As Jessica and Jason’s special day unfolded on May 18th, 2018, at Gaynes Park in Essex, the atmosphere was filled with love, laughter, and an air of effortless elegance. The couple, who met through the WWW community, spared no detail in crafting a celebration that would leave their guests in awe. From the live music provided by Tailored Entertainment to the glitter makeup station and pass-the-parcel games, every moment was designed to create lasting memories. Amidst the joyous revelry, Jessica and Jason’s stunning nuptials took center stage, with their chic dove grey color palette serving as a sophisticated backdrop for the pastel pink and cream blooms that adorned the venue. The reception room, aglow with the soft glow of a disco ball and adorned with hanging drapes and towering flower arrangements, was a visual feast. Simple yet elegant signage added to the ambiance, while the pièce de résistance – a show-stopping modern cake – awaited guests in all its glory. As the sun set on this unforgettable day, Three Flowers Photography captured every precious moment, from the couple’s stunning portraits to the joyous celebration that followed. We’re grateful to Charlotte for sharing these treasured moments with us, and we can’t wait for you to experience them too.
The Proposal
As Jason’s surprise getaway to Positano on the Amalfi coast unfolded, he seized the opportunity to rent a yacht on the second day. The hour-long sailing excursion allowed him to get up close and personal with the stunning coastline before making his move – proposing to his loved one while the sea breeze whipped through their hair. With the proposal out of the way, they spent the remainder of the day swimming in hidden caves and capped off the evening with a romantic dinner on a secluded beach cove, overlooking the calm waters of the Mediterranean.
The Vision
As an interior designer, I approached my own wedding with a keen eye for detail. For me, the venue and styling were crucial elements in setting the tone for the big day. Conversely, my husband’s priorities lay elsewhere – he was more excited about the band and food. I realized that securing the perfect venue would be the key to influencing the overall aesthetic of the celebration. My vision was clear: I wanted our wedding to exude timeless elegance and sophistication.
The Planning Process
As we embarked on our engagement journey, my husband and I found ourselves swept up in the whirlwind of wedding planning. Having started new jobs just before our proposal, it took me three months to muster the courage to crack open a wedding magazine. We were determined to soak up every moment of our post-engagement bliss, and for good reason – we knew that time would fly by quickly. Initially, I thought a year was plenty of time to plan our special day, but reality set in when we started viewing venues. The harsh truth hit us: if we wanted a summer Saturday booking within the next two years, we’d need to rethink our strategy. Seeking alternative venues and Friday bookings proved to be a blessing in disguise – we dodged the crowds, avoided clashing with the royal wedding, and gained an extra day to recover from any post-wedding celebrations. As our plans began to take shape, I corralled all my research, expenses, and to-do lists into a trusty spreadsheet, which became my go-to guide for the coming year.
The Flowers
My sister’s friend, an exceptionally skilled florist, offers competitively priced services that bring even the most vague ideas to life. When it came to my own wedding, I wanted the flowers and foliage to be the stars of the show, reflecting the simplistic yet charming atmosphere. To achieve this, I opted for a loose, wild arrangement featuring predominantly whites, with pops of green foliage and blush tones to keep things relaxed and effortless.
The Details & Décor
The grounds of the venue were transformed into a lush oasis, with flowers adorning every corner. To bring this vision to life, we scattered petals down the aisle, placed bunches of blooms on chair ends, and created two majestic wild urns at the front of the orangery, which was shrouded in grey chiffon fabric. The pièce de résistance was a massive disco ball suspended from the ceiling, surrounded by white drapes that draped over the original beams, creating an intimate yet lively atmosphere. To complement this whimsical setting, I chose large table centrepieces to draw the eye upward and placed bud vases at their bases. For the table numbers, I purchased brass photo frames, inscribed each number on the glass, and filled them with dried lavender. This subtle nod to our grey theme was carried through to the wedding breakfast, where we created our own linen napkins, tied velvet ribbon around each one, and attached velum name tags adorned with a single flower. As an alternative to traditional favours, we crafted homemade Cosmopolitan shots with pomegranate seeds for our guests to enjoy. To keep costs down, we opted for a DIY pass-the-parcel game, which became an unexpected hit. Each layer featured humorous notes, such as ‘pass to the person who loves Jess and Jason the most’, winning a framed photo of us or ‘pass to the person you’d most want to be stranded on a desert island with’, earning a Hula lei necklace that everyone wore for the night. This interactive game got people talking at their tables and created memorable moments. For the evening, we hired a pizza oven serving stone-baked pizzas, a popcorn machine, vintage barrels of beer and mini prosecco bottles, and a show-stopping donut wall that was devoured in no time. As the clock struck 9 pm, our makeup artists from Glitter Dolls arrived to shower our guests with glittering beauty. OJ’s soul band played disco hits for an hour, including our romantic first dance. We also set up a photobooth equipped with a built-in beauty light and an array of props for our guests to enjoy.
The Cake
Our show-stopping creation featured a 4-tier white Italian meringue buttercream cake, boasting a dual-flavor profile with two tiers of white chocolate and raspberry and two tiers of strawberry and champagne. The crowning glory was the real flowers adorning each tier, accompanied by generous helpings of fresh fruit. A stroke of genius was the ombre pink effect achieved from bottom to top within each cake, adding an extra layer of visual appeal. We discovered Spooned Ldn through their Instagram page, impressed by their artistic flair and unique designs.
Budget
Given that we were largely financing our own wedding, we carefully calculated a budget of £30,000, considering the timeline constraints. As part of this planning process, we compiled a list of ‘extras’ – items we’d dearly love to include in the celebration if our finances allowed. Ultimately, the extras pushed the overall budget up to £50,000, which sends shivers down my spine simply thinking about it.
Beauty & Grooming
As the beading on my dress caught the eye, I sought a hairstyle that would complement its intricate details. With the shoulders and back necklace taking center stage, I experimented with classic up-dos but ultimately felt confined in them. On such an overwhelming day, I just wanted to feel at ease. We took a risk and opted for a high messy bun, which has since become my go-to look. Emma Dallimore’s expertise was instrumental in bringing this vision to life. In the months leading up to the wedding, I actively worked on growing out my hair to maximize its potential come the big day. My locks are long but fine, so I decided to add texture and depth with a balayage treatment just before the ceremony. For makeup, I opted for a bolder look featuring a brown smoky eye and nude pinky lips. Meanwhile, Jason headed to his trusted stylist in the morning, ensuring he looked his absolute best as we exchanged our vows.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I was thrilled to find that my Pronovias dress fit perfectly with my personal style for the wedding. Before starting my search, I had heard of the brand and knew they would be a great starting point. Browsing their website gave me an idea of their current season’s styles, including prices, which helped me narrow down my options. I was lucky to find that the local bridal shop at the end of my road was one of the few stockists in Essex, making it a familiar and convenient place to begin my search. Having no preconceived notions about specific styles going into my first appointment actually worked in my favor, as the shop assistant helped me discover the third dress I tried on – which turned out to be the perfect fit. The rest of my attire was carefully curated to complement my dress. Kurt Geiger provided comfortable and stylish shoes that gave me a noticeable height boost. A cathedral-length veil with piping from Matchmaker Bridal added a touch of elegance, while tear-drop crystal earrings from Liberty in Love brought a subtle sparkle. I also wore my nan’s eternity ring as my something borrowed – it was a meaningful way to include her in the celebration. Jason opted for a dark navy Reiss suit, which he liked and found affordable compared to other popular brands. His attire was completed with a TM Lewin double-cuffed white shirt, grey Reiss waistcoat, Russel and Bromley black loafers, TM Lewin blue and white polka dot tie, TM Lewin pearl cufflinks, and his late grandad’s silver tie pin – all of which contributed to his stylish appearance.
The Venue
We were keen to keep our wedding close to home, with London’s excitement or Essex’s serenity being top contenders. After scouring venues in both, we finally settled on Gaynes Park in Epping – a breathtaking gem that left us awestruck from the moment we drove up through the rolling fields of sheep to the stunning orangery, barns, and Victorian walled gardens overlooking the London skyline. The ease of access for our guests was another major drawcard, with the central line and M25 making it simple for everyone to attend. We appreciated that the venue allowed us to have both the ceremony and evening reception in one place, without having to worry about logistics or stress. To top it all off, we received a dedicated events coordinator upon booking, who ensured that everything ran smoothly on the day. This level of support meant that my family and I could relax and enjoy the experience, knowing that our wedding was in capable hands.
The Readings & Music
We chose to keep things simple and intimate with an orangery-based civil ceremony, where we could truly relax and connect with each other. To make it even more special, our dear friend and cousin offered two heartfelt readings – a unique blend of their favorite poems, articles, and personal touches that left us both beaming with joy. The Dotted Crotchets, a talented string trio we discovered through social media, brought the ceremony to life with their enchanting performance. Their rendition of ‘You’ve Got the Love’ by Florence Welch as I walked down the aisle was nothing short of magical. The melodic whispers of the violins echoing through the orangery remain etched in my memory forevermore.
Bridesmaids
The task of finding the perfect bridesmaids’ dresses proved to be the most daunting challenge in our wedding planning journey. I struggled to decide on a colour scheme, inspired by an article that suggested drawing inspiration from my own wardrobe. Given my affinity for black, white, and grey, which accounted for 95% of my closet, I opted for dove grey as the primary hue for the wedding. After countless hours spent browsing online retailers like ASOS and exploring various high street brands, my sister-in-law wisely steered me towards Jarlo. Suddenly, everything fell into place. Their designs offered a wealth of options that would complement our overall aesthetic perfectly. We ultimately chose Draya, a Bardot-inspired dress with a flattering fit and a touch of glamour.
Groomsmen
The wedding party consisted of two best men and two ushers, all of whom were brothers or close friends of the groom. Their attire was a unified and stylish ensemble, featuring dark navy three-piece Reiss suits paired with crisp TM Lewin shirts, tasteful ties, and matching cufflinks. To complete their look, each wore their own pair of black shoes, adding a touch of individuality to an otherwise cohesive and well-dressed group.
Your Photographer
As I scoured through a blog post highlighting a wedding Charlotte had photographed, I knew I’d stumbled upon the perfect photographer for our own special day. Her unique blend of informal and unobtrusive documentary style photography resonated with me, as it promised to capture natural moments without intruding on our personal space. Given my husband’s and my camera-shy nature, we were thrilled to discover that Charlotte was a master at blending into the background, allowing us to relax in her presence throughout the day. Her ability to make us feel at ease proved invaluable, resulting in stunning, unscripted shots that beautifully told the story of our wedding.
Your Filmmaker
After considering various videographers with distinct styles, we ultimately chose Philip Smith Visuals from Essex due to their previous experience filming a wedding at the same venue. The stunning visuals they produced aligned perfectly with our expectations. Phil’s warm demeanor put us at ease throughout the process, including on the day of the wedding and during pre-shooting communication. His decision to use a DSLR camera allowed him to capture natural moments of guests interacting and laughing, as well as capture special moments that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
The Honeymoon
Jason took the reins on planning our dreamy honeymoon getaway, with the initial vision of spending two weeks in one location to unwind, relax, and minimize stress. Fast forward eight months later, we found ourselves embarking on a two-week adventure in Bali and Lombok, traversing seven different hotels, and navigating multiple ferry rides, taxis, coaches, and planes. Although the experience was vastly different from our 18-year-old selves backpacking through South East Asia – minus the cockroach-infested hostels and slightly more respectable attire – it was uniquely tailored to who we are today, transporting us back to a carefree era of exploration and discovery.
Memorable Moments
The standout moments for me beyond the ceremony itself were a string of delightful surprises. The outdoor reception’s soundtrack was set ablaze by the trio’s rendition of Dr Dre’s hits, perfectly complementing the sunshine and refreshing cocktails. But the true showstoppers were the Glitter Dolls – an array of sparkly faces, beards, and bald heads that left me grinning from ear to ear. The heartfelt speeches that followed only added to the emotional resonance of the day, making them a treasured memory. While there would be plenty of opportunities for eating, drinking, and dancing later on, these moments felt truly unique – a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’ll always cherish. And speaking of dancing, the live band got everyone moving, but it was the garage hour at the end of the night that really got people grooving to our shared favorite tunes.
Advice For Other Couples
Take a deep breath and let go of the chaos surrounding your wedding planning. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of decisions, but remember that this is your special day. Take a step back, prioritize self-care, and don’t be afraid to splurge on little luxuries, like booking a prosecco-filled lunch or scheduling an appointment around a celebration. Don’t overthink it! Set a time limit for decision-making and trust that you’ve made the best choice with all the facts and advice at your disposal. Remember, in the moment, you did what was right for you.Don’t be afraid to get creative – even if it seems extravagant, there are plenty of great resale websites out there for unused wedding bits. I managed to recoup 50% of my costs on materials, which was a lovely bonus. Plus, don’t feel pressured to stick to traditional timings and day orders. We pushed our first dance back until 9:15 pm to coincide with the darkness, which raised some eyebrows but ended up being a fantastic decision. The photos turned out amazing!Trust your instincts – don’t always opt for the easy route. The unique elements are often the most difficult, but they’re what will make your wedding truly special and personal. What may seem like unnecessary stress and organization now will be well worth it on the big day.If you’re unsure about inviting someone or not, my advice is to just go ahead and invite them – even if it’s just to please your mum. With everything going on during the day, you won’t get much quality time with everyone anyway, so having a few extra people to celebrate with can be a nice bonus.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As we gaze back on the picturesque scene that unfolded at Gaynes Park, it’s hard not to be struck by the sheer splendor of Jessica and Jason’s special day. The air was alive with magic as they exchanged vows, surrounded by a coterie of talented professionals who helped bring their vision to life. From the breathtaking blooms courtesy of Three Flowers Photography to the mesmerizing melodies provided by OJ’s Soul Band, every element blended seamlessly together to create an unforgettable celebration. Meanwhile, the dashing donuts courtesy of Little Big Things Essex added a playful touch to the proceedings. As the sun dipped below the horizon, it was clear that this was more than just a wedding – it was a love story for the ages. And we’re honored to have been a part of it all.