As we step into the enchanting world of Jennifer and Andrew’s special day, get ready to be mesmerized! On 2nd February 2019, this lovely couple tied the knot at the extraordinary Aynhoe Park, surrounded by a whimsical atmosphere that transported their guests to a fantastical realm. The stunning venue was transformed by Jennifer’s exquisite taste in decor, which paid homage to her love for Alice in Wonderland. The result? An ethereal setting that harmonized perfectly with the park’s natural beauty. Lush florals, delicate pastel hues, and playful balloon installations all came together to create a visual masterpiece. And let’s not forget the elegant stationery, adorned with blousy roses and peonies – it was truly a feast for the eyes! Jennifer and Andrew were overjoyed with their photographs, and we’re grateful to Sanshine Photography for sharing this treasure trove of memories with us today.
The Proposal
As we strolled along the beach in Kos, Greece, Andrew’s meticulous planning became apparent. His earlier fixation on purchasing a rucksack at Meadowhall had seemed peculiar to me, as I’d repeatedly assured him that he didn’t need one. Fast-forward to our dinner outing, where his insistence on a specific eatery had piqued my curiosity. Later, when he suggested a sunset walk along the beach and offered to take a photo of us with his camera, I thought nothing of it. However, as he carefully set up the shot and snapped the picture, I felt a sense of unease. He asked me to pose again, claiming he wanted a better shot. I was on the verge of asking him what was taking so long when he got down on one knee, produced a Tiffany ring, and captured the exact moment. The sudden realization that he was proposing left me stunned, and all I could manage were repeated whispers of ‘oh my god… oh my god…’ It was a truly magical experience.
The Vision
At first, I envisioned an intimate destination wedding abroad. However, due to unforeseen family health issues, it became clear that staying close to home was the best option. The phrase ‘go big or go home’ resonated deeply with me. If I didn’t have a strong emotional connection to the experience, I wouldn’t bother – and as a perfectionist, I only want to do this once right. It was during a random Instagram scroll that Aynhoe Park caught my attention. The whimsical floating giraffe suspended by balloons and the stunning orangery left me in awe, despite being two hours away from our daily routine. My desire for something unique yet elegant led me on a quest for an ‘old-worldly’ atmosphere – but not the traditional national trust-inspired decor. What I found at Aynhoe Park was nothing short of breathtaking beauty, ticking every box on my checklist.
The Planning Process
As the planning process began, it was crucial to secure the venue first. Once this major decision was made, I felt more at ease tackling other aspects of the wedding. The venue often sets the tone for the entire event, so getting this right early on was vital. For me, this involved pouring over a wedding planner book, which provided valuable guidance and direction. With the venue settled, my focus turned to key elements like décor, including florals and balloons, music, and invitations. As an organized person, I found it reassuring to have these major decisions out of the way early on, allowing me to devote more attention to finer details that were still important but less overwhelming. To further ensure a smooth planning process, I enlisted the expertise of Enrica at Aynhoe Park, who offered helpful suggestions and supplier recommendations. Over the course of 18 months, my wedding became an almost constant presence in my life, and I created a spreadsheet to track progress, deposits made, and outstanding tasks, providing a clear visual representation of what still needed attention.
Budget
The budget was a major concern for me, as our wedding expenses ended up far exceeding what we had initially anticipated. In fact, the final total came out to be a whopping £100,000! Thankfully, my parents were kind enough to cover the costs of the venue, food, and my wedding dress, which allowed us to keep our own spending in check. Despite the financial blow, the wedding day itself was truly unforgettable, and the photos we took that day will always be treasured memories for me.
The Venue
Aynhoe Park stood out as my top choice, a decision I wouldn’t hesitate to repeat. This 17th Century house boasts an interior filled with whimsical and intricate details that left me utterly enchanted. As an Alice in Wonderland fan, I found the venue to be a real-life wonderland come true – it was love at first sight. In fact, I only viewed two venues before making up my mind, convinced that Aynhoe Park was the perfect fit.The orangery proved to be an idyllic setting for our ceremony, and the timing couldn’t have been more ideal. Just a day prior, snow had blanketed the grounds, but on our wedding day, the sun shone brightly, creating a breathtaking backdrop for our special moment. It truly was a match made in heaven.
The Flowers
For our wedding florals, we chose Studio Sorores, a vendor I found on Instagram. Although not based locally, they had a familiarity with Aynhoe Park that was important to me. With a clear vision of classic elegance, I opted for white peonies as the main attraction in my bouquet. The season being early, the peonies were still closed, which I loved and decided to tie them off with a steel blue/grey ribbon. My bridesmaids’ bouquets were smaller versions of mine.To create a romantic atmosphere down the aisle, we scattered white rose petals amidst varying candle heights and flanked either side with large urns overflowing with hydrangea, peonies, roses, and Phalaenopsis. The pièce de résistance was our floral arch, which I was adamant about having, inspired by countless photos of Aynhoe Park’s orangery entrance featuring one. Although it added up to a third of the overall floral cost, the result was breathtakingly beautiful and dreamlike. The arch was constructed from peonies, roses, hydrangea, anthurium, and Phalaenopsis.For the tables, we chose low-centerpieces to foster conversation and community among our guests. These arrangements also featured a mix of the aforementioned flowers, with tealight votives adding a touch of romance and ambiance.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I began planning my wedding, I knew exactly which dress to wear – a Berta gown. The intricate details and low backs of their designs captivate me, exuding femininity, uniqueness, and high-fashion flair. I’m obsessed with their Instagram feed, and one particular design kept popping up on various pages, prompting me to screenshot it repeatedly. When the collection arrived at The Wedding Club in London, I made the trip down and tried it on. It was love at first sight – the dress stole my heart, and I knew it was ‘the one.’ While trying on other options from the collection, I found myself torn between this design and a stunning blush-colored alternative. If budget constraints had allowed, I would have happily purchased both! After the big day, I debated whether the skirt’s length was sufficient, despite the stunning back. A quick inquiry revealed that an overskirt was available to complement the dress – a game-changer that completed the look. I adored it. What struck me most, however, was the dress’s surprising heftiness. Despite this, the exquisite detail and corsetry made it well worth the extra weight. If only there were occasions to wear it every day! My veil, sourced from Bliss by Blossom in America, measured cathedral-length but featured understated beading that harmonized with my dress. To complement the dress’s elegance, I opted for minimal jewelry – a pair of pearl drop earrings from Chanel and my engagement ring. For footwear, I chose pearl heels from Jimmy Choo, though I later traded them for slippers to get comfortable.
Beauty
When it comes to makeup, Katie Daley is a mastermind behind the scenes. As someone who’s worked with her on multiple occasions, I can confidently say she’s one of the best in the business. During my wedding planning process, I showed her a photo of what I envisioned for my look and shared my dress details. On the big day, she brought everything together seamlessly – including creating a harmonious palette for my bridesmaids that tied in perfectly with mine. For a cohesive and timeless appearance, we opted for a more muted approach to makeup that exuded elegance.As for hair, Heather Mackenzie-Thompson was my go-to stylist. Initially, I wanted an updo, but it didn’t quite feel like me during the trial process. So, we went with a relaxed, beachy waves look instead – something that felt young, modern, and fitting given the laid-back vibe of Berta’s models. Heather is my trusted hair expert, and her skills are truly exceptional. I was adamant about avoiding tight pin curls for myself and my bridesmaids; instead, we aimed for a glamorous yet comfortable look that would allow us to enjoy every moment of our special day.
Bridesmaids
When planning the wedding for February, I chose a blue hue that would complement the season’s atmosphere. Instead of navy, I opted for a softer, steel blue shade that suited the girls’ complexions perfectly. The dresses were understated yet comfortable, and their simplicity allowed each bridesmaid to shine individually. I preferred a non-matchy approach, and these Vera Wang gowns from David’s Bridal in Birmingham fit the bill beautifully. The fabric was luxurious, and the dresses flattered the girls’ figures nicely. A practical touch? They had pockets! To complete the look, I chose plain cream block heels from ASOS for their shoes. As a special favour, I gave each bridesmaid a pair of Tiffany earrings that they all wore with pride.
Groomsmen
The gentlemen’s attire struck a perfect balance between elegance and whimsy, with blue morning tailcoats worn by the groomsmen, paired with white shirts and subtle blue and grey tweed pocket squares. The groom and best man opted for blue and grey tweed waistcoats, complemented by blue ties, while the fathers and groomsmen donned matching blue and grey ties with blue waistcoats. Their overall appearance was one of refined sophistication.The suits were rented from Reece Ford Suit Hire in Chesterfield, where the staff provided exceptional service and expertise. Each gentleman received custom-made cuff links to match their unique attire, and they all wore coordinating check Vivienne Westwood socks. The groom and best man opted for Christian Louboutin brown shoes, while the other groomsmen selected similar styles from Next.The choice of suits was a compromise between my husband’s desire to incorporate tweed and my own preference for blue as the dominant color. After finding the perfect combination online, we visited the shop together and were pleased to discover that it suited both our tastes.
The Readings & Music
As our guests arrived, a string quartet’s beautiful performance set the tone for the day. Canon in D by Pachelbel filled the air as I and my bridesmaids made our way down the aisle. Standing at the door with my dad, I was suddenly hit with pre-wedding jitters, but the music’s serene quality calmed my nerves. It was a moment I’ll always treasure.
The entertainment didn’t stop there. During the wedding breakfast, pianist Joe Pike took over and charmed our guests with his talents. Later that night, Jonny Ross’ DJ and saxophonist package brought the house down, with everyone raving about their incredible performance.
Our first dance as a married couple was a romantic one, with Nat King Cole’s ‘When I Fall in Love’ providing the perfect backdrop. And to make it even more special, our beloved dog Bernard joined us on the dancefloor, filling my heart with joy and contentment.
Your Photographer
We had the pleasure of working with Sanshine Photography, a talented husband-and-wife duo who brought their unique perspective and attention to detail to our special day. San, in particular, was warm and welcoming – I have nothing but admiration for her kind spirit! The end result was a stunning collection of photos that exceeded our expectations. Despite my initial reservations about being photogenic, San and Michael’s expertise and guidance put me at ease, allowing them to capture beautiful moments that felt natural and effortless. It’s no surprise they’re highly acclaimed – their professionalism and artistry are truly exceptional. We were thrilled with the numerous breathtaking shots they produced, making it impossible for us to choose just one favorite. With their impressive reputation as one of the best in the country, we couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful team to work with.
Your Filmmaker
I’m proud to say that I went to school with a talented filmmaker named Daniel Watson, who has recently ventured into wedding filmography under his company Made To Last Films. Although relatively new to this genre, Danny’s exceptional skills shone through in the final product – my wedding video was so emotionally powerful that even grown men were moved to tears. What struck me most about Danny was his unassuming nature; he effortlessly blended in with our guests without drawing attention to himself, exuding professionalism at every turn. The end result was nothing short of perfect, and I’m thrilled we decided to go ahead with the project.
The Details & Décor
When it came to setting up the decor at Aynhoe Park, we opted for a whimsical touch that added a pop of color and fun. The balloon installation, featuring varying shades of blue and rose gold hues, created a stunning ceiling effect that complemented the room’s lighting and florals beautifully. To add an extra layer of personalization, we had balloons placed up the staircase with playful phrases like ‘He put a ring on it’ and ‘Here comes the bride.’ The end result was a delightful and eye-catching display that set the tone for the celebration.One aspect of our wedding planning that surprised me was the provision of dinnerware by Aynhoe Park. Initially, I had explored different hire companies, such as Whitehouse crockery, which offered a range of options that caught my eye. We chose glass beaded charger plates and matching cutlery, dinnerware, and glassware, which added a touch of elegance to the tablescape. The combination of blue napkins with the carefully curated table setting resulted in a cohesive look that was both visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing.Aynhoe Park took care of our catering needs, providing all the food for our special day. On Friday night, we hosted a Greek-themed dinner for our overnight guests, which tied in nicely with our own engagement story and love for Greece. The appetizers served during cocktail hour included crispy duck bon bons with fig compote, king prawn tempura, chicken goujons, salmon fish cake with crème fraiche, parmesan shortbread circles with mozzarella, cherry tomato, and pesto, and mini Yorkshire puddings with beef and horseradish.The wedding breakfast featured a range of dishes, including scallops, crispy pancetta with celeriac and apple puree, black pudding bon bons, and parsley oil. For our main course, we opted for a deconstructed beef wellington, accompanied by smoked wild mushroom puree, beef dripping potato, kale, young carrots, and parsnips.Dessert was a highlight of the day, with a trio of treats that included sticky toffee pudding, traditional apple crumble, and sesame tuille with vanilla ice cream. As the evening drew to a close, we had a wood-fired pizza truck on site, which proved incredibly popular. To keep things going late into the night, Aynhoe Park brought out sausage rolls, fish and chips, and cheese and ham toasties at midnight, which were a hit with our guests.In terms of drinks, we had Moet and Chandon champagne flowing throughout the day. During cocktail hour, we enjoyed cocktails and beers, including specialty creations like Pinkito and Aynhoe Mule. We also served white wine with the starter course and red wine with the main event.Finally, I must give a shout-out to our stationery choices. Initially, I discovered lilac and white on Etsy, which led me to their website and a range of beautiful, simple yet romantic designs. I ultimately chose their Felicity templates for my name cards, table plan, order of the day, welcome signs, and menu cards. The best part? They allowed me to tweak the design before sending it to print, ensuring I was 100% happy with the final result.
The Cake
The moment we laid eyes on our stunning four-tiered wedding cake, crafted by Poppy Pickering of Ilkley, was a truly magical experience. The variety of flavors – lemon and blueberry, rhubarb and ginger, and apple caramel with hazelnuts – only added to the excitement. Each tier boasted a unique design, ranging from a simple yet elegant white tier adorned with a bow to a sparkly, blue lustre, and even plain white tiers with delicate dots and a breathtaking floral cascade on two of the tiers. As someone who can’t get enough of sweet treats, I was utterly thrilled by the cake’s presence. In fact, when it came time for our photoshoot, I found myself gently scolding my groom-to-be for accidentally denting one of the tiers with his knife – I just didn’t want to risk damaging this masterpiece! We’ve since placed the top tier proudly on display at home, where its beauty still takes my breath away. The talented Dominique’s exquisite peony florals brought the entire cake design together in a truly dreamlike fashion – I only wish she could create cakes for me whenever I desire.
The Honeymoon
We had the privilege of spending our dreamy honeymoon in the stunning Maldives and vibrant Dubai. Our stay at Velassaru in the Maldives was nothing short of breathtaking – if we could go back every year, we would! The Instagram-perfect scenery is even more incredible in person; the turquoise waters, powdery beaches, and lush greenery create a truly paradise-like atmosphere. We treated ourselves to an overwater villa with its own private pool, which was absolute bliss. The exceptional service, mouth-watering cuisine, and perfect weather made our stay truly unforgettable. And did I mention we got to travel in style on Emirates Business Class? If you ever have the opportunity to fly business, it’s definitely worth splurging for – we felt like royalty! In Dubai, we indulged at the luxurious One & Only Royal Mirage, where our honeymoon upgrade left us feeling pampered and special. From the moment we arrived, every staff member went above and beyond to ensure our stay was nothing short of phenomenal.
Memorable Moments
One of my favorite memories from that day was the feeling of calmness that washed over me during the morning preparations. Despite a few initial pangs of nerves, I remained remarkably relaxed as I got ready with my hair and makeup team, and even when speaking with the registrar. However, everything changed when I heard the wedding music start playing behind the doors. As I stood there with my dad, I turned to him and whispered, ‘Wow, it’s really happening! Now I’m getting nervous!’ The doors opened, and as I caught sight of my soon-to-be husband, already tearfully emotional, a smile spread across his face. The room was bathed in warm sunlight, and the sheer beauty of it all took my breath away. My dress, with its intricate details, sparkled like diamonds, but I was too busy gazing at my groom to notice. Other highlights from our special day include cutting the cake and sharing our first dance as a married couple. The song ‘When I Fall in Love’ by Nat King Cole played during this momentous occasion, and it only became more magical when our furry friend Bernard joined us on the dance floor.
Advice For Other Couples
When reflecting on my wedding experience, I highly recommend hiring a videographer to capture the magic of your special day. With so much happening in the blink of an eye, having a visual record allows you to relive and cherish every moment. As someone who has been there, I’ve learned that thorough research is key to avoiding costly surprises or realizing what’s missing from your wedding package. Be pragmatic with your budgeting expectations – if you want premium services, be prepared to pay for them. Ultimately, remember that this day is about you and your partner, so don’t be afraid to prioritize your own wants and needs. While we encountered a few disagreements with family members, our experience showed me that when loved ones respect your boundaries, they understand that your wedding day is just that – yours. For us, the outcome was a flawless celebration that left no regrets.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
From the stunning photography to the exquisite wedding dress, every detail of this fairytale-inspired celebration was meticulously planned. Sanshine Photography captured the magic of the day, while Berta from The Wedding Club designed a breathtaking gown that stole the show.The groomsmen were dashing in Reece Ford Suit Hire attire, while the bridesmaids looked stunning in White by Vera Wang from Davids Bridal. Jimmy Choo added a touch of glamour to the brides shoes, with Christian Louboutin and Groomsmen Shoes completing the stylish ensemble.Next up, the attention turned to Bridesmaids Shoes from ASOS, before moving on to the sparkling jewelry courtesy of Chanel and Tiffany. The wedding rings, designed by Goldsmiths for the happy couple, shone brightly as they exchanged their vows.The videography was handled by Made to Last Films, who captured every emotion-filled moment. Balloons from Bubblegum Balloons added a playful touch, while the florals were arranged beautifully by Studio Sorores. For hireware, Whitehouse Crockery provided the perfect table settings.Aynhoe Park served as the picturesque venue, with an OMG Entertainments photobooth capturing laughter and memories. The pizza truck from The Wood Fired Pizza Co kept guests satisfied throughout the day. Invitations were designed by E.Y.I.LOVE, featuring elegant stationery from Lilac & White.Hair was styled by Heather Mackenzie-Thompson, while make-up artist Katie Daley worked her magic. Poppy Pickering crafted a stunning cake, and music was provided by Jonny Ross Music’s DJ and saxophonist, as well as the Piccadilly String Quartet and Joe Pike on piano. Just wow! Thank you, Jennifer and Andrew, for sharing your special day with us.