It’s our pleasure to introduce you to Emily and Richard, a lovely couple who tied the knot in September 2020. Their special day was nothing short of spectacular, with an intimate celebration at Weston Park in Shropshire that will leave you beaming with joy. Despite being engaged for a few years, they decided to set their wedding date during the pandemic, and the result was a masterclass in planning a dreamy day in just six weeks. The proof is in the pudding, as they say – Emily and Richard’s big day came together beautifully, filled with romantic touches like soft blue hues in the flowers, warm candlelight, and a magical fireworks display to cap off the celebration of their love. A huge thank you goes out to James Merrick Photography for sharing these breathtaking images with us.
The Proposal
A serendipitous proposal unfolded in the enchanting Whispering Gallery of St Paul’s Cathedral, where Richard took me by surprise with his thoughtful gesture. Our trip to London, which included a birthday celebration on New Year’s Eve amidst the spectacular fireworks display, served as the perfect backdrop for this memorable moment.
The Vision
Within just six weeks, our entire wedding planning process came together seamlessly. Although we’d been engaged for a while longer, we never felt pressured to set a date until the pandemic’s lifting of lockdown restrictions allowed us to host intimate gatherings with up to 30 guests. It was then that we realized we were ready to take the next step in life – getting married and starting a family. After discussing our vision with the vicar, we settled on an intimate ceremony for September 19th, 2020, surrounded by our closest loved ones. Our primary objective was to bring our dream wedding to life, filled with love, emotion, and celebration. We’re thrilled to say that we achieved everything we hoped for – and wouldn’t change a thing! The experience was truly unforgettable.
The Venue
The union of two souls took place amidst the tranquil atmosphere of St Lawrence’s Church in Coppenhall, where a beautiful ceremony was held. Following the exchange of vows, the newlyweds and their loved ones made their way to the picturesque Weston Park in Shropshire for an unforgettable reception.
Your Outfits & Accessories
When it came to selecting attire for my big day, I was determined to create a timeless and sophisticated look. For my dress and veil, I opted for Ethereal Bridal Penkridge’s stunning creations. Meanwhile, my shoes were Jimmy Choo’s Ivory Satin pointed toe heels with jewel detailing on the strap. To complement my look, I visited a local bridal store and tried on various styles to ensure I was making the right choice.In terms of the groomsmen attire, we decided to hire suits from Peter Posh Suit Hire. The black suits featured tails, while the waistcoats were beige/gold for the groom and grey for the groomsmen. We chose to differentiate between the two to give the groom a unique touch. To add an extra layer of elegance, the groom wore a gold pocket watch, a thoughtful gift from his mother, which he would wear on the special day.
The Ceremony & Music
The intimate ceremony took place at our local church in Coppenhall, Stafford, just a short stroll from our home. This picturesque Grade II* listed parish church is a familiar sight for me (Emily), as I often walk past it on my daily commutes. It was truly a dream come true to exchange vows within its walls. Due to COVID-19 restrictions at the time, we opted for a more subdued atmosphere, with the vicar delivering heartfelt readings throughout the ceremony. To add a touch of tradition, an organist accompanied us down the aisle with a beautiful rendition of the wedding march. After the ceremony, we made our way to Weston Park for the reception, where a talented harpist set the tone for the evening’s festivities. As the speeches drew to a close, a curated playlist of our favorite tunes took center stage, ensuring that the celebration remained joyful and lively.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
We’re thrilled to have collaborated with two incredibly talented professionals, James Merrick of James Merrick Photography and Sam Holland from Route 89 Video Production. Not only do they possess impressive skill sets, but they also share a common trait – being absolute delights to work with. Our journey began when we stumbled upon James’ online portfolio, which immediately won us over with his unique photography style. He then kindly recommended Sam, whom he had previously worked with on a project, after learning of our search for a videographer. Upon reviewing Sam’s website, we were so impressed that we couldn’t wait to get in touch!
The Styling & Decor
To incorporate local flair into our special day, we sought out suppliers who shared our commitment to community. Lavender florist in Penkridge, where our trusted florist Julie and her team have created beautiful arrangements for our family for years, was a natural choice. We also incorporated Adamapple Confetti’s pale blue hydrangea confetti, echoing my favorite color with the groom’s. To complete the look, I sported pale blue nails that matched the delicate hue.Our wedding cake, crafted by Suzanne Thorp at The Frostery, was a masterpiece that wowed our guests. Its sheer scale and stunning appearance only scratched the surface of its appeal – it also tasted sublime!When it came to decorating the Orangery and Dining Room, we opted for understated elegance. The venue’s inherent charm shone through without additional embellishments. However, we did add a touch of whimsy with flower arrangements, candles, charger plates, and seat pads/organza from Susan at The Midland Events Company.
Memorable Moments
As we made our way to the church, surrounded by family and friends, it was as if time stood still. Neighbours lined the street, smiling and waving, making every moment feel like a dream come true. Emily’s footsteps echoing down the aisle were all that mattered, and when she finally appeared, my heart skipped a beat. The weight lifted off my shoulders, replaced by an overwhelming sense of pride and joy as I gazed into her eyes and listened to those three precious words – ‘I do.’ And what better way to cap off the night than with a dazzling firework display in the picturesque grounds of Weston Park? It was truly the perfect ending to our special day.
Advice For Other Couples
As you cherish each fleeting moment, remember that time has a tendency to slip away from us. Embrace the beauty of the present and trust that everything will unfold as it should. For those considering an intimate wedding celebration, we urge you not to hesitate. In our experience, the love and joy that radiated throughout the room on that special day was palpable enough to fill a much larger space. Trust in the power of love to bring people together – don’t be afraid to invite everyone you want to share your happiness with!
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As Emily and Richard’s big day unfolded, it was clear that every detail had been meticulously planned to create an unforgettable experience. The photographer behind the lens was James Merrick Photography, capturing the joy and love with precision. Meanwhile, Route 89 Video Production brought the magic to life through their filmmaking expertise. Weston Park provided a picturesque backdrop for the celebration, its beauty enhanced by the lovely blooms from Lavender, the talented florist. Sweet treats were courtesy of The Frostery’s delectable cakes, while Ethereal Bridal Penkridge ensured Emily looked stunning in her wedding dress. Peter Posh Suits helped Richard look dashing, and Jimmy Choo added a touch of glamour to Emily’s shoes. As the confetti flew through the air, thanks went out to Adamapple Confetti for making it all possible. Nerys Hewitt’s soothing harpist melodies filled the atmosphere, complemented by Fine Art Calligraphy’s exquisite stationery. Hair styling was courtesy of Francesco’s Weeping Cross, and The Midlands Events Company handled the décor with flair. A stylish getaway awaited Emily and Richard in their Williams Automobiles wedding car, complete with a romantic touch from Jackflash Fireworks’ pyrotechnic display. As the couple reflected on their September 2020 wedding, they expressed heartfelt gratitude for sharing this special day.