further with you.”

“With exclusive access to the entire building, we will look to tailor your booking to create your perfect wedding ceremony setting.”

n Guildhall, Boston PE21 6HT. Call 01205 365954, bostonguildhall.co.uk.

At San Pietro we are a fine dining 2 AA rosette restaurant featuring a beautiful Grade II listed windmill with 14 boutique style bedrooms. With 4 gold stars for our guest accommodation, not to mention just recently being voted Best Restaurant of the Year 2022 at the Taste of Excellence awards, and also receiving a Gold Citation for the Best Hotel of the Year!

With our bespoke approach to wedding planning our dedicated and experienced team will work with you to ensure that your wedding is personal and truly reflects who you are as individuals and as a couple.

A wedding at San Pietro can also offer you total exclusivity, from the ceremony to the evening reception, you are not confined to a single room.

For more information please do not hesitate to contact our events team.

Dower House, Woodhall Spa

Woodhall Spa’s Dower House was built in 1905. The hotel has just refurbished its public areas and function room, and will continue its refurbishment in 2023 with the six bedrooms in the main house, creating a country house hotel ideal for weddings.

It’s located within two acres of grounds and now provides three wedding packages which can be further tailored to suit the style and scale of the wedding you’d like to create. The Orchard Room can accommodate 120 people, and The Oak Room can accommodate 80 guests, whilst the Garden Room can accommodate up to 30 guests.

The gorgeous new Wedding Dressing Room is available as early as you need on your big day and is included in our Elegance and Indulgence packages. One of the most popular features of the hotel for couples planning their wedding is the mature landscaped grounds, and the weeping willow in the grounds creates a lovely backdrop for wedding ceremonies.

The stone folly in the grounds is ideal for photography, and in the cooler months there’s also a beautiful fireplace in the Garden Room. Online you’ll find menus, packages, prices and more.

n The Dower House Hotel, Manor Estate, Woodhall Spa LN10 6PY. Call 01526 352588 or see dowerhousehotel.co.uk.

Harbour Lights at Burton Waters

Looking for the most perfect wedding venue in Lincoln? Located on Burton Waters, just outside Lincoln, Harbour Lights, offers real wow factor from picture perfect views and contemporary luxury interiors to a mouth-watering dining experience, our venue offers the ultimate wedding package. Set against the backdrop of Lincolnshire’s premier marina complex, suspended on stilts above the water and made predominately of glass, Harbour Lights takes full advantage of its waterfront location.

“Whether for its wrap-around balcony or its stylish interiors designed to emulate the water’s twinkling reflections or an offering of delicious and tantalising menus, together we will bring the wedding of your dreams to life, whilst you just relax and enjoy your big day.”

“Our wonderful team will strive to make every aspect of your wedding enjoyable and stress-free, from intimate and low-key experiences to grand, glamorous gatherings, our wedding packages cater to all budgets and requirements.”

“Our venue is perfect for couples who are looking for a stylish and unique alternative to the traditional ‘weekend wedding venue.’ Harbour Lights is available to host your special day with exclusivity from Monday to Thursday.”

“Whichever day of the week you choose to share with us, we promise you that you will have our undivided attention: your big day will be our top and only priority.”

n The Landings, Burton Waters, LN1 2TU. Call 01522 808233 or see www.harbourlights.uk.com.

Image: Barry Gough Photography, 07732 484543 barrygoughphotography.co.uk.

Image: Jessy Jones Photography, 07947 514456 jessyjonesphotography.co.uk

Doddington Hall, Lincoln

Lincoln’s Doddington Hall is one of the most beautiful Elizabethan houses in the country. Still privately owned and lived in, it has never been sold since it was built in 1595 and it is a truly splendid venue with a uniquely exclusive and romantic atmosphere. The property has several special licensed sites which include the Garden Room in the Coach House, the charming Coach House walled garden and the stunning Long Gallery. A dedicated wedding team provides bespoke wedding packages, including stylish accommodation for the night before and night of your wedding.

n Doddington, Lincoln LN6 4RU. Call 01522 812501 or see doddingtonhall.com/weddings.

San Pietro is a fine dining Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of Scunthorpe, featuring a Grade ll listed windmill and 14 boutique style hotel rooms holding four gold stars... this could be the perfect wedding venue for you!

“The venue has recently won the award for ‘Best Lincolnshire Restaurant 2022’ something we are very proud to tell all of our couples when booking their special day with us,” says owner Michelle Catalano. “We believe that food is such a big part of your wedding day, you want your guests to be wowed and talk about your wedding menu for years to come.”

“Our dedicated and experienced team will work with you to ensure that your wedding is bespoke, personal and truly reflects who you are as individuals and as a couple.”

“We have a choice of three fully licensed ceremony rooms perfect for numbers starting from the bride, groom and two witnesses up to 100 guests.”

“We are on hand to help and advise with as much as possible from photographers to florists and cake makers. We want to ensure that both the planning stages and your wedding day is a joy.”

San Pietro will be hosting a wedding showcase on Sunday 26th March 1pm-5pm.

Image: One Love by Gary Phillip, 07980 607610, www.nottingham-wedding-photographer.com.

San Pietro, Scunthorpe

n San Pietro is based on High Street East, Scunthorpe DN15 6UH. Call 01724 277774 or see www.sanpietro.uk.com.

Mr Molecey’s Marvellous Mill

Beautifully restored, the Grade II listed Granary and Molecey Mill at Deeping are an adaptable and beautiful setting for weddings. Set in 20 acres of mature, established gardens and with rivers and streams everywhere, this is an idyllic setting for any event.

Whether you’re looking for a riverside picnic and an outdoor ceremony, or a wedding in a marquee or tipi, The Granary team has the creative flair, expertise and contacts to help you plan your perfect day.

When it’s all over, a one bedroomed self-contained riverside retreat, The Duck House, is a beautiful place to wake up as husband & wife!

n West Deeping PE6 9JD. Call 07855 242356, or see www.moleceyestates.com.

Normanton Church

Normanton Church was deconsecrated in the 1970s, but it remains available to couples as a civil licensed wedding venue. Although ceremonies are conducted by a registrar, this magnificent building has all the charm and gravitas you would associate with a traditional church wedding. Most brides dream of the perfect white wedding with all the romantic trimmings and Normanton Church naturally lends itself to such an occasion.

n South Shore, Rutland LE15 8RP. Call 01780 686800 or see www.normantonchurch.wedding.

Kilworth House, North Kilworth, Leicestershire

For a stunning wedding, Kilworth House is a great backdrop. Set in 38 acres of parkland, Kilworth House was built in 1888 for John Entwisle and it was restored around the millennium, becoming a hotel, with the addition of a 500 capacity outdoor theatre in 2007. Options for those planning a wedding include the beautiful and very light orangery, which can accommodate 130 guests, or one of the hotel smaller rooms including the Wordsworth, Library and Shakespeare to the Cellar Bar. Alternatively, The Staging Post is a traditional log cabin adjacent to Kilworth House’s open air theatre. Naturally Kilworth House has a civil license and has dedicated wedding coordinators and a team of chefs delivering bespoke menus. Exclusive use of the hotel is also available which provides all 44 bedrooms and the hotel also has a beauty treatment room for pre-wedding pampering. Courtyards, terraces and the parkland surrounding the country house hotel all create a stunning backdrop for photos.

Doubletree by Hilton

The DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln is a contemporary, luxurious hotel in the heart of the city. Located on the Brayford Marina, with terraces overlooking Lincoln Cathedral this is a truly unique location for your special day. This four-star venue has two exclusive event spaces both including a private bar and outdoor terraces, that provide panoramic views and a blank canvas for your perfect day.

The Cathedral Ballroom, located on the fifth floor of the hotel, can cater for up to 350 of your friends and family and has the perfect blend of city chic and historic charm.

The Aspen Suite is perfect for ceremonies or receptions of up to 100 guests, with the option of hosting a more intimate wedding.

With 160 stylish bedrooms, you can hold all your wedding celebrations under one roof, with plenty of space for family and friends and an upgraded bedroom for the wedding couple. A dedicated wedding team is on hand to help cater for your needs with the option of a handpicked package for a tailor-made experience.

n DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln, Brayford Wharf, LN1 1YW. 01522 565197, email events@brayfordhotels.com.

n Kilworth House, Lutterworth Road, North Kilworth LE17 6JE. Call 01858 880058 or see kilworthhouse.co.uk.

Images: Eva Tarnok, www.evatarnok.com.

Image: Matthew Shaw Photography, www.matthewshaw.co.uk.

CREATING A WINNING WEDDING

1. Set the Date

Your entire wedding planning orbits around the date you set. Start with booking your reception, and you’ll be able to confirm the availability of all of your other wedding suppliers from there.

2. Decide Numbers

Next comes the numbers. The reception is the most expensive element of your day so determining numbers will enable you to set and monitor your wedding budget accordingly. Decide how many people will attend during the day and in the evening, then you can plan catering.

3. Create a Table Plan

Now you’ve a good idea of how many people will attend the wedding, you can also create the table layout for your wedding reception.

4. Venue Decoration

Next comes chair covers, flowers for the tables, and wedding favours. You can also use the opportunity to work out where you’ll put the table plan and ask your stationery suppliers to create something to reflect that, as well as commissioning place cards for each table.

5. The Children

To ensure that they’re occupied during the reception – especially the speeches –make plans to keep youngsters busy. You can create party bags with colouring books, quiet activities or other items that will be well received by children but will also keep them quiet and prevent them from getting restless too.

5. Helpful Extras

Depending on when you’ll be hosting your wedding, why not have a basket of disposable slippers for tired feet, personalised umbrellas or sparklers available for guests... the latter will look great in photos too! n

Kenwick Park, Louth

Kenwick Park invites you to celebrate at one of Lincolnshire’s premier wedding venues. With years of experience, we’re considered to be one of Lincolnshire’s finest venues for weddings, renewal of vows and celebrations.

Set in the heart of the breath-taking Lincolnshire Wolds, Kenwick Park is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable day.

“At Kenwick Park we host unforgettable weddings every year – and we’re thrilled so many couples recommend us to their friends and family.”

“They tell us they love our picture-perfect views, relaxed atmosphere and mouth-watering menus. But most of all they appreciate our dedication to helping them achieve every aspect of their dream wedding.”

“The Meridian Suite is the hotel’s main function suite, light and airy with its own decking area, can hold up to 150 people. Meanwhile, the Outdoor Pavilion is situated on the front lawn, overlooking the golf course, the Pavilion houses the ceremony, registrars and bride

The White Hart, Bailgate, Lincoln

Located on Bailgate, the elegant and luxurious White Hart Hotel’s position within the city’s Cathedral Quarter puts it in close proximity to the Cathedral, Lincoln Castle and St Mary Magdalene Church.

Aesthetically, there could scarcely be a more stunning location, but the hotel is also ideal for weddings with the 110-capacity air-conditioned King Richard Suite and the Bailgate Suite for 50 people.

Also available is the Tank Room for intimate weddings of up to 12 guests, meaning the White Hart can accommodate any size of wedding, offering a dedicated Wedding Coordinator and bespoke menus as standard. Following a change of ownership in 2022, the hotel is being refurbished in early 2023 and is reopening in June, following extensive improvements to its restaurant, bar, reception and event spaces. Additions will include a new hotel resident’s ‘Club Bar’, as well as an enhanced offering for couples looking to tie the knot.

n White Hart Hotel, Bailgate, Lincoln LN1 3AR, 01522 526222, www.whitehart-lincoln.co.uk.

and groom with the rest of the guests seated on the patio area.”

“Our team of wedding co-ordinators have over 20 years’ experience in organising weddings. Their expert advice, guidance and attention to detail ensures that your big day is one to remember.”

Enquire about the hotel’s Ruby, Sapphire and Platinum packages, each of which can be tailored to suit your day.

n Kenwick Park, Lincolnshire, LN11 8NR 01507 608806, www.kenwick-park.co.uk.

WEDDINGS

Everything’s Coming Up Roses

Jordan and Matt from King’s Cliffe enjoyed a fabulous summer wedding at Irnham Hall, with plenty of beautiful blooms courtesy of the groom...

Wedding Photographer: Rebekah Robert Photography, 07736 931496, www.rebekahrobert.com.

IT’S GOOD to have a plan, but sometimes you’ve just got to concede that life has different ideas. By extension, it’s good to just accept that life also knows what it’s doing and that soon, everything will be coming up roses.

And talking of roses... meet Matt Sharpe, this month’s groom. The couple live in the village of King’s Cliffe, and Matt works in the flower industry in Cambridgeshire, as one of his company’s senior buyers, with a particular professional interest – and a fondness for – roses.

Chances are, if you’re purchased a beautiful bouquet of roses from one of the country’s biggest retailers – supermarkets or one of the smarter multinational retailers – it’ll be Matt who has purchased them for his company, and worked alongside his floral designers and product developers to present them beautifully for Valentine’s Day. As you’d expect then, there were plenty of flowers – some very beautiful ones too –when Jordan and Matt married in June last year at Irnham Hall, the country home of the Benton Jones family, dating back as far as 1380 and virtually unchanged since the 16th century.

Both Matt and Jordan are local and met on Jordan’s 19th birthday after both happened to be out on the town that evening. Feeling peckish on the way home, each stopped at a local takeaway to enjoy a bite to eat, and bumped into each other. Matt asked for Jordan’s number, then messaged her the following morning and the rest is history.

That was back in 2014, and a proposal followed a couple of years later with Matt popping the question under a starry sky, accompanied by flickering candles. “We had a longer engagement than anticipated, partly because we fell pregnant

WEDDING SUPPLIERS JORDAN

with our eldest daughter – who’s now three and a half years old – but also because there was still uncertainty around Covid,” says Jordan, who works in the financial services industry as a claims adjuster for a local insurance company.

& MATT

“Matt will tell you that I’d been planning my wedding since being a little girl, and that I took the lead, but the truth is we’re really compatible with each other and our values and preferences tend to be aligned, so we were both very much on the same page in the respect of the day we wanted to create.”

“We wanted a summer wedding, when no football tournaments were on, and we favoured a manor house or country property with pretty grounds.”

Wedding Venue: Irnham Hall, Grantham, 01476 550244, www.irnhamhall.co.uk.

Wedding Dress: Adella Bridal, 01603 814992, www.adellabridal.co.uk.

Groomsmens’ Tailoring: Vow Bridal, Wansford, 01780 783607, www.vowbridal.co.uk.

Bridal Hair: The Boho Bridal, Stamford, www.thebohobridal@hotmail.com.

Makeup Artist: Sharpe Faces, sharpefaces@hotmail.com.

Evening Catering: www.rivapizza.co.uk.

Cake: Caz’s Cakes, 07799 848930, cazscakesandsugarcraft.com.

DJ: Rob Giddings, 01780 470983, www.strobediscoroadshow.co.uk.

Wedding Singer: www.trulyromantic.co.uk.

“When we saw Irnham Hall online we both fell in love with it. It looks stunning and the owners Jamie and Leila Benton Jones are lovely. There’s a pub with rooms on the estate too, so we were able to stay over the night before and then after the wedding too. It’s also a place we can return to – for date nights – as well.”

Waiting a little longer meant Irnham Hall was available, Covid restrictions had passed and their eldest daughter could join mum and dad in celebrating their day. It did, however, also mean that Jordan was seven months pregnant with the couple’s second child when they married in the grounds of the stately home... so technically both of the couple’s children were able to attend the day.

Jordan wore an embroidered mermaidprofile wedding dress from Adella Bridal in Norwich, and her bridesmaids wore soft pink dresses sourced from ASOS.

“Matt and the groomsmens’ suits were from Vow Bridal in Wansford, with a grey check tweed indigo ties to match the lining.” >>

>> “Our flowers were stunning, with Avalanche roses in white and pink arranged by Georgia Bremner, who works with Matt. Our cake was from Caz’s Cakes & Sugarcraft and the wedding catering was by Black Peppermint in Lincoln. We’ve been back since to their pop-up restaurant for a tasting menu, which was delicious.”

Jordan also found time to create some of her own finishing touches, creating her favours, and table decorations.

“We were really lucky, too, with our photographers. We’d seen Rebekah and Rob’s work before so we knew they were talented, but they were also so lovely and so easy to work with on the day.”

“I had some pre-wedding nerves and Rebekah was a total voice of calm. We really felt we got to know them and there was definitely a sense that as well as being there to capture some beautiful photos, they really wanted us to enjoy the day too.”

“Jamie from Irnham Hall acted as master of ceremonies on the day and everything ran so smoothly. For the whole day it was like we were just in a bubble of love surrounded by family and friends. We really couldn’t have planned the day any better!” n

Wedding Photographer: Rebekah Robert Photography, 07736 931496, www.rebekahrobert.com.

“We were really lucky with our photographers. Rebekah and Rob were talented, but they were also so lovely and so easy to work with...!”

Rustic Elegance for your

WEDDING

Rustic Elegance for your WEDDING

This month, local wedding photographer Sarah Vivienne and a number of other wedding professionals have collaborated on a styled wedding shoot at Deene Park to show how to achieve rustic elegant look for your special day...

This month, local wedding photographer Sarah Vivienne and a number of other local wedding professionals have collaborated on a styled wedding shoot at Deene Park to show off how to achieve a rustic elegant look for your special day...

Photography: Sarah Vivienne Photography, 01604 372543, www.sarahvivienne.co.uk.

Photography: Sarah Photography, 01604 372543, www.sarahvivienne.co.uk.

Country Elegance Country Elegance was a hallmark of this month’s styled wedding shoot created by local suppliers including photographer Sarah Vivienne.

The images are designed to show what happens when couples work with dedicated wedding professionals to create a stylish reception, whether you’ve an elegant setting like Deene Park in mind or a fun rustic event with teepees or marquee.

Deene Park, the ancestral home of the Brudenell Family since 1514, is a 500-acre private estate with the historic manor house at its heart.

Today the family home forms the breath-taking backdrop for garden civil ceremonies, luxury outdoor marquee weddings,

or bespoke teepee weddings by the lakeside – offering couples ultimate flexibility to create the wedding of their dreams within the exclusivity of a private estate.

Teepees & Tents, who provided these rustic Nordic teepees, ensured the comfort of the guests with solid oak benches, seating, planters, and magical fairy lights everywhere.

Elsewhere, stationery and styling helps to create a luxurious feel, with a large fabric table plan and white & olive table settings which coordinated with elegant table flowers and macarons.

Catering for luxurious tastes within a rustic style, there’s a limoncello bar, a selection of breads & charcuterie at the Crostini Station,

and Sael Bar created the ultimate evening bar experience in its own teepee.

Our couple Adele & Jamie were styled by Courtyard Bridal Boutique and Leicester-based Scotneys of London Road with hair and makeup by Love Laura and Courtney Jane.

“We had a great time working with one another to show just how good a Rutland or Stamford-based wedding can look when you seek out the creativity and flair of local suppliers,” says Sarah.

“We’ve some super talented people in the area who are dedicated to making sure their couples’ day is everything they’ve ever dreamed of, and when we all work together, we can achieve great things!” n

Teepees & Tents: Our Local Suppliers...

Venue: Deene Park, 01780 450278, www.deeneparkweddings.com.

Tipi: Teepees and Tent, 07732 315011, www.teepeesandtents.com.

Event Styling: Nerissa Eve Weddings, 07732 315011, www.nerissaeveweddings.com.

Props: More Production, 01455 615746, www.moreproduction.co.uk.

Photography: Sarah Vivienne Photography, 01604 372543, www.sarahvivienne.co.uk.

Videography: Zade Film Co., 07545 270496, www.zadefilm.co.uk.

Florals: Julia Dilworth Flowers, 07754 007122, www.juliasflowers.co.uk.

Stationery: Jenna Claire Stationery, www.jennaclairestationery.co.uk.

Food: Portfolio Events, 01604 215606, www.portfolioevents.com.

Cake: The Greenhouse Cakerie, 07759 775537, www.thegreenhousecakerie.com.

Macarons: Maison Des Macarons, 07855 417931, www.maisondesmacarons.com.

Wedding Suit: Scotneys of London Road, 0116 255 1222, www.scotneysoflondonroad.com.

Wedding Dress: Courtyard Bridal Boutique, 01858 288020, courtyardbridalboutique.com.

Accessories: Vivi Embellish, 07825 037787, www.viviembellish.com.

Bridal Hair: Love Laura, 07903 604729.

Makeup Artist: Features by Courtney Jayne, 07398 859030.

Lighting/SFX: Strobe Disco Roadshow, 07751 093427, strobediscoroadshow.co.uk.

Management: Hannah Rose (professional wedding planner), hannahroseweddings.co.uk.

Our Couple: Adele & Jamie via Mustard Models, www.bigmustard.co.uk. n

Park Lane CHIC

Park Lane CHIC

Enjoy a sense of style and luxury with this styled wedding shoot courtesy of Amanda Carter of Dottie Photography...

Images: www.dottiephotography.co.uk.

A classically-styled wedding with Park Lane panache will yield a memorable wedding day, especially at the area’s most impressive venues like Rushton Hall. This month we’ve asked Insposa’s Creative Director EJ Wright to show us how to achieve the look...

A wedding with Park Lane chic. That was the look creative director EJ Wright was looking for when pulling together this month’s featured styled wedding shoot.

“Our aim, in addition to creating something beautiful, is to show you how to work with the key features and tones of your wedding venue by allowing those elements to guide you.”

“What more beautiful backdrop could we have had, than Rushton Hall? My mood board started with embracing the features of the room and letting them influence our choices. Beauty is created from the simplest of things. Crisp white linen and polished silver, the whisper of silver and gold catching the light from the chandelier, glasses sparkling within a classic white and green floral palette.”

“From the soft velvet of a chair to the smallest, but prettiest of bouquets and breath-taking floral arrangements which can fill a room with a heavenly fragrance.”

“By bringing the outside in to the stunning Orangery at Rushton Hall, we created a fresh, elegant look that is timeless and unforgettable. A look that sits comfortably amidst the features of the room.”

“Whatever dream you have for your wedding, it is important to choose a venue that provides the perfect backdrop, and to work with a creative team who are on point with your style and imagination. Working together with this incredible wedding venue and a team of true wedding professionals, the image I had in my mind’s eye has been beautifully transformed into stunning reality!” n

Our Local Suppliers

Location: Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa, Kettering, 01536 713001, www.rushtonhall.com.

Concept & Creative Direction: EJ Wright for Insposa, 0116 236 4849, www.insposa.co.uk.

Photography: Dottie Photography, 07702 948324, www.dottiephotography.co.uk.

Model: Miss Betsy Rose, missbetsyrose.com.

Make-Up: Liza Smith 07788 421 401, www.lizasmithmakeup.co.uk.

Hair: Leanne Eldridge, 07818 060885.

Bridal Designers: Suzanne Neville & Jesus Peiro at Courtyard Bridal Boutique www.courtyardbridalboutique.co.uk.

Wedding Accessories: viviembellish.com.

Styling & Décor: Nerissa Eve Weddings, 01858 419544, www.nerissaeveweddings.com.

Flowers: 07999 351514, floraeforay.co.uk.

Cakes: Abigail Bloom Cake Co., 020 72780835, www.theabigailbloomcakecompany.com.

Stationery & Signage: Millie Stone, 07891 088980, www.millie-stone.co.uk and Jenna Claire Stationery, www.jennaclairestationery.co.uk.

Macarons: www.maisondesmacarons.com.

Trees: More, www.moreproduction.co.uk. n

Capturing Your Day

Photography is about freezing a moment in time. And never is that a more necessary skill than on your wedding day, a day which, we’re afraid to say, will fly by all too quickly.

Traditionally, wedding photography was about simply achieving formally posed images of your close family and attendants, but now it’s about much more; recording for posterity close-up shots of table decorations, the flowers and cake... documenting all of the elements of your wedding you’ve painstakingly curated.

Trust Me, I’m a Professional...

The necessity of preserving your day makes it all the more necessary to entrust your big day to a professional. Ironically, having just pointed out the necessity of hiring a good photographer, it also falls upon us to warn of the potential pitfalls that the democratisation of photography has also caused.

A few years ago, some brides thought that disposable cameras on guests’ tables would yield plenty of photos and eliminate the need to hire a professional. Alas, that’s not the case!

Today’s digital cameras are so commonplace that many enthusiastic amateurs – usually relatives – make well-meaning offers to save brides cash and take on the task of their wedding photography.

Technical Skills, Soft Skills...

But no matter how good the camera, there’s no substitute for a professional photographer; one who’s absolutely au fait with their equipment and with the technicalities of photography, but also in possession of the soft skills that wedding photographers need.

CHOOSE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

WHAT TO CONSIDER

Do you have backup equipment? Backup camera bodies, cards, flash guns etc., to guard against failure. Have you shot a wedding at our venue before? It’s better for a photographer to be familiar with the location. Do you shoot alone? A photographer with a second shooter, or a husband and wife team, can capture more images or take shots simultaneously. Are you insured? e.g.: Against equipment theft, injury etc?

How will I get my imageson a USB, DVD, or in an album... and will I own the copyright?

How much post-production will you put into our wedding and approximately how many images will I receive?

How quickly will I receive my images after the day?

Can I provide you with a list of my ‘must have’ shotse.g: to make sure everyone is included in the formal shots?

A professional will have the experience and skill to work around bright sunshine and shadows or overcast days. They’ll have a wet weather plan and they’ll be able to use flash properly and capture tricky shots like the confetti toss.

Many of these skills can evade a photographer, but the real difference is a professional’s ability to deal with the wedding party and wedding guests diplomatically and professionally on the day.

How to Choose a Photographer...

You’ll find photographers on wedding planning websites like UKbride. Decent photographers will invite you along for a consultation and may even offer an engagement shoot. They’ll discuss your budget, the style of photography and options for supplying digital files and albums.

It’s imperative you feel comfortable with your photographer, and that you ‘click’ with them - no pun intended. Husband and wife photographers usually get good results following the groom and bride on the morning of your wedding to capture the build-up. Make sure you view the photographer’s portfolio and understand whether their coverage is traditional, or reportage - candid and unobtrusive.

Budgets range from £500-£2,000 for photographers and depend on the duration of coverage on the day and how they supply images. Be wary, though, of photographers who offer ‘same day’ images... doing so sounds like a selling point, but the reality is that if you obtain your images on the day, they won’t have had the post-production editing which creates great images from ones that are merely good! n

Once the cake is reduced to crumbs and the flowers look tired, your wedding photographs are the record of the day you planned and enjoyed. It’s imperative, then, that a professional has captured every element of your day...

GIRLS ON FILM

Wedding photography and videography are not interchangeable disciplines.

Wedding photography can be more posed, more deliberate, whilst videography can capture things on the day you may have missed; as well as the sounds and the laughter.

If your budget will stretch to it, we’ll ALWAYS recommend a videographer and a photographer working side by side on your wedding day. Look for one affiliated with institutions like the Institute of Videographers, and ensure you’re clear about the duration of the finished video, that your professional will obtain the necessary copyright for any backing tracks, and that they’re fully insured.

When you’re watching your wedding video years after, you’ll be glad you made the investment, which will typically be in the region of £1,000. n

A VIDEOGRAPHER IS JUST AS ESSENTIAL AS A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Left: John & Laura Tomlinson photographed by Gary Anderson, 01507 351639, www.gjaphotography.com.

WIN A DREAM WEDDING

WORTH UP TO £25,000

SIMPLY JOIN THE UK’S NUMBER ONE WEDDING WEBSITE FREE AT www.ukbride.co.uk

SWEET SUCCESS

sponge layers’ texture exposed for a more rustic look.

TO HAVE YOUR CAKE and eat it, you’ll want to start thinking about what sort of wedding cake you’ll want to cut into during your reception at least a year in advance.

Budget wise, it’s possible that you can commission a pretty wedding cake for around £300, but from £500-£1,000 is a more realistic budget if you’re seeking something more elaborate.

Today, wedding cake tiers have grown from an average of three inches tall to about five inches. Allowing for your cake to be cut into ‘finger portions’ rather than ‘dessert portions’ you’ll need to allow about two or three tiers for 50 guests, three to four tiers for 100 guests.

Fruit cakes have fallen out of fashion a little, and most brides these days opt for sponge

instead, often with different flavours per tiers; lemon, raspberry & white chocolate and Victoria for example.

During high summer weddings, especially those in marquees, iced cakes stand up better to warm weather, but if you’ve a chocolate or naked cake, your reception venue or caterer should take care to bring your cake out as late as possible prior to you cutting it. It’s probable that your cake maker will create your cake over a few successsive days, making the cake and fillings first, then filling and icing it before decorating and stacking it. Sponge cakes are often better when they’ve been made a day or two in advance, and often your cake artist will brush it with sugar syrup or seal it in ganache or fondant to prevent it from drying out too much.

Visually, icing that’s perfectly smooth will look more formal, whilst textured icing will better suit a rustic style of wedding.

In terms of colour, your cake is an ideal way to carry through your chosen colour scheme, and it can be decorated with identical flowers to those your florist has created – often the two professionals will liaise with one another to ensure consistency. Another trend is for ombre cakes, which start off as one colour and gently transition into another – usually white.

Alternatives?

Individual cupcakes, elaborately decorated and presented as a tower, are popular, as are macaron towers. If you’re planning a family wedding, meanwhile, you might want to consider separate cupcakes for the youngsters, or a chocolate fountain. >>

Above: Conventional smooth white icing is used to create a more traditional look. Sponge – rather than fruit – layers are preferred these days, often with different flavours – e.g.: salted caramel, Victoria, chocolate and raspberry and white chocolate – alternating between tiers.

1. Kimberley and Josh married at Rutland Hall and opted for a three tier cake with sugarcraft flowers by Michele Walters, 07503 412335, www.lovelife eatcake.com. Image: Rebekah Robert 07736 931496, www.rebekahrobert.com.

2. Local bride Lauren Gosling’s wedding cake was created with six different flavoured tiers. Image: Sophie Hayward Photography, 07946 595 231, www.sophiehayward photography.co.uk.

3. Allie and George married at Lincoln’s Washingborough Hall and opted for a rustic semi-naked cake.

Image: Geoff Kirby 07793 110297, www.geoffkirby photography.co.uk.

4. Chloe and Joe’s two-tier cake was created by Sherrie Ablett, with two Victoria sponge layers and real flowers.

Image: Rebekah Robert 07736 931496, www.rebekahrobert.com. n

Samantha and Peter married in a marquee on Rutland’s Exton Park estate with a hanging cake created by The Ruddington Cake Company, 07966 541639, www.theruddingtoncakecompany.co.uk.

Image: Sarah Vivienne Photography, 01604 372543, www.sarahvivienne.co.uk.

Naturally

Beautiful

BLOOMS

Flowers are a great way to decorate your venue, convey your colour scheme and add extra beauty to your wedding photos...

WEDDING FLOWERS are a way to convey your colour scheme, and they’re an essential prop for your wedding photographs. The options you have available to you will vary throughout the year. Whilst it’s possible to purchase most flowers at most points during the year, importing your chosen blooms if they’re not natively in season may prove a little more costly.

Of course, you might also opt for artificial flowers which will enable you to retain your bouquet or posy indefinitely. In terms of bouquet shapes, a posy is small and round, held in one hand. A pageant bouquet is elongated, not as round. A nosegay arrangement is wrapped tightly with ribbon, and a pomander is a sphere offlowers usually suspended from ribbon. A sensible wedding budget for your wedding flowers is between £500 and £500 depending on your choice of flowers and the number of

attendants at your wedding. The groomsmen will usually wear a buttonhole, whilst the bride and her bridesmaids usually have a hand-tied arrangement each.

If budget is tight for the number of arrangements you want, talk to your florist as there are many options in terms of ‘filler’ foliage which will bulk out your flowers with cheaper greenery, allowing you to still have a few of the most expensive flagship blooms in each one. Other considerations are floral arrangements for the table at which you’ll sign the register, and centrepieces for the tables at your reception. Remember that reception chairs and your wedding cake will all benefit from accent flowers, and if you’re really pushing the boat out in terms of your flowers, floral arches or frames provide a great place for your guests to take selfies. >>

Exotic arrangement in autumn colours by Michelle at Jacaranda Flowers, 07815290744, www.jacarandaflowers.co.uk.

Image Rebekah Robert Photography, 07736 931496, www.rebekahrobert.com.

WEDDING FLOWERS

1. Hand-tied bouquet by Miss Pickering, 01780 482961, www.misspickering.com. Image by Ben Davis Photography, 07515 776526, bendavisphotography.com.

2. Trailing arrangement by Vincent & Stubbs, 01507 603911, www.vincentandstubbsflowers.co.uk.

Image by Nick Haigh Photography, 07748 574766, www.nickhaigh photography.co.uk.

3. Bride Allie’s hand-tied bouquet was created by the groom’s mum with flowers from Wise Old Flower Farm.

Image by Geoff Kirby 07793 110297, www.geoffkirbyphotography.co.uk.

4. Hanging floral decoration, by Sophie’s Flower Company, 01949 81199, www.sophiesflowerco.co.uk.

Image by Sarah Vivienne Photography, 01604 372543, www.sarahvivienne.co.uk.

5. White table arrangement by Chamber Florists, 01522 524169, chambersflorists.co.uk. Image by Gary Anderson, 01507 351639, www.gjaphotography.com. n

>> Arguably the two biggest factors when choosing your wedding photography will be budget – first and foremost – followed by the time of year you’re choosing to marry.

In much the same way that seasonality has disappeared from our diets (you’re now able to buy strawberries and asparagus in December) your florist will be able to source pretty much any flowers you desire, regardless of the time of year. The penalty for choosing out of season blooms, though, is a higher cost.

Also, many couples enjoy the fact that choosing seasonally relevant flowers enables them to better reflect the time of year, from bright and beautiful high summer blooms to russet and burnt orange tones in autumn and red roses and berries in winter:

Spring Weddings

Native flowers for a spring wedding include marigolds, carnations, lily of the valley, for a feature flower, agapanthus will add drama. Sweet peas, narcissi, and tulips are also in plentiful supply.

Summer Weddings

Roses are a mainstay of summer weddings, with myriad colours, sizes and varieties available. Another great bloom for a bulging bouquet is the English peony, which look great in soft pastel shades of pink and peach. Utilised in conjunction with more expensive roses, peonies can also help to keep the cost of your wedding flowers down. A single peony with a little foliage in a jar can also make a sweet rustic decoration for your wedding breakfast tables. Finally, stocks are tall, upright stems, available in white, bright red, magenta and blue. They’re ideal for adding height to any arrangement.

Autumn Weddings

Late summer and early autumn weddings can include gerberas, dahlias, and lisianthus, but consider unusual additions from autumn foliage and berries like pyracantha. Pampas grass and ruscus foliage will looks great, sunflowers bloom from late August and for rustic weddings, you can even utilise wheat, wild raspberries and of course, little pumpkins for your table decorations.

Winter Weddings

Many wedding venues incentivise low-season weddings, and we’ve seen some stunning looking Christmas weddings. Poinsettias, red roses, pine cones and holly provide the opportunity to create a stunning winter floral display. Eucalyptus, gypsophila and ivy can all help to bulk out your floral displays, allowing you to really splash out on some large white roses, for example.

A mention, too, for confetti. Some venues aren’t keen on artificial confetti, and so seeking out a company which grows its own flowers to harvest and sell as loose petals or confetti mixes will ensure your confetti is biodegradable, and you’ve plenty of pretty petals to decorate your cake table, and can enjoy being showered in petals, guilt-free!

One final point, if you’re not keen on watching your wedding flowers wilt, dried wedding flowers can be kept for years to come... an everlasting symbol of your everlasting love for one another! n

INVITATIONS & STATIONERY

CREATE THE RIGHT IMPRESSION WITH STUNNING STATIONERY...

3. Wedding invitations incorporating sage green scheme with bronze embossed letting and white inserts, created by Speigl Press of Stamford. Spiegl Press, 01780 762550, www.spieglpress.com.

1. Floral confetti and invite with tissue tint overlay created by Raspberry Rose Designs, Keelby, North Lincolnshire. raspberryrosedesigns@hotmail.com, www.etsy.com/shop/RaspberryRoseLove

2. White invitation with gold print and embossed lettering created by Speigl Press of Stamford. Spiegl Press, 01780 762550, www.spieglpress.com.

4. Ivory and silver wedding stationery, silver glitter lasercut design by Polka Dot Creations, Washingborough, Lincoln. Call 07803 047097 or see www.polkadotcreations.co.uk.

8. Navy blue wedding invitations with gold foil lettering, created by The Luxury Invite Company, Market Rasen, Call 07749 123956, www.luxuryinvitecompany.co.uk.

The Joining of the Clans

This month’s couple were counting down the days until they could marry... 1,203 days to be precise. But the best things come to those who wait, such as an enjoyable wedding with Celtic connections. Here, Jess Tuckey and Ross McLuckie let us into the secrets of their big day!

Wedding Photographer: Matt Selby Photography, 07855 036209, www.mattselbyphotography.co.uk.

MODERN TECHNOLOGY would lead us to believe that it has dating all wrapped up, and old fashioned notions of fate and chance meetings are a thing of the past. Not a bit of it.

Ross McLuckie was returning to his home in North Hykeham from the University of Salford, travelling on the train on the same day and at the same time Jess Tuckey was returning from a visit to Brighton back to the University in Nottingham. Only briefly were the two in sufficiently close vicinity for Tinder to be able to flash the two up on each other’s screens. A few minutes here or a distracted glance away from a phone screen there, and the two might never have met. Happily, the two did begin speaking, and once more their romance was sealed by the fickle hand of fate... this time on a crazy golf course, though.

“I’ve always considered myself a man of science, not faith,” says Ross, “But the final hole of a crazy golf course rarely leads you awry. At the final hole I won a free game, and then Jess did too. That second game, I reckon, was just enough time to guarantee true love... somewhere between the windmill and the loop-the-loop hole, I think.”

The couple met in 2014 and Ross popped the question on a cruise the couple were enjoying together in June 2019.

Nobody said that the course of true love is easy, even if you are a deft touch with a crazy golf club. As Jess worked in a branch of Ernest Jones during her University days she was surrounded by many diamonds, day in, day out and so had quite a particular eye for the engagement ring she was keen to place on her finger.

“I was working away for a couple of weeks and in the evening I spent most of the time

WEDDING SUPPLIERS JESS & ROSS

emailing a diamond merchant discussing princess cut diamonds and shoulder settings,” doing so proved to be time well spent though. Ross proposed on the ship one evening, to Jess’s surprise and delight.

“I knew that he was the one, and I guess I knew that we’d marry each other one day, but I wasn’t expecting a proposal,” says Jess. “It was a real surprise... so much of a shock in fact that I actually forgot to say yes until he prompted me!”

The couple began to plan their day and say they fancied somewhere traditional, grand, perhaps a little bit old and rustic. “We came across Stoke Rochford Hall and we immediately loved it. It’s an incredible building and such an impressive backdrop.”

Wedding Ceremony and Reception: Stoke Rochford Hall, 01476 530337, www.stokerochfordhall.co.uk.

Wedding Dress: Wed2Be, www.wed2b.com.

Groomsmen’s Attire: Wiseguys, Newark, 01636 703046, www.wiseguysmenswear.co.uk.

Bridal Hair: Robyn Wood, Perfect Silhouette, 07584 304535, perfectsilhouettehairdressing.com.

Make Up Artist: www.clarephilpot.co.uk.

Photographer: Matt Selby Photography, 07855 036209, www.mattselbyphotography.co.uk.

Videographer: Charlotte Frisby, 07746 774688, www.charlottefrisby.com. n

“We’ve a contingent of relatives in Brighton, and Ross’s family are from Scotland, so it was quite a practical place to hold our wedding too, given that it’s just off the A1. But aside from all of our UK guests, we had loved ones from as far away as Amsterdam and even Norway. We felt really blessed and humble that so many people travelled from so far away to spend the day with us.”

The couple were really keen that as many Celtic traditions as possible would find their way into the day. Jess’s bouquet incorporated thistles, of course, and the groomsmen were kitted out in Lamont tartan. As part of the marriage the couple enjoyed a traditional hand-fasting ceremony, and even created their own bespoke whisky blend.

One of their two bottles was used for a family quaich, a toast where both families drink from the same cup, a two-handled vessel. Holding it with both hands prevents the use of any weapons, indicating peace and a joining of the clans. >>

>> The couple’s second bottle of their own bespoke blend of whisky will be saved for when their daughter Lily gets married in the future. Given that she was only nine months old at the time mum and dad married, and given that the whisky was already 30 years old, it’s reckoned that it’ll be a rather splendid 60-year old whisky when that bottle is finally uncorked.

Speaking of wains, the couple had to wait until Covid was done disrupting the wedding industry before they could finally marry. And by that time, there was quite the baby boom, swelling the number of junior guests from an anticipated three to 17... perhaps there’s something in the water, or rather in the whisky?

In any case, the couple enjoyed a wonderful family event, with Jess’s mum Carol contributing a wonderful five-tiered cake and with Newark’s Flower Barn providing silk flowers which, Jess says, will be passed from her to Lily... again, hopefully not for another 30 years or so.

“We were also really lucky with our photographer and videographer,” says Jess. “Matt our photographer was so amazing it was like having another guest there, and the images are fantastic. Charlotte Frisby our videographer was unflappable too. In fact, during the best man’s speech, a candle fell into the one of the silk flower displays and set it alight.”

“With a slight intake of breath from guests, Charlotte just calmly picked it up and dunked it in an ice bucket. A crisis averted, much to everyone’s amusement! Likewise, when my grandmother felt unwell at the reception, we had two very nice paramedics join the party... happily she recovered quickly and the medics posed for a photo!”

“There were so many lovely, funny, wonderful and warm moments! It was a really happy, fun day, we don’t think you can ask for more than that from a wedding!” n

Wedding Photographer: Matt Selby Photography, Hucknall, 07855 036209, www.mattselbyphotography.co.uk.

SUITED & BOOTED

A range of tailoring for grooms across the region, both to buy and hire...

Words: Rob Davis.

1. Mark Darcy Jenson suit with Benson shirt and knitted tie in copper, www.marcdarcy.co.uk.

2. Slaters grey tails with pink cravat and pocket square, www.slaters.co.uk.

3. Cavani Caridi beige boys suit, www.cavani.co.uk.

4. Grey Spirit and Highland Sky hirewear from Slaters, www.slaters.co.uk.

5. Mulberry grey check waistcoat for hire from Andrew Musson of Lincoln, www.andrewjmusson.com.

6. Slate grey tailcoat from the hirewear range of Slaters, www.slaters.co.uk.

7. Slaters slate grey suit with Monaco silver waistcoat www.slaters.co.uk.

8. Ivory mohair suit to hire, from parkersformalwear.com.

9. Edison suit by Marc Darcy in navy check with red waistcoat, marcdarcy.co.uk.

10. Cavani Albert Brown tweed check boys three-piece suit, www.cavani.co.uk. >>

19.

20. Shrewsbury blue tweed tailoring for hire at Andrew Musson of Lincoln, www.andrewjmusson.com. n

>>11. Stone coloured threepiece suits from Mark Darcy, www.marcdarcy.co.uk.

12. Peter Posh tweed grey and royal blue contrast tailoring www.peterposh.co.uk.

13. Slater menswear herringbone three piece suit, in green, www.slaters.co.uk.

14. Henry Airforce suit from Hancocks Menswear in Grimsby,

15. Cavani Orson blue tweed slim-fit suit, www.cavani.co.uk.

16. Cavani Georgi floral three piece suit in black, regular fit, with doublebreasted waistcoat. www.cavani.co.uk.

17. Moss Donegal tweed suit in stone and London blue Donegal tweed suit to buy, www.mossbroshire.co.uk.

18. Cavani Caridi brown suit with lennox beige waistcoat, www.cavani.co.uk.

Grey tailoring with rose tweed waistcoat, from from Hancocks Menswear in Grimsby, hancocksmenswear.co.uk.

13

Our Top Tips for Grooms-to-Be!

n Health & Beauty treatments are no longer just for the bride. Book yourself in for a trim, hot towel shave and a facial on the morning of your wedding!

n Leave a note saying ‘I love you!’ and a small gift for the chief bridesmaid to give to your bride-to-be on the morning of your wedding; keep it a surprise!

n Don’t leave the wedding planning to the bride... after all, it’s your day too, so try to get involved! Have an opinion and express an interest!

19 20

1. A great way for the groom to make an entrance! Classic DB5 as popularised by James Bond, guide price for hire £895/three hours. Other options from the company include a Ferrari 612, Ford Mustang or Maserati.

Premier Carriage, 01522 701 759.

GET ME TO THE CHURCH ON TIME

Wedding Transport

Reach the church on time and in style with a range of wedding transport options to ensure you can make a grand entrance...

Practical Considerations

How large is your dress, and how many people are you transporting? Are wedding ribbons included in your quote and will they suit your colour scheme?

2. A traditional way to make an entrance, horse and carriage hire is available from DK Carriage Horses, Grantham, which offers wedding packages from £700. DK Carriage Horses, 01949 358695, 07862 260229, www.dkcarriagehorses.co.uk.

3. Premier Carriage has access to over 750 vehicles, including this Rolls Royce Ghost in flawless white. Supremely comfortable with plenty of room to accommodate large wedding dresses, £595/three hours. Premier Carriage, 01522 701 759 www.premiercarriage.co.uk.

4. Chartering a helicopter for your wedding should cost around £1,500. Early booking is recommended, and remember that helicopter flights will also be subject to suitable locations and the weather. www.regency.co.uk

5. This vintage Rolls-Royce is a 1935 Phantom II, with bodywork by Barker, one of Sir Henry Royce’s favourite coachbuilders. It will seat four passengers in comfort, so quite beyond its timeless elegance it’s also very practical! Finished in two-tone silver/grey, guide price £495. Premier Carriage, 01522 701 759, www.premiercarriage.co.uk.

“Why not have the roof down on your wedding day? We’d suggest a modern Rolls Royce Dawn Convertible or a ‘Great Gatsby’ Beauford...!”

7. All aboard! A bus like this London Routemaster is ideal for ferrying guests between your ceremony and reception venue. They can carry up to 72 passengers and are available from about £695. Premier Carriage, 01522 701 759, www.premiercarriage.co.uk.

GO RETRO

6. Rediscover your inner hippyby hiring a split-screen Volkswagen camper, £495/three hours.

6. inner hippyby hiring a split-screen Volkswagen camper, £495/three hours.

Premier Carriage, 01522 701 759, www.premiercarriage.co.uk.

Premier Carriage, 01522 701 759, www.premiercarriage.co.uk.

White Christmas Wedding

From The White House to a White Wedding during a White Christmas.

The festive nuptials of Britt Elmes and Matt Bailey last December were amazing, especially with two special guests making a surprise appearance!

Wedding Photographer: Rob Smith, Milk Wood Photography, 07825 279228, www.milkwoodphotography.co.uk.

MOST OF US like Christmas, but Matt and Britt love it. That’s why, when they chose to marry, there was only one time of the year that appealed.

Matt says that they both love to think differently, to really push the boat out... and that eccentricity, we reckon, is an inherently British trait. Unfortunately, for the proposal, Matt had to negotiate the rather more straight-laced and rather less idiosyncratic American guys in one of the world’s most famous buildings.

“We met through work and at the time we were both nursing broken hearts. Gradually we became really good friends and then friendship blossomed into romance,” says Britt. “We got together in about 2016 and Matt had floated the idea of marriage to a generally favourable conclusion!”

The couple wanted to burn through some American Express points and tick a few destinations off their bucket list, and so they embarked on a trip to America and Japan. The former seemed like a better destination for a proposal but the destinations of Times Square, the Empire State Building, Disney World and Niagara Falls had all been used to exhaustion.

There have only been a couple of proposals, however, at The White House in DC. That’s probably because in order to pop the question there, you have to deal with some rather hefty and very serious Secret Service guys: dark suits, dark glasses, discreet earpieces and concealed firearms... theirs is not exactly a profession known for its sense of levity.

“Visitors aren’t generally allowed and it’s not something the British Embassy are too bothered to involve themselves in, but fortunately I was able to make contact with a local

WEDDING SUPPLIERS

BRITT

& MATT BAILEY

congresswoman and we ended up with an appointment to view the East Wing,” says Matt. “Unfortunately, there was still the small matter of smuggling a metal ring past a modestly-sized army of some firearmswielding staff and their X-Ray machines.”

Deciding that in this case honesty would probably be better than attempted deception, Matt had a very discreet word with the aforementioned Secret Service and told them he had a concealed engagement ring. They assisted in separating him from Britt and in preserving the surprise.

Wedding Ceremony and Reception: The Talbot Hotel, Oundle, 01832 273621, www.talbothotel.co.uk.

Wedding Dress: Ditsy Rose, Nuneaton, 0800 2461985 www.ditsyrose.com.

Groomswear: A Farley, Kibworth Harcourt, 0116 410 5440, www.afarley.co.uk.

Wedding Flowers: Eden Floral, Thrapston, 01832 359139, www.flowersfromeden.co.uk.

Wedding Cake: 01525 716236, www.iceddelightscakes.co.uk.

Reindeer/Snow Machine: 07973 165865, www.woodbinereindeer.co.uk.

Photographer/Videographer: Milk Wood Photography, milkwoodphoto@gmail.com, www.milkwoodphotography.co.uk. n

“I think it was at the third layer of security that a security guard purred ‘calm down, son,’ in a Transatlantic drawl, as I was obviously getting nervous and looking suspicious! I tried to leave my bag with a security guard in the corner of the room – which didn’t go down well – but happily, one of them implored his colleague to ‘C’mon, maaan,’ and I was able to propose. Almost immediately it was all over The White House, discreetly whispered into earpieces.”

Back in Britain – the home of wet tea and dry humour – the couple decided that only a Christmas wedding would do. They both loved the idea of somewhere amazing and festive... but having considered Lapland, a remote castle and various other places, the logistics were already confounding.

“When we found The Talbot in Oundle we nearly screamed. It had history, thick walls, open fires, it was perfect! We had a look around and were really impressed.”

Britt found her fit and flare dress from Ditsy Rose from one of its 500 dresses. Matt’s suits country attire supplier A Farley of Kibworth Harcourt, and they opted for a forest green highlight colour, rather than the usual red of other Christmas weddings. >>

>> Wedding flowers were provided by Eden Floral of Thrapston, including luxurious romantic roses but also seasonal – and relatively inexpensive pine cones and berries to provide extra volume.

The choice of menu for the couple’s wedding breakfast was easy: who doesn’t love Christmas dinner? Meanwhile, Iced Delights supplied a three-tiered cake comprising a Christmas cake layer, and an apple and cinnamon sponge and a white chocolate and raspberry tier. Any other element to make the day special? Reindeer. And as luck would have it, Steph and Nick of Woodbine Farm were able to provide Snowflake and Tash, a couple of reindeer from their 17-strong flock. The couple also hire out snow machines and so they were able to guarantee a white Christmas for the couple’s day.

It also created some spectacular photographic opportunities for Rob Smith to capture. Alongside his colleague, Ravi, the two produced photos and a wedding video for what must have been one of the most exciting weddings they’ve ever shot. In fact, the couple were so thrilled with their images that they became friends with Rob and have kept in touch ever since.

“We managed to reschedule our original date for a year down the line after Covid interfered. We didn’t get to go on honeymoon either so we’ve decided to owe ourselves a deferred one to Singapore, Sydney, Raratonga, Aitutaki, Moorea, Bora Bora and LA. For now though, we’re looking forward not just to a lovely family Christmas with our kids, Aurora and Madison – the first Christmas we’ve had off together in years – but also to our first anniversary!”

“It was a pretty special day, and so much better by virtue of the fact that it took place so close to Christmas!” says Britt. “We loved every single moment of the whole day and wouldn’t have changed a thing!” n

Wedding Photographer: Rob Smith, Milk Wood Photography, 07825 279228, www.milkwoodphotography.co.uk.

Wedding Guests

Wedding Guests

Hold your wedding celebrations under one roof at the DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln.

Overlooking the picturesque Brayford Marina and Lincoln Cathedral, our contemporary setting makes for a unique location for your special day.

To start planning your dream wedding contact our Events Team on 01522 565180 or events@brayfordhotels.com

doubletree.com/lincoln