Imagine starting your special day with a leisurely swim in the ocean. Sounds like the perfect way to unwind before the celebration begins? That’s exactly what Anna-Marie did when she married Jonathon in Jersey on August 4th, 2018. The bohemian atmosphere was palpable throughout their wedding day. After exchanging vows at the same church where both sets of parents tied the knot, they made their way to a friend’s picturesque field, where a charming beach-themed marquee awaited them and their guests. The setting was complete with lush florals, rustic decor, and pallet seating, which I’m sure you’ll love. One of my favorite details is the stunning floral garland-adorned barbie jeep that Anna-Marie and Jonathon drove to the reception in – a nod to Anna-Marie’s first car! Their photographers at Peakography did an incredible job capturing the joyous atmosphere of their day, and we’re grateful for them sharing these special moments.
The Proposal
After 15 years of on-again, off-again romance, I knew it was time to make things official with Jonny. So, I planned a surprise getaway to Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire, where we spent a peaceful weekend amidst the picturesque countryside and charming hamlets. Our first stop was Forty Green, a serene hamlet surrounded by ancient woodlands and rolling pastures. It was there that I got down on one knee and asked Jonny to spend the rest of his life with me. Happily, he said yes! We celebrated our engagement with drinks and lunch at the historic Royal Standard of England Pub, followed by cozy nights at the Crazy Bear Hotel Beaconsfield. To cap off the weekend, we gathered with family and friends for a lively dinner and drinks session at The Albion pub in Islington.
The Vision
As we planned our special day, we aimed to cultivate a laid-back atmosphere for our loved ones to enjoy. We envisioned a grand feast and lively party rather than a traditional wedding setup. Given our shared Jersey heritage, Jonny and I knew we wanted to tie the knot on the island where we grew up. Our goal was to seamlessly integrate the beach into the celebration and showcase the freshest local seafood and produce wherever possible.
The Planning Process
Despite initial reservations about allocating funds for a wedding planner, I felt confident in my ability to organize the event without too much trouble, thanks to my role in managing people and finances. Additionally, having a supportive husband, bridesmaids, family, and an exceptionally organized mother helped alleviate any concerns. With our base in London, we encountered some logistical challenges, but my mother’s presence on Jersey allowed us to collaborate effectively and create a memorable celebration.
The Venue
In Jersey, our parents exchanged vows at the historic Church of St. Brelades, a sacred site that has served the community for over a thousand years. Given its significance, it was crucial for us to tie the knot there as well. I wanted our ceremony to be a lively and inclusive celebration, one that would bring joy to all attendees regardless of their beliefs. The Progressive School of Music’s rendition of popular tunes created an infectious atmosphere, and we departed the church to Fat Boy Slim’s ‘Praise You’ with our bridal party bopping along.As beautiful as the church is, it’s nestled beside the stunning St. Brelades beach, with its palm trees swaying gently in the breeze and soft white sand underfoot. After exchanging vows, we headed down to the beach to kick off the celebrations, enjoying bubbles, oysters, and each other’s company.Following this relaxed interlude, my ‘partner’ and I hopped into our trusty Malibu Barbie Suzuki Jeep (my first car, a nostalgic blast from my teenage years!) and drove up the hill to a family friend’s field, where our marquee awaited. We sipped on drinks and eagerly anticipated the arrival of our guests in shuttle coaches.We chose this picturesque venue for its laid-back vibe, proximity to the church and beach (just a three-minute drive), and ample space to accommodate our 200-guest marquee, kitchen facilities, and restrooms.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I envisioned an understated yet effortlessly elegant aesthetic for my wedding dress, eschewing anything too flashy or over-the-top. My search began with Australian designers, whose beachy, ethereal styles resonated with me. Anna Campbell’s designs caught my eye, but ultimately, nothing seemed to flatter my figure as I had hoped.
A friend wisely suggested I explore The Mews in Notting Hill, a boutique specializing in French Bridal Couture. This was the moment when everything clicked into place – or rather, everything fell beautifully out of place. Laure De Sagazan’s ‘Ruiz’ dress stole my heart with its understated charm, exquisite craftsmanship, and effortless allure.
French silk and lace intertwined to create a masterpiece reminiscent of Jane Austen’s novels, the perfect embodiment of what I had been searching for. Jonny, being 6.5ft tall and boasting a keen sense of style, opted for a custom-made suit from Beggers Run, renowned for their unique and bespoke designs.
Beauty
With a focus on achieving a striking yet understated appearance, I collaborated with makeup artist Gabby Mauger to bring my vision to life. Her expertise helped me achieve a flawless base topped off with a generous sprinkle of glitter for added glamour. Meanwhile, hair stylist Christina at TLC Hair worked her magic to create voluminous, curly locks that exuded effortless cool and a hint of undone charm.
Bridesmaids
As the event unfolded, participants were encouraged to express themselves through fashion by selecting their own attire. A loose color palette featuring gold, black, and soft pink tones served as a subtle guide, with no restrictions on style or genre. From flowing dresses to playful skirts and even onesies, the emphasis was on individuality and self-expression.
Groomsmen
The group of men presented a stylish yet eclectic ensemble, as each individual donned their own unique Navy suit and burgundy tie combination. Despite the slight mismatching effect, the overall visual impact was undeniably dashing, with every single one of them exuding a sense of effortless sophistication.
The Readings & Music
We opted for a unique reading experience with ‘A Lovely Love Story’ by Edward Monkton, tailoring it to our personalities with some personalized additions. As Jonny and I aren’t typically sentimental or overly emotional, this choice felt like a great fit. The story follows two dinosaurs discovering love and living in perfect harmony – what’s not to adore? Our church music was brought to life by the talented students from The Progressive School of Music. Robyn Lezala and Laila Begg did an outstanding job performing ‘Enjoy the Silence’ by Depeche Mode and ‘Praise You’ by Fat Boy Slim, infusing their renditions with creativity, joy, and a contagious energy that got everyone engaged!
The Flowers
While Ffi took care of the bouquets and church flowers, as well as providing arrangements for the Marquee, it was a dedicated group of women – all close friends of my mother – who came together to transform the venue into a stunning space. Their creativity and enthusiasm shone through as they worked tirelessly over a few hours to create an atmosphere that was truly memorable.
The Cake
My mother’s impressive culinary skills were once again on full display when she took on the task of crafting the wedding cake from scratch. Despite her reputation as an exceptional cook, I was still blown away by her decision to make the entire cake herself, layering it with tender love and attention. The result was a majestic triple-layered fruit cake that had been carefully ‘fed’ a generous amount of liquor, its rich flavors perfectly balanced.
Your Photographer
Colin and Rae’s photography skills shone through in the candid shots they took, which effortlessly told the story of our special day. The morning swim set the tone for an action-packed celebration, with everyone letting loose and having a blast. As professional photographers, they expertly captured these ‘moments’ – unscripted and authentic – which perfectly matched our vision. Their unique style and creative eye added an extra layer of magic to the photographs, making them truly unforgettable.
The Details & Décor
The atmosphere was effortlessly beachy, with hand-tied flowers adorning the centerpieces on long tables, shells bearing guests’ names serving as place settings, local landmarks painted onto driftwood identifying table stations, and an outdoor ‘lounge area crafted from pallet furniture and plush bohemian cushions for relaxed mingling.
The Honeymoon
Our Croatian adventure was truly unforgettable. We were fortunate to have ideal weather and the opportunity to explore three stunning locations: Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik. A highlight of our trip was spending each day swimming in the crystal-clear waters that lapped at our feet. In addition to these aquatic excursions, we also enjoyed leisurely boat trips and even took a tour to learn more about Croatia’s renowned oyster culture. And let’s not forget the food – we indulged in an abundance of seafood delicacies, savoring every bite.
Memorable Moments
As I began the day with a refreshing sea swim, the excitement only grew as our friends and family gathered around me, sharing in the anticipation of the special moment ahead. A traditional sing-along session broke out, filled with laughter and joy, as we bonded over the classic tune ‘She’s getting married in the morning.’ The serene atmosphere at St. Brelades Bay was electric, with everyone eager to celebrate this union. As we strolled from our hotel to the church, the air was thick with excitement, and the sound of chirping birds added to the symphony of happiness. Upon entering the church, the buzz from our loved ones waiting inside only heightened the anticipation.As I emerged from the church as a newlywed, surrounded by cheers and applause, the euphoria was palpable. Our friends at the Progressive School of Music set the tone with their lively rendition of ‘Praise You’ by Fat Boy Slim, sending us off into the next chapter of our lives. The drive to the party field in my trusty Suzuki jeep, accompanied by MY HUSBAND, felt like a dream come true. Every glance from familiar faces and waves from loved ones only added to the whirlwind of emotions.What truly stole the show, though, was the look on Jonny’s face when my maid of honour, Lucy Jordan, revealed our surprise wedding film – an unforgettable moment that left us both beaming with joy.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace the joy and excitement of this special day, focusing on the love and connection that brought you and your partner together. As you celebrate your bond, remember to cherish every moment and appreciate the journey that has led you to this point.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As we gaze upon the picturesque setting, memories of Anna-Marie and Jonathon’s extraordinary celebration linger on our minds. The photographer from Peakography skillfully captured every precious moment, while the bride’s exquisite dress by Laure de Sagazan from The Mews Bridal complemented her radiant smile. The groom’s dashing suit added a touch of sophistication to their special day. In this idyllic backdrop of Beggars Run, the artistry of Gabby Mauger shone through with flawless makeup, as if painting the couple’s love story on canvas. The beautiful blooms courtesy of Bella Fiori adorned the marquee designed by Marquee Solutions, where laughter and music filled the air. Caterers Treacle Jersey ensured a sumptuous feast, while Stage 2 Productions provided top-notch audiovisual support. Ben Newman spun magic with his DJ skills, followed by The Jersey Bounce’s energetic performance. Pizza Projekt satisfied the late-night cravings of the guests, as Plant Hire from The Hidden Garden added a touch of greenery to the setting. It was truly a day to remember, thanks to Anna-Marie and Jonathon for sharing their love story with us.