After a lovely break with my boys in North Devon, I’m thrilled to return to blogging with a bang! Today’s celebration is all about the joyous union of Ruth and Jono, who tied the knot on May 18th, 2019 at Oxnead Hall in Norfolk. Their special day featured a church ceremony followed by a picturesque barn reception, where they aimed for a classic wedding style infused with a relaxed and fun atmosphere – and they absolutely nailed it! The delicate blush and peach tones that permeated the day are simply stunning. From the breathtaking flower arch installation at the church entrance to the bridesmaids’ elegant dresses, floral stationery, and cake design, every detail harmoniously came together. I must also commend Ruth and Jono’s impeccable outfit choices, which made them look resplendent. The whimsical fairy light canopy added an extra layer of magic to the proceedings. And what a treat it is to share Luis Holden Photography’s sensational images with you all today!
The Proposal
As Jono got down on one knee under the moonlit sky on the first night of our Barbados getaway, I found myself caught off guard. The secluded beach, usually a haven for tranquility, was transformed into an intimate setting for a surprise proposal. My initial distraction – a minor annoyance with my new sandals and the pesky sand that had gotten stuck between the straps – melted away as Jono’s words of love filled the air. With hearts soaring and emotions in high gear, our holiday took on a newfound significance, forever etched in the memory as a moment we cherished.
The Vision
Our goal was to host an understated yet lively celebration that combined the charm of traditional wedding traditions with the warmth and camaraderie of a relaxed gathering among loved ones. Furthermore, we aimed to pay homage to our shared Scottish-English ancestry, blending elements of both heritages into the day’s festivities.
The Planning Process
As I navigated the process of planning, I discovered that despite a few tense moments, I genuinely enjoyed the experience. My natural inclination towards organization proved invaluable, as I relied heavily on my trusty spreadsheet to keep track of various aspects such as costs, supplier payment dates, tasks to complete, and guest information. This meticulous approach allowed me to stay on top of everything, even when unexpected stresses arose.
Pinterest was an indispensable tool for initial inspiration and planning, while Instagram proved a treasure trove of creative ideas and local suppliers, all readily accessible via specific hashtags. The sheer volume of valuable resources at my fingertips made the process surprisingly enjoyable.
My mother played a significant supporting role throughout the planning phase, often serving as a sounding board for my ideas over multiple phone calls throughout the day. Despite my 26 years, I’m not ashamed to admit that I still had moments where I needed her guidance and reassurance – and she was more than happy to oblige. One of the highlights of our collaborative effort was spending an entire day assembling guest invitations, a task that brought us closer together.
Budget
From the onset, we established a comprehensive budget by allocating estimated costs to specific, more granular categories. As the project progressed, expenses fluctuated in response to shifting priorities and unforeseen developments. Through this iterative process, we continuously refined our budgetary approach, ensuring that our most cherished objectives remained at the forefront of our decision-making.
Your Outfits & Accessories
My attire featured a stunning Sincerity by Justin Alexander gown from Primadonna Bridal in Norwich, a choice that left me feeling like the epitome of elegance on my special day. What made it even more extraordinary was the bespoke veil I received as a thoughtful gift from Sophie, one of my closest friends. Helen Martin Veils, where Sophie sourced her talent, crafted a breathtaking two-tiered masterpiece, carefully selecting the same lace used in my dress to adorn the edges. As I slipped into the veil on my wedding day, I felt like the ultimate bride, and I will forever treasure this exquisite piece as a symbol of my friend’s love and appreciation.To complete my look, I indulged in a pair of classic Emmy London bridal shoes, opting for understated elegance with subtle sparkles and pearl accents. Later that evening, Jono surprised me with a lovely gift – a break from high heels courtesy of the Golden Goose sneakers he had purchased as a wedding present. It was the perfect way to rest my feet and enjoy the celebrations in comfort.
The Venue
As we began our search for the perfect wedding venue, Oxnead Hall stood out as the first contender to catch our eye. I had always envisioned an outdoor tipi festival wedding, recalling the magical moment Jono and I met at a festival. However, my Mum’s influence led us to book a viewing at Oxnead, and we were thoroughly impressed by its breathtaking beauty. Before we knew it, we had secured our date for the following year! The subsequent months flew by as we prepared for the big day. On the special occasion, we exchanged vows in the picturesque Church on site, with Reverend David Hagen Palmer officiating our ceremony. His warm demeanor and guidance helped us feel at ease, making the experience truly unforgettable. Following the ceremony, we celebrated with our loved ones in the stunning Orangery and Main Barn. Throughout the process, Oxnead’s wedding coordinator, Lucy, proved to be an invaluable asset. She offered valuable insights and inspiration, drawing from her expertise gained through planning numerous events at the venue. Her tireless efforts ensured a seamless execution on our special day.
Beauty
The talented Amanda Steed Makeup and Hair team handled all our hair and makeup needs. Their warm and welcoming approach put us at ease from the start, leaving us feeling like royalty throughout the day. With a whopping 14 hairstyles and 10 makeup looks to tackle in the morning before the ceremony, Amanda and Nikki worked their magic with impressive efficiency.
The Readings & Music
The festivities began with Roger Bayes, our talented bagpiper, setting the tone for an unforgettable day. His renditions of traditional Scottish tunes accompanied significant moments, such as welcoming guests and walking down the aisle with my father, adding a touch of nostalgia and joy. Later, Joe Ringer Band brought the party to life with an energetic performance that kept the dance floor packed throughout the evening. The ceremony itself featured two poignant readings – Angela, Jono’s mother, beautifully recited an excerpt from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, while my brother-in-law Bob delivered a stirring biblical reading from First Corinthians.
The Flowers
What truly stole the show for me was the stunning floral arrangements, which were a collaborative effort with Swaffham and Fakenham Florist. From the moment Michelle and her team began brainstorming ideas, I knew we were in good hands. Their creativity and expertise perfectly captured the soft, blush-toned, spring-inspired look I had envisioned. In fact, their designs were so impressive that I found myself constantly tempted to unfollow them on Instagram as they kept sharing new and exciting arrangements – including the beautiful flower arch that was a last-minute addition!
Bridesmaids
For the wedding party’s attire, we turned to Mark Lesley from Primadonna Bridal in Norwich for the bridesmaids’ dresses and Emma Bridals, sourced from Dreams Bridal shop in Rackheath, for the flower girl’s dresses. A clever touch was the blush-colored bands that were sewn on separately as an accent, matching the additional material we ordered to complement the bridesmaid dresses.
Groomsmen
The attire for Jono’s wedding party was a thoughtful blend of traditional and modern elements. His own kilt, along with those worn by his Best Man and Brother, featured a stunning Stewart tartan that holds significant family ties for the groom. The tartan was sourced from Slanj in Glasgow, where the kilts were specifically designed to showcase Jono’s heritage.The Groomsmen’s suits, on the other hand, were selected from Moss Bros, with a clever touch added by Slanj – a matching Stewart tartan pocket square that echoed Jono’s own kilt. This subtle nod to the groom’s unique style brought an air of cohesion and sophistication to the group.Meanwhile, the two pageboys wore their own kilts in the same iconic Stewart tartan, this time courtesy of Kilt Society. The result was a charming visual thread that tied the entire party together, reflecting Jono’s commitment to tradition and family.
Your Photographer
We entrusted the talented Luis Holden to immortalize our special day, opting for his expertise over the instinct to capture the moment ourselves. Having admired his work prior to meeting him, we knew he was the perfect fit for us. Luis’s skillful eye and friendly demeanor made us feel at ease in front of the camera, allowing us to relax and be ourselves within just a few minutes of shooting. The end result is a collection of stunning photos that not only meet but exceed our expectations, showcasing every precious moment we shared with each other.
The Cake
Our choice of dessert was a stylish and understated cake featuring exquisite flower sugar work on the exterior, crafted by Love Wedding Cakes. The taste was sublime, with any remaining slices devoured the following day. We indulged in two delectable flavors: Victoria Sponge and Cherry Bakewell.
The Details & Décor
To bring my personal touches to life, I took charge of many DIY projects and collaborated with my Mum. We gathered materials from Hobbycraft, Amazon, and Etsy, while my Dad crafted a unique copper pipe structure that displayed family wedding photos. This added a warm, sentimental element to the decor. In place of traditional floral arrangements, we hired four trees from The Romantic Garden Nursery to infuse the space with a natural ambiance. Epic Events Norfolk generously provided the stunning lighting canopy in the main barn. For stationery, we opted for matching designs created by Pippa at Pretty in Pink, which tied everything together. David Tinney kindly served as our Toastmaster on the day, offering invaluable assistance before and during the event to ensure a seamless experience. To keep things lively, we brought in Smiley Booth East Anglia to provide an interactive photobooth for our guests, which was an instant hit.
The Honeymoon
After the whirlwind of the wedding, my partner and I decided to take a mini-moon getaway to Mykonos to unwind and recharge. Little did we know that our relaxing break would be anything but tranquil, as both of us fell victim to a nasty sickness bug within days of arrival. Although it wasn’t the romantic escape we had envisioned, we’re now looking forward to our proper honeymoon in Japan, just two months away. The anticipation is building!
Memorable Moments
As I look back on an unforgettable day, three moments stand out as particularly special. First, sharing a joyful morning with my loved ones – including my family and bridesmaids/flower girls – created memories that will remain dear to me forever. The warmth and laughter we shared set the tone for an incredible celebration. Next, the thrill of walking down the aisle and finally being together with Jono at the altar was truly magical. And, of course, dancing with my closest friends and family in the evening – surrounded by love, music, and happiness – was the perfect way to cap off an already unforgettable day.
Advice For Other Couples
As you navigate the complexities of wedding planning, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to please others. But remember, this is a celebration of your love and commitment to each other. Take a step back and prioritize what truly matters to you both – whether that’s a specific venue, a memorable photo opportunity, or simply having your closest friends and family by your side. By focusing on what brings you joy, you’ll be able to savor every moment and create a day that truly reflects your unique love story.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The picturesque Oxnead Hall was the stunning backdrop for Ruth and Jono’s enchanting spring wedding. The talented Luis Holden Photography captured every magical moment of their big day, from the bride’s breathtaking Sincerity by Justin Alexander gown from Primadonna Bridal to the delicate Helen Martin Veils that perfectly complemented her look. Meanwhile, Amanda Steed Hair & Make Up worked her magic to create a flawless beauty look for Ruth. The Joe Ringer Band kept the party going with their lively tunes, while Love Wedding Cakes provided the sweet treats to satisfy any sweet tooth. Slanj’s kilts added a touch of traditional flair, and Mark Lesley and Emma Bridals from Dreams Bridal Wear brought elegance to the bridesmaid dresses and flower girl attire respectively. A photobooth by Smiley Booth East Anglia ensured that the happy couple’s memories were preserved in a fun and playful way. David Tinney served as their trusty toastmaster, while Roger Bayes added a touch of Scottish charm with his bagpiping skills. The Romantic Garden Nursery provided the beautiful tree hire for the ceremony, and Pretty In Pink Stationery helped to tie everything together beautifully. Last but not least, Epic Event Hire brought a magical lighting canopy that added an extra layer of enchantment to the proceedings. It was truly a spring wedding to remember, and I’m honored to have been able to share Ruth and Jono’s special day with you.