Going all the way back to 2022, this was a wedding postponed by the pandemic, reduced in size to just 25 guests… and as Emma puts it, it felt the perfect size for this lovely couple. Their timeless images are by lovely Isle of Wight wedding photographer SJ Jones Photography, who gets a glowing recommendation (keep scrolling!) from the happy couple!

Wedding photographer’s website

SJ Jones Photography https://www.sjjonesphotography.co.uk

Wedding photographer review

Steve was absolutely wonderful from start to finish. I knew when he arrived at my parents home to meet us to showcase his portfolio when we were looking for photographer, he was the one we wanted immediately. So calming on the day which really helped when you’re nervous!

Your best wedding moment or memory

Our initial wedding booking was a victim of Covid 19 so the grand plans we had of a large wedding of nearly 100 guests was cut down to just 25 guests and although we were disheartened in the beginning, on the day it felt the perfect size. We were able to chat and chat and really spend quality time with each of our guests on the biggest day of our lives!

My husband arrived at the venue in my dad’s AC Cobra, a special moment for sure!

We had saxophonist Dave Plummer perform while I walked down the aisle and we had sleight of hand magician Aaron Isted arrive for the evening who performed close up magic at each table, the guests loved him.

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

Sam, father of the groom, was able to make a speech as well as Warren, father of the bride, which was a lovely touch. The guests loved hearing from both sides of the family.

Videographer name + review

We bought a go pro and set this up to film the ceremony, and my sister Hannah, maid of honour, filmed the speeches at the dinner.

Venue name + review

The Royal Hotel, Isle of Wight, absolutely beautiful historic venue, my family have been visiting for years, it is next to the village where I grew up, (bride) and felt like the most perfect choice for our intimate weddings

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

My wedding dress was from Gems Bridal Isle of Wight, altered by Karen Dornellie Unique Bridalwear. Karen added a diamond and pearl belt, and delicate shoulder straps as well as altering the dress to fit seamlessly. For my “something old” my mother let me borrow her veil which she had handmade and wore to her wedding 35 years ago, with hand stitched pearls all the way around. I had a swan down bolero for the evening to keep me warm by the pool.

I borrowed my auntie Angela’s diamonds for the big day, as my uncle David owns Spencer the Jewellers in Eccleshall and her diamonds are spectacular, this was my something borrowed.

My shoes were from Dune bridal collection which have a blue crystal crafted into the base as my something blue, and I had a six pence in my shoe from my late Popsie’s coin collection to keep the tradition.

My husband Tom wore a tailored performance fit navy suit from Moss Bros and shirts from Charles Tyrwhitt. A fantastic fit for being 6’9 tall.

Shoes: Gianni Feraud lace up brogue in black.
A pearl tie pin from Spencer the Jewellers in Eccleshall who also handmade our platinum wedding rings.

The wedding flowers

My mum Joanne loves to create beautiful floral arrangements as a hobby so we immediately took her up on her offer to complete our wedding flowers. Creating absolutely stunning displays for all around the room, the table centrepieces, bride and bridesmaids bouquets and button holes or corsages for the entire wedding party.

With the help from dear friend Sue who is a retired commercial florist, I thoroughly enjoyed styling the flowers with my mum, choosing all my favourites plus sentimental touches including all the eucalyptus and olive tree foliage from my parents garden and Queen Victorias myrtle.

The day before the wedding being surrounded by the most stunning white flowers in my parents kitchen creating the bouquets together is one of my favourite memories, thank you mummy!

Cake maker name + review

My mum Joanne was in charge of the wedding cake and she did an outstanding job, three tiers of fruit cake with royal icing and beautiful lace icing for decoration.

This is a tradition in my family as my grandma had made my mums cake when she got married too! We saved the top tier for when our son was born!

Stationery maker’s name + review

We used Zazzle they have a very large choice of stationery.

Any extra special styling touches?

My Spencer cousins had a pendant made for the bouquet with photographs of our late grandparents in (from both sides of the family which was a lovely touch to have them with us on the day).

As the owner of SHED Soy Candles, I made all my wedding guests an eco friendly soy candle with lavender and bergamot essential oils as their wedding favour, we also had these candles lit all around the venue so it smelt amazing!

Wedding readings?

The Desiderata by Max Ehrmann. Read by my husbands best friend Jamie.

Wedding planner name + review

Maria at The Royal hotel went above and beyond saying yes to all our wishes and making the day so smooth.

Hair + makeup name + review

Myself!

The post Emma & Tom’s lovely Isle of Wight wedding, with SJ Jones Photography – and just 25 guests! appeared first on English Wedding.

Have a fabulous bank holiday weekend everyone!

Wedding photographer’s website

Jaye-Peg Photography https://jayepeg.co.uk

Wedding photographer review

Jaye was absolutely brilliant with us from start to finish!!! Meeting Jaye a couple of times before our wedding along with her funny & quirky sense of humour made us both feel really at ease, which was lovely when it came to our big day!

Jaye was amazing at capturing beautiful pictures & memories, our wedding album is so beautiful!!!

Her work is brilliant & to a high standard!!!

We couldn’t be happier, thank you Jaye!!!

Your best wedding moment or memory

Apart from getting married our best wedding moment was when we had Back Chat Brass (brass band) come playing into our wedding reception as a surprise to our guests. They were amazing & we had so much fun!!! ?

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

We had an intimate wedding with immediate family only & had our fur baby Millie (dog) as a flower girl. It was lovely to spend time with both of our families & to have Millie there, it was beautiful!!!

Venue name + review

Low Hall The Lakes.

Low Hall were fantastic!!! They looked after us really well & made sure everything ran smoothly on our special day! Thank you Low Hall!!!

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

Shireen: I absolutely loved my dress! I wore a bespoke a-line v-neck wedding dress with lots of lace & embellishment. I had a long vail which had lace too. My dress was Spanish Baroque in style.
Phil: I wore a navy waistcoat & trousers with a textured white shirt, forest green tie & tan brogues.

Dress or suit shop name + review

My dress was from Elite Bridal. Elite Bridal were absolutely fantastic!!! They looked after me brilliantly from start to finish!!! Nothing was too much trouble & they pulled out all the stops to find me my dream dress & vail. They made my whole experience really special!!! Thank you so much Elite Bridal!!!

Florist name + review

Cumberland Flower Farm.

Harriet’s flowers are to a very high standard home-grown with such expertise, care & hard work!!! Harriet was great from start to finish!!! Nothing was too much trouble!!! It was lovely to meet Harriet, this is a lady that works so hard & it shows in her work!!! We were absolutely blown away with our beautiful flowers & our bespoke arrangements were amazing!!! Our flowers were everything we wanted & more!!! Thank you Harriet!!!

Cake maker name + review

Sally Cooper Cake Artist.

Sally is amazing at what she does!!! She was really attentive when it came to what we were wanting for our bespoke wedding cake especially as our cake had to be gluten free aswell. Sally took care of everything for us & our cake was beautiful!!! Thank you Sally!!!

Stationery maker’s name + review

Ivy & Gold.

Ivy & Gold were amazing!!! When it came to our bespoke wedding stationery they were really attentive & helpful. Our stationery was excellent quality & we were over the moon with the results!!! Thank you Ivy & Gold!!!

Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?

When it came to decorating & styling our wedding venue, I (Bride) really wanted to go down the DIY route. I had a strong vision so I was able to collect bits through my line of work (Assistant Manager in Charity Retail) as well as buy things new.

From having morrocan lanterns to recycling gin bottles decorated with lights, putting together dried flower sprigs to having a tree of life macrame dreamcatcher that we had bought while on holiday in Rhodes!

We had a tree of life sign that had been made by a Blacksmith which Phil backed with wood to make as a feature.

Julie at Lune Valley Crockery did a brilliant job styling our wedding tables incorporating cut glass items that I had collected. We even had a piñata for good measure!

Very special speeches

When it came to the speeches Phil’s brother (best man) gave a lovely speech full of laughter & sentiment. We were absolutely blown away with the speech that my dad gave (Father of the Bride) not only did he say a few kind words but he also sang a song full of sentiment. It was a lovely surprise & now a beautiful memory of the day!

Hair + makeup name + review

Hair for a Wedding, Gemma Louise Bridal Hair & Makeup. Gemma was fantastic!!! She was really attentive when it came to creating the look that I was wanting & she gave me great advice too. She made me feel at ease with her friendly & bubbly personality, she was a ball of good energy! I was really happy with the results!!! Thank you Gemma!!!

—topg

The post Shireen & Phil’s colourful wedding at Low Hall the Lakes with Jaye Peg Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

Wedding photographer’s website

London wedding photographer Emis Weddings

Wedding photographer review

Unbelievably talented at catching candid moments.

Your best wedding moment or memory

Leaving the church with Muse playing at the church bells ringing.

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

The bride did a speech at the front of the marquee, before any other toasts

Venues

St Petrox Church, Dartmouth and Sharpham House, Totnes

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

Katie wore a white dress by Suzanne Neville, and Calum chose tartan trousers and a morning suit.

Florist

Holly Bee Flowers

Cake

Chloe’s Cakes

Stationery

Rose & Beau

Order of the day and art pieces

Patricia Hitchens Art

Wedding readings?

Love like a river by Whitney Hanson

Wedding planner

Elizabeth Shell Events – Phoebe

Hair + makeup

Fiona Miller MUA and Jessica Faye Bridal Hair

The post Katie & Calum’s arty Sharpham House wedding, with Emis Weddings appeared first on English Wedding.

Loads more on our instagram at @englishweddingblog over the coming days. Please do read through Sara & Tom’s English Wedding interview – it’s an absolute gem.

Wedding photographer’s website

Cambridge & UK wedding photographer Damien Vickers

Wedding photographer review

We are absolutely thrilled to share our experience with Damien Vickers, who was the photographer for our wedding. From start to finish, Damien was nothing short of amazing. He captured every magical moment of our special day with an artistry that exceeded all our expectations.

The photos of my husband and I are simply breathtaking. Damien has a remarkable talent for finding the perfect angles and lighting, making every shot look like something out of a fairy tale. His ability to capture the raw emotion and joy of the day is truly unmatched. Every time we look at the photos, we’re transported back to those precious moments, and we know we will cherish them for a lifetime.

Not only did Damien capture stunning photos of us, but he also worked so wonderfully with our family and friends. He was incredibly patient, kind, and professional, making everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera. The candid moments he captured of our loved ones are some of our favorite shots—so genuine and heartwarming. It’s as if he was able to freeze time and preserve the essence of our celebration.

Working with Damien was an absolute pleasure. He blended seamlessly into our wedding day, capturing the joy, love, and fun without ever being intrusive. He has a true gift for storytelling through his lens, and we are so grateful that he was part of our special day.

If you’re looking for a photographer who will capture your wedding day in the most beautiful and authentic way, look no further than Damien Vickers. His work is nothing short of phenomenal, and we couldn’t be happier with the memories he’s given us. We will treasure these photos forever. Thank you, Damien!

Your best wedding moment or memory

One of the most unforgettable moments of our wedding was the Father of the Groom’s speech. It was a truly special and heartfelt moment that left us in tears. As he stood before our family and friends, he spoke with such warmth and sincerity about the meaning of love. His words resonated deeply with everyone in the room, but especially with us. He shared the wisdom he has gained from over 35 years of marriage, talking about the true essence of love—the kind of love that endures through life’s ups and downs, that grows stronger with time, and that is built on mutual respect, understanding, and unwavering commitment. As he spoke, it was clear that he was not just offering advice but sharing the secrets of a lifelong love that he and his wife have cherished for decades. The way he spoke about his own marriage, and the love he has for his wife, was incredibly moving. It was a powerful reminder of what marriage truly means and what it takes to build a strong and lasting relationship. His words were not just a reflection of his love for his wife but a beautiful example for us to follow as we begin our own journey together. This speech was more than just words; it was a heartfelt gift from a father to his son and daughter-in-law. It was a moment of connection that we will hold in our hearts forever. His words of love, wisdom, and hope were the most special part of our wedding day, and we will always cherish the memory of that beautiful speech.

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

Our wedding was truly a labor of love, the result of a year of planning and a lifetime of dreaming. It was a DIY celebration brought to life by the Pinterest mood board I, the bride, had been curating over the eight wonderful years my husband and I have spent together.

Every detail, from the smallest table setting to the most intricate hand-painted sign, was a reflection of our shared vision and the love we have for each other and our family and friends.

Hosting the wedding at our family farm made it all the more special. This was a place that held so many memories for us and our loved ones—a place where we had shared countless gatherings, and now, where we would celebrate the most important day of our lives. The farm provided the perfect backdrop, with its familiar landscapes and comforting atmosphere, making everyone feel right at home.

The months leading up to the wedding were filled with joyful moments as we prepared for the big day. We spent weekends driving around the countryside, visiting thrift stores to collect unique items that would add character and charm to our celebration. It was a journey of discovery, finding treasures that would come together to create something truly beautiful.

Hand-painting signs, carefully selecting table settings, and growing our own flowers added personal touches that made the day uniquely ours.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of our wedding was how our family and friends came together to contribute. They baked cakes and treats, filling our dessert table with homemade goodies that were as delicious as they were meaningful. It was wonderful to see everyone involved, sharing in the creation of our special day. Their efforts made the occasion feel even more intimate and loved.

We also wanted to ensure that our friends with children had a great time, so we set up a dedicated children’s area filled with fun activities to keep the little ones entertained.

For those who traveled from afar, we arranged a camping area on the farm, allowing our guests to stay overnight and celebrate without worry. It was important to us that everyone felt comfortable and could fully enjoy the day without the stress of finding accommodations.

In the end, our wedding was not just a celebration of our love, but also a reflection of the incredible community of people who have supported us throughout our journey. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and countless memories, made all the more special by the time, effort, and heart that went into every detail.

We will cherish these memories forever, knowing that our wedding was truly a labor of love, shared with the people who mean the most to us.

A beautiful and meaningful location

Our wedding venue was a place that holds a deep and personal significance for us—our family farm in Suffolk. Both of us come from farming families, so choosing to celebrate our wedding on the land that has been a part of our lives for so long was incredibly meaningful. The farm isn’t just a piece of land; it’s a place filled with memories and connections that link us to our roots, our loved ones, and the life we’ve built together.

Located in the heart of Suffolk, the farm provided the perfect setting for our special day. Suffolk is renowned for its beautiful countryside, and we were blessed with sunny weather that showcased the area’s natural beauty. The landscape here is nothing short of breathtaking, with rolling fields that stretch out beneath wide, open skies. As the sun began to set, we were treated to one of Suffolk’s iconic sunsets, with golden light casting a warm glow over everything, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

One of the most distinctive features of the Suffolk landscape, and a highlight of our venue, is the Brecks—the clusters of Breckland Pine Trees that stand tall and proud against the horizon. These trees are a symbol of Suffolk’s unique charm, adding to the picturesque setting that made our wedding day so special. The Brecks are a reminder of the enduring beauty of this place and a connection to the generations that have lived and worked on this land before us.

Our family farm isn’t just beautiful; it’s a place that has a connection with everyone who visits. Many of our guests had been here before, sharing in the celebrations, holidays, and quiet moments that have taken place over the years. Having our wedding here felt like welcoming our loved ones into a part of our history, where every corner of the farm tells a story. The farm provided a familiar and comforting backdrop, making our wedding day feel intimate and personal. In choosing to marry on our family farm, we celebrated not just our love for each other, but our love for the land and the life it represents.

Suffolk’s natural beauty, the connection to our families, and the countless memories we’ve made here all came together to create a wedding day that was as meaningful as it was beautiful. It was the perfect place to begin the next chapter of our lives, surrounded by the people and the landscape that mean the most to us.

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

Our wedding outfits were a true reflection of our style and the vision we had for our special day.

My wedding dress was a perfect blend of modesty, classic elegance, and a touch of modern flair. It was a fitted white gown made of chiffon and lace, featuring a short train that added just the right amount of drama. The dress was backless, which gave it a contemporary edge, while still maintaining a timeless and graceful silhouette.

One of the most special aspects of my dress was the personal touch added by a wonderful seamstress. She skillfully altered the dress to include delicate half sleeves, which not only enhanced its elegance but also made it feel uniquely mine. These customizations made the dress feel even more special and perfectly suited to me.

To complete the look, I wore beautiful shoes from Charlotte Mills, which were as comfortable as they were stylish.

My wedding jewelry, sourced from Lace & Favour, added the perfect finishing touches, with each piece complementing the dress and making me feel like a bride straight out of a dream.

The groom’s outfit was a bit more challenging to put together, but the result was exactly what we envisioned. I had a very specific idea in mind and was determined to bring it to life.

We searched high and low to find the perfect copper or tan brown trousers that would set the tone for a unique and stylish look. After much searching online, we finally found the right pair that matched the vision perfectly. To complete the look, we paired the trousers with braces, adding a vintage touch that suited the relaxed yet refined vibe of our wedding.

The groomsmen wore coordinating bow ties, which tied the whole look together with our bridesmaids who had their own copper or terracotta dresses, creating a cohesive and stylish ensemble.

The attention to detail in the groom’s outfit mirrored the care and thought put into every aspect of our wedding, making it all the more special. Together, our outfits captured the essence of our day—classic yet personal, elegant yet relaxed, and completely true to who we are as a couple.

Dress or suit shop name + review

House of Snow in Bury St Edmunds & Bridal Pixie Alterations

I cannot express enough how grateful I am to House of Snow in Bury St Edmunds and Bridal Pixie Alterations for making my wedding dress dreams come true. These two businesses went above and beyond to ensure I felt like the most beautiful and authentic version of myself on my special day.

House of Snow was an absolute delight from the moment I walked through the door. Their collection of wedding dresses is simply stunning, with something for every bride. The team there took the time to understand my vision, helping me find the perfect dress that embodied both classic elegance and modern style. Their patience, expertise, and genuine passion for what they do made the entire experience unforgettable. I felt completely at ease knowing I was in the hands of such professionals.

Once I found my dream dress, Bridal Pixie Alterations worked tirelessly to make it uniquely mine. The talented seamstress at Bridal Pixie transformed my dress with meticulous care, adding delicate half sleeves that elevated the design to a whole new level. Her craftsmanship was impeccable, and she paid attention to every detail, ensuring that the alterations not only enhanced the dress’s beauty but also fit me perfectly. She truly understood how important it was for me to feel like myself in my wedding dress, and she made that happen with her incredible skill and dedication.

Thanks to House of Snow and Bridal Pixie Alterations, I walked down the aisle feeling confident, radiant, and completely “me.” Their commitment to making every bride feel special shines through in everything they do, and I can’t recommend them highly enough to anyone searching for their perfect wedding dress experience. These two businesses played a huge part in making my wedding day the most magical day of my life, and I will forever be grateful for their exceptional service and care.

Florist name + review

Tolly’s Flowers in Newmarket
I am beyond thrilled to share my experience with Tolly’s Flowers in Newmarket. Tolly’s exceptional work is truly something special, and it’s impossible for it to go unnoticed. His expert knowledge, care, and unwavering dedication to his craft are nothing short of remarkable.

From the very beginning, Tolly took the time to truly understand my vision. He listened carefully to what I wanted, and then went above and beyond to bring that vision to life. The floral arrangements he created were nothing short of breathtaking—every single detail was perfect. Tolly’s ability to work with my bespoke ideas and transform them into stunning floral masterpieces is a testament to his incredible talent and passion for what he does.

Tolly was incredibly hands-on throughout the entire process, ensuring that every flower was perfectly in place. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence made all the difference.

My bridal bouquet, in particular, was exactly what I had envisioned—elegant, vibrant, and full of life. The fact that Tolly personally delivered it on the morning of our wedding was the cherry on top, adding an extra touch of care and personalization that meant the world to me.

Thanks to Tolly, the flowers at our wedding were not just decorations—they were works of art that brought our entire day to life. I am so grateful for his expertise, creativity, and the love he puts into every arrangement.

If you’re looking for a florist who will not only meet but exceed your expectations, Tolly’s Flowers is the place to go. Thank you, Tolly, for making our wedding day so incredibly beautiful!

Cake maker name + review

I am absolutely thrilled to write this review for my dear friend Sophie Cole, who designed our wedding cake. Sophie’s talent and creativity truly know no bounds. The cake she created for our wedding was beyond anything we could have ever imagined—it was an absolute work of art!

Every detail was meticulously crafted, and the final result was nothing short of breathtaking. Not only was the cake stunning to look at, but it was also incredibly delicious. Sophie’s ability to combine artistry with flavor is unmatched, and our guests couldn’t stop raving about how amazing it tasted. She took the time to understand our vision and went above and beyond to bring it to life, creating a cake that perfectly reflected our style and the theme of our wedding.

Sophie, thank you for pouring so much love and care into making our wedding cake so special. It was a special highlight of our day and a beautiful centerpiece that we’ll remember forever.

Crafty projects and homemade styling touches

Our wedding was a true labor of love, brought to life through countless handmade projects that reflected our personalities and the unique journey we’ve shared.

From the very beginning, we knew we wanted our celebration to be a boho festival-themed wedding, and every detail was carefully crafted to create the magical day we envisioned. One of the most special projects was the wedding portfolio I created, which served as a guide and inspiration throughout the planning process. It was a collection of ideas, sketches, and plans that helped bring our vision to life. This portfolio became the blueprint for everything from the color scheme to the layout of the venue, ensuring that every element of the day was perfectly coordinated and deeply personal.

The handmade signs were another labor of love. Each one was carefully painted and customized to fit the aesthetic of our boho theme. They guided our guests through the day, from the welcome sign at the entrance to the signs pointing out the various activities and areas around the venue. Creating these signs was a joy, knowing they would add a personal touch and help set the tone for our celebration.

Growing our own flowers was an incredibly rewarding experience. Watching them bloom and then using them to decorate the tables and venue made the day feel even more connected to us. The flowers were a true reflection of the care and attention we put into every aspect of the wedding. Each table was named and adorned with these hand-grown blooms, adding a fresh, natural beauty to the celebration.

The sailcloth tent was the centerpiece of our festival theme, with its flowing fabric creating a light and airy atmosphere that was both elegant and relaxed. We set up outside games and seating areas around the tent, giving our guests plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the day.

The firepit and beer canoe added a touch of rustic charm, inviting everyone to gather, share stories, and savor the moment.

One of the most enchanting parts of the day was the forest area we transformed into a magical space with our love story woven into the trees. We created an enchanted forest where guests could wander and discover special moments from our journey together, beautifully displayed among the trees. It was a place of reflection and romance, where our story came to life in the most natural and whimsical setting.

To add a touch of our shared history to the festivities, we set up stations offering specialty cocktails connected to our past. Each cocktail told a story, representing a moment, place, or memory that was important to us. It was a fun and meaningful way to share our history with our guests and to celebrate the moments that brought us to this day.

Setting up each part of the wedding with such great care and attention to detail was a true labor of love. Every handmade project, every carefully chosen element, came together to create a day that was uniquely ours. It was a celebration not just of our marriage, but of the journey we took to get there, shared with the people we love most.

Wedding readings?

Our wedding readings were thoughtfully chosen to reflect the deep meaning and significance of marriage, each resonating profoundly with our personal experiences and values.

The first reading, “The Art of Marriage” by Wilferd A. Peterson, was delivered by my mother. Her reading of this beautiful piece was one of the most touching moments of the ceremony. The message of the poem, which speaks to the true essence of marriage—commitment, partnership, and the daily acts of love and kindness—was conveyed with heartfelt sincerity. As she read, the words resonated deeply with everyone present, offering a poignant reflection on how to nurture and sustain a loving relationship. It was a perfect reminder of the values we hold dear and aspire to live out every day.

The second reading, “I Carry Your Heart with Me” by E.E. Cummings, was particularly special to me. This poem holds a cherished place in my heart, as it beautifully encapsulates the profound love I’ve been fortunate to experience in my life. Growing up, I was blessed to be raised by my grandfather, whose love and wisdom shaped who I am today. This reading reminded me of his enduring presence in my life and the deep bond we shared. It also symbolised the love that my partner and I share—an unbreakable connection that we carry with us, no matter where life takes us.

Having both of these readings during our ceremony was a deeply meaningful way to honour the love that has guided me through my life and the love that my partner and I now share. Each reading brought its own special sentiment to our wedding, weaving together our past, present, and future in a way that was both personal and profound.

First dance song? Playlist recommendations?

Our first dance was an unforgettable moment, made even more special by the song we chose: “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne. This song has been close to our hearts since the day we met. It’s the kind of song that instantly makes you want to dance in your living room, with its simple yet joyful lyrics and soulful melody.

The magic of the moment was brought to life by the incredible Folk Fables Band from Entertainment Nation, who performed the song live. Their rendition was absolutely perfect—capturing the essence of the song while adding their own unique touch. As the band began to play, the familiar notes filled the air, and we were transported back to all those moments we’ve shared, dancing together in our living room, smiling, laughing, and feeling grateful for the love we found.

Dancing to “You Are the Best Thing” on our wedding day was a celebration of our journey together. The lyrics spoke to everything we feel about each other—how much we mean to one another and how our love has grown stronger over time. The live performance added an extra layer of emotion, making the moment feel even more intimate and special.

As we danced, surrounded by our loved ones, it felt like time stood still. The music, the atmosphere, and the joy of the occasion all came together to create a memory we will cherish forever. This song, and the way it was brought to life by the Folk Fables Band, perfectly captured the happiness and love we felt in that moment. It was the perfect choice for our first dance, and it will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Hair + makeup name + review

Elegant Hair and Beauty & Pretty Faces Makeup I can’t express enough how amazing Sharron at Elegant Hair and Beauty and Emma at Pretty Faces Makeup were on my wedding day. They made me feel like an absolute star, giving me the glowing beauty of J-Lo!

From the moment they arrived, they brought such a calm and joyful energy to our home, making the entire getting-ready process a wonderful experience.

Sharron worked her magic on my hair, creating fantastic waves and volume that were everything I had hoped for and more. My hair looked stunning and stayed perfect all day long. What made Sharron truly exceptional was her dedication—she even accompanied me all the way to the church, ensuring that every last detail was perfect before I made my grand entrance. That extra level of care and attention meant the world to me.

Emma’s makeup skills are truly second to none. She crafted a look that made me feel fantastically me—enhancing my natural beauty with flawless, radiant makeup that lasted all day and night. Emma perfectly captured the vision I had in mind, and I couldn’t have been happier with the result. She also did an incredible job on my bridesmaids, making each one look and feel absolutely beautiful.

Together, Sharron and Emma created a fun, relaxing atmosphere as we got ready, and their professionalism and expertise shone through every step of the way. They made sure we all felt pampered, beautiful, and confident. I am so grateful for their incredible work, and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a dream team to make their wedding day truly special.

Thank you, Sharron and Emma, for making me feel like the best version of myself on the most important day of my life!

Wedding catering

Spindle Catering
We cannot praise Spindle Catering in Tuddenham, Suffolk enough for the exceptional service, dedication, and absolutely delicious food they provided on our wedding day. From start to finish, they went above and beyond to ensure that our catering experience was nothing short of extraordinary.

From the moment we met with head chef, Lee Bye and his exceptional Spindle Catering team, it was clear that they were dedicated to creating a menu that was perfectly tailored to our tastes and the theme of our wedding. They took the time to understand exactly what we were looking for, offering expert advice and crafting a bespoke menu that exceeded all of our expectations.

Our guests were treated to a culinary delight, starting with Norfolk smoked salmon truffle bellinis and hand-raised beef crostini for the canapés. Each bite was a burst of flavour that left everyone wanting more. The main event—a Suffolk Hog roast paired with rotisserie Suffolk chicken—was a true highlight. The meat was cooked to perfection, juicy and tender, and the accompanying sides were equally impressive. Every element of the menu was thoughtfully prepared and made our taste buds come alive.

Our guests were raving about the food, and many mentioned it was some of the best they’d ever had at a wedding. The Spindle Catering team was not only skilled in the kitchen but also exceptionally friendly and professional. Their attention to detail and commitment to ensuring everything was perfect did not go unnoticed. They anticipated our needs, provided seamless service throughout the evening, and even served a late-night snack to keep our dancing guests fueled into the night. We are incredibly grateful for the effort and care they put into making our wedding day so special.

Having Spindle Catering nearby is truly a blessing, and we feel so fortunate to have had them as part of our big day. We cannot recommend them highly enough—if you’re looking for a catering team that delivers phenomenal food and impeccable service, Spindle Catering is the one to choose! Thank you for making our wedding unforgettable!

The post Sara & Tom’s insanely creative Suffolk farm wedding, with Damien Vickers Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

Wedding photographer’s website

Andy at Howling Basset https://www.howlingbasset.co.uk/

Wedding photographer review

Andy is an absolute dream – professional, friendly and a fantastic photographer! We’ve had so many compliments about our photographs and friends have since hired him since they’ve seen ours – they’re fresh, playful and spontaneous. He took charge during the formal photograph session, helping to coordinate everyone and was great at finding solutions to the wet weather, so that Leo and I were just able to get swept up in the moment and enjoy the day. Thank you so much Andy!

Your best wedding moment or memory

Oh gosh, so many! The ceremony was just the most fantastic 45 minutes ever…all the emotions! Meeting at the top of the aisle was so much more emotional than I think we both thought it would be. I welled up with nerves and excitement before starting our entrance and then when I reached Leo, I could see that he was feeling exactly the same. The entrance music was a piece that we’d listened to a lot when we’d first started dating so it meant a lot to us – Max Richter, Vivaldi Recomposed, Spring 1. I’d had to listen to it in the weeks before as I was driving and things, just to ensure I was exposed to it as I knew it would set me off. And then it was just such a happy moment when the Reverend pronounced us husband and wife – the cheers from our families and friends were just fabulous, as was the confetti walk! Very happy times.

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

Our venue wasn’t a traditional wedding venue – in fact, we were their first, which meant that we had a big white room to transform ourselves from start to finish. A big job, but we got a lot of satisfaction from it. Pulling off the dried branches hanging from the ceiling was a thrill and we chose some amazing pieces from one of the resident artists at the Creative Centre as a backdrop. And we had such fun the day before with our nearest and dearest, setting it all up! They’re some of my happiest memories around the wedding…

Videographer name + review

We didn’t have a videographer but to save a few pennies, we bought a handheld camcorder and a tripod and the ushers set it up so that our vows were recorded and to film the speeches. Our beautiful photographs are the star of the show, but it’s nice to have some informal shots of everyone chatting and laughing together.

Venue name + review

St Peter and St Paul Church of England Church, Appledore, followed by Rye Creative Centre. Martin at the Creative Centre moved heaven and earth to make sure our day was a success, given they hadn’t hosted a wedding before. The hall itself, with the stage and the parquet flooring, was the perfect backdrop for our decorations, which we wanted to look dramatic, glamorous but warm and cosy, all at the same time. And our caterers – Game & Flames – were so fantastic, going above and beyond to sort hiring all the tables, cutlery etc…they were central to making the organising process as smooth as possible, and the food was so plentiful and just delicious. I would 100% recommend them.

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

My dress was by Freda Bennet, bought from Morgan Davies Bridal in London. Leo got his suit during a trip to London with my Dad. His parents live abroad and his Dad wasn’t able to travel easily, so this was a really touching moment in the run up to the big day. My father knows his stuff when it comes to a well-fitting suit and they hit the shops and had a slap up meal afterwards to celebrate.

Dress or suit shop name + review

The Morgan Davies team were just wonderful – so professional, friendly and knew exactly what would work on me – and the shop itself was beautiful – just what you imagine the experience to be!

Florist name + review

Woodchurch Cottage Flowers. I loved Lin and have kept in touch with her since the wedding. She was so knowledgeable, collaborative and helpful, and completely understood what we wanted from our first conversation. Lin grows the majority of the flowers she uses herself and so we were able to plan together. Plus there’s something lovely about knowing where the flowers have come from. She arranged all the bouquets, button holes and she put together a couple of amazing pumpkin flower displays, and then she gave us buckets of flowers and we rented posy jars from her to decorate the venue tables, which my bridesmaids all got involved in the day before. It saved us some budget and meant we were able to have so many more flowers than if we’d had them arranged by Lin’s team. The flowers were a massive highlight and I even took the bouquet with me to the country hotel we went to the day after the wedding!!!

Cake maker name + review

We wanted lots of homemade touches and so my mum made the cake and did a fantastic job, getting in touch with her creative side!

Stationery maker’s name + review

My friend Lottie had recently set up her business, Rather Lovely. We really wanted her beautiful work to play a central role in our big day and so she designed everything, from our Save the Dates through to our place-cards, wedding favours and table plan. It’s those touches that end up being your keep-sakes and she did such a beautiful job that I know I’m going to look back on them for years to come with such happiness. She 100% listened to our brief, sent us loads of ideas before cracking on with our final design and had lots of clever ideas we hadn’t even thought of. The stationery just tied everything together so beautifully, from start to finish.

Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?

A lot of our styling was homemade and crafty. But one of my favourites were our wedding favours. We love to grow vegetables and so we gave out pumpkin seeds, which we felt were appropriate for our Autumn wedding! We put them all in the envelopes and then Lottie designed some super-cute labels so that they added a beautiful finishing touch to the table settings.

Wedding readings?

Leo is from Belarus and given we weren’t able to have the wedding there, we wanted to pay tribute to his heritage throughout the day. The readings gave us one such opportunity and so our first reading was Leo Tolstoy’s Love Letter to his fiancee, Valeria Arsenev, read beautifully by our good friend Alex. And then my brother read Life Lessons from an 80 Year Old Man, which was long but has such a touching final line.

First dance song? Music recommendations?

We both love Yes Sir, I Can Boogie by Baccara and it definitely got the party started. Our band, the Soundcasters, were a triumph. Such great guys, they kept everyone on the dancefloor all night!

Hair + makeup name + review

Grace Benson Makeup. Grace did my hair and makeup and was such a calming and kind presence during the getting ready time. We had such a lovely morning and her and her colleague were friendly, professional and made me, my bridesmaids and Mum feel a million dollars!

Further reading: discover more Kent wedding venues here!

The post Lizzie & Leo’s gorgeous wedding in Rye, with Howling Basset Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

Wedding photographer’s website

Jaye-Peg Photography at https://jayepeg.co.uk

Wedding photographer review

Jaye captured our day beautifully, she was on the ball with our tight schedule and the album we have to cherish forever is stunning.

Your best wedding moment or memory

The memory of all of my loved ones being on a dance floor together loving, laughing & making beautiful memories.

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

I told my 4 bridesmaids that I wanted them to choose their own dresses, I didn’t mind the style or type, anything goes, as long as they’re each a different shade of my favourite colour; blue. They had all seen my dress prior to the big day as I can’t keep a secret, so the big reveal photo was of my face seeing their dresses for the first time in my garden on my wedding day, and they all looked fabulous, as you will see from the pictures.

Videographer name + review

My nanna; Marbeth. who captures every single day of her life on video because… that’s just who she is. She will tell you exactly what you ate at that restaurant with her in 2015 if you ask! It’s thanks to her that we have a lot of good moments on video.

Venue name + review

Special event tipis at Threlkeld Cricket Club. We loved our tipi wedding, it was so personal to us and felt so different to anything we had been part of before, we were able to enjoy our own styled wedding in the beautiful Lake District where we live without the huge expense of a hotel . We all slept on the floor and woke up to views of Blencathra!

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

My dress was from a shop in Carlisle that sells off the rail dresses so it’s just luck if they have the style you like the look of in your size. I knew I didn’t want an expensive dress as I like to dance… it’s a good job I went for the lower end dress choice as I ended up doing a knee slide down the muddy hill at the cricket club with my bridesmaid and the dress was complete black on both knees. I had so much fun so I wouldn’t change a thing. Jonny’s suit was a 3 piece from Next, he would have looked great in anything, but looked 100% husband material in the suit he chose.

Dress or suit shop name + review

WED2BE, lovely, helpful & friendly staff.

Florist name + review

My mother; Anita. 10/10.

My mum decorated the tipi, tables & made all of our bouquets/buttonholes etc with love. She also brought all of her own furniture that she had collected throughout the year to decorate our tipi! She hasn’t worked as a florist for years but jumped at the chance to decorate our wedding venue and everyone agrees, it looked fabulous.

Cake maker name + review

My mums best friend Frances! I had no preference or rules on the cake as I eat ALL cake so I left it up to her. We ended up with 3 x naked sponge cakes; chocolate, carrot & lemon. All delicious.

Stationery maker’s name + review

My sister-in-law made the table place names and tables names, they were of painted outlines of the surrounding fells of the area the tipis were positioned at threlkeld, with the tables named after each fell.

My mum & I made the seating plan with a glue gun in hand & a glass of wine in the other one night after a trip to hobby craft. It turned out just fine! My best woman made our invites, this was her wedding gift to us, they were beautiful.

Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?

Pretty much each part of our wedding was brought together by our amazing family & friends each offering us something which made the day even more special as it was like a talent show for both of our families. It made for good conversation throughout the day but a long list of people to thank during my husbands speech!

Wedding readings?

By my father, the best man & my husband

First dance song? Playlist recommendations?

Borns- electric love was the first dance song.
There was a lot of Lady Gaga as I’m her biggest fan! We cut the cake to ‘Hold my hand’ which made the moment even more special. When dirty dancing came on we tried the lift.. it didn’t work but made for a good laugh and good memory!

Wedding planner name + review

Me; Danielle, I did a 10/10 Job pulling the whole thing together within 12 months, I do feel I should have been awarded a project management degree for my efforts & the turn out. I did get a special mention in my husbands speech ‘I’ve watched her work tirelessly this whole year with minimal input from me, however it’s in Danni’s nature to ensure a day all about her, goes according to plan’ this got a good laugh from us all… it is very true.

Hair + makeup name + review

Hair by Shakira from Slaters Salon, cannot compliment this girl enough! She is amazing, fast, efficient & great crack. She’s my hairdresser for life. We done our own make up.

A special mention for our caterer

Our Caterer was Jane from Table manners and she was fabulous. Her & her team pulled out all the stops and made our day run so smoothly, we didn’t even realise they were there, everything just happened and was cleaned away without us noticing they were working tirelessly around us whilst we just worked on making amazing memories.

There are many people that I haven’t mentioned who helped make our 2 day tipi wedding run so smoothly such as my husbands family, they were all so thoughtful ensuring every basis was covered with great detail, however in this small space, I must give special thanks to my father who I’ve not yet mentioned. He & my uncle drove countless times back and forth between my parents house in Carlisle, and the venue, to unload all of the furniture, decorations & additions that made it personal to us. He also made sure the generator didn’t run out of fuel and fed us all throughout the day with BBQ food, the day after our marriage, when we had a final informal celebration before the tipi was taken down.

We made memories that will last a life time and we wouldn’t change a thing about our tipi wedding in the lakes.

The post Danni & Jonny’s tipi wedding in the Lake District, with Jaye Peg Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

Wedding photographer’s website

Snapdragon photography- https://www.snapdragonphoto.co.uk/

Wedding photographer review

Kayleigh was amazing, she captured our whole day so beautifully. We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer and we will treasure the photos forever.

More from Snapdragon Photography (Devon)

Your best moment or memory

The whole day was wonderful. I loved our smoke bomb photo shoot after the ceremony. We had all our close friends join in and let off smoke bombs on the lawn- it was really fun and the photos looked great too!

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

The forecast for our wedding day was gale force winds and storms…We had our wedding at Tapeley Park in Instow, which has amazing grounds and we really wanted to be outside a lot! I had read somewhere online that if you bury a sausage in the garden the night before it will guarantee sunshine on your wedding day! – Sounds like a crazy idea, but worth a try? So the groom and his best men buried a sausage in the garden. Our wedding day turned out to be beautiful and the sun came out in time for drinks and photos on the lawn!!

Venue name + review

Tapeley Park in Instow. It was the perfect venue for us, it has beautiful grounds, a large grand house where we had our ceremony leading to a nice big lawn for drinks. We used their barn for our dinner and drinks, It was the perfect blank canvas for us to add our own style and decor.

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

My dress was by WToo Watters, I found it online and had it amended, I also added some boho sleeves myself.

Paul had a blue suit jacket from Antique Rogue, which he matched with chinos and a floral shirt.

Florist name + review

One flower Worthing- we had some beautiful dried flowers which I still have and they smell amazing!

Cake maker name + review

My sister-in-law made our delicious wedding cake, ‘Frantaffstic Bakes’.

Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?

Our table plan was done on a one of Paul’s old surfboards which worked really well and everyone loved it.

First dance song? Playlist recommendations?

We had our first dance later in the evening- about 10pm- untraditional, but it worked well for us as the party was well underway by then and everyone loved it. We danced to Jet – Are you gonna be my girl.

Hair + makeup name + review

Beauty By Cathy, our make up was done by Cathy, she did an amazing job, making us all look and feel incredible on the day.

The post Ruby & Paul’s creative DIY wedding at Tapeley Park with Snapdragon Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

Wedding photographer’s website

Danny Jack https://dannyjackphotography.co.uk

Wedding photographer review

Danny was amazing. Having never had any professional photography done before we were both a bit wary about finding the right person to take the best possible photographs without it feeling too forced or posed. Danny was very easy going and fit in immediately – we shared several geeky interests and he was exceptionally easy to talk to. His natural and ‘in the moment’ photography style fit our wedding perfectly – allowing for an excellent mix of natural pictures and epic shots, without taking up too much time away from the party! He was able to capture all the magic moments – including an impromptu dancefloor cart-wheel from the groom! We would recommend Danny to everyone.

Your best moment or memory

There’s just so many, but if we had to pick one; the last dance of the night holds a special place for us; surrounded by all our closest friends and family (that had survived to the end!) whilst we danced as a couple at the center of the circle, allowing us to appreciate and soak up the final moments of the wedding evening.

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

We did not have any speeches – we felt that it would add unnecessary pressure to family members that were not confident public speakers which in turn, would affect their enjoyment and ability to relax. We also wanted a relaxed vibe, and we felt speeches too formal for us. We also took great delight at sneaking in as many geeky references as we could in the wedding, with varying levels of subtleness! Ranging from the barely visible ATLA runes on the invitations, to the D20 jelly wedding favours.

Venue name + review

The Ferry House. Absolutely perfect! We viewed the Ferry House Inn as our ‘wildcard’ venue as part of their wedding showcase and instantly fell in love.

The outdoor ceremony option of the gazebo was divine – surrounded by greenery and a lovely view of the water – it was exactly what we wanted. The gazebo option for the reception allowed us ample space for our guests – and the excellent quirk of hiding the dancefloor behind a screen until the evening reveal, was joyous! The wedding coordinators were incredibly helpful and made the whole process smooth and stress-free. Not to mention the food was sublime!

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

After seeing a green suit at the wedding EXPO in London we were surprised at how much we both loved the colour and thus began the hunt for a green suit, not nearly as popular as its blue or black counterparts. We finally found a friend in Edit Suits that allows for a custom design suit to be made – including several choices of material, pockets, colour and linings. After trying on several dresses – Faye chose the first dress she had tried on in the first shop: Bell’amore To fit with the rustic/relaxed/fantasy vibe Faye opted for a lace dress with floral patterns that had detachable sleeves(!).

Florist name + review

For our wedding we used Idyllic and Co. wedding designers who arranged and designed many aspects of our wedding – including the sourcing the flowers/florist (which ended up lovely!).

Cake maker name + review

Ericakes : https://www.ericakes.co.uk/

When searching for wedding cakes we knew we had found our cake maker when Faye saw Erica’s ‘Alice in Wonderland cake’ – the detailing and patterns were beautiful. Wanting something similar but a reflection of both Faye’s chaotic side and Dean’s ‘neater’ aesthetic, we met with Erica to discuss ideas and how we could tie in our fantasy/book theme. Erica came up with the brilliant idea of having a book page curled around one of the layers and it looked perfect. To add to this the cake flavours were varied and delicious. We were spoilt for choice! Would 100% recommend – we received many comments on how great the cake tasted and looked.

Stationery maker’s name + review

In the process of designing the table plan – Sophie (Idyllic and Co) recommended the work of LyndaLoves to do the stationery for the the seating places and table names. The colour choices worked perfectly with the table plan and, to ensure we were happy , samples were sent to us before a final decision was made. The calligraphy was beautiful!

Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?

We opted for sweets as our wedding favours and to hold them we purchased small white boxes and tied gold ribbon around them. However, looking a bit plain – we decided to tie them into our book theme by (spending many hours) making origami flowers from the pages of the book ‘The adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ which then perched upon the top of the boxes.

First dance song? Playlist recommendations?

A serene cover by Romy Wave of ‘Something Just Like This’ by Coldplay.

Wedding planner name + review

The Ferry House Inn Wedding Co-ordinators were friendly and very prompt to reply to any emails we sent. It was obvious this was something they excelled in, as every step was planned and organised – allowing for very little stress on our part. Meetings and checklists ensured nothing was missed and all aspects were covered.

We met several co-ordinators throughout our wedding planning process and every single one was a joy to meet and put us at ease. We would highly recommend them. The Ferry House works closely with Idyllic&Co who often decorate the venue on showcase days. This is where we first met Idyllic&Co’s Sophie after she had put together a stunning Autumnal display.

We very quickly decided on hiring Idyllic&Co for our day, and we had several meetings to discuss wedding colours, themes and options that had not even crossed our minds! So much was covered, for example, having a central family table instead of a top table (which was a stroke of genius as no one was able to see the father-of-the-bride spill wine down the bride’s dress – thankfully white wine!), or using a board of books as a table plan to fully bind the theme.

Sophie took our small ideas and changed them to a spectacular vision! The combined efforts of the Ferry House wedding co-ordinators and Idyllic&Co. was a dream team – it allowed for a very smooth and enjoyable lead up to the wedding with minimal stress – on our part. We cannot thank them enough!

We would also like to mention, The Ferry House DJ Carl who ensured the dancefloor was never empty!

Hair + makeup name + review

Hair: Suzy https://www.bridalhairbysuzy.co.uk/

Suzy was simply an amazing hair stylist. Faye is not someone who typically spends a lot of time on her hair and so did not have much of a vision in mind. Once an enquiry was made Suzy took the time to call and discuss options prior to booking and meeting at her studio for a trial day.

Suzy had a great depth of knowledge and was able to offer great insight and ideas to a bride that knew very little about hair styling. On the day Suzy was a life-saver! Being summer a couple of pesky wasps had managed to find their way into the getting ready room – as well as being a superb hair stylist she is also a wasp-whisperer and managed to coax the wasps out of the room – saving the bridesmaids who may or may not have been cowering sightly in the corner…

Despite having fine hair that does not hold a curl well – the hair style lasted all day and survived long hours of dancing! I am very grateful to Suzy for her vision and expert styling!

Make-up: Clare Lake https://www.clarelakemakeupartist.co.uk/ Clare has a very happy attitude and is an expert in her field. She knew instantly what would or wouldn’t complement the dress and bridal style which was perfect for a bride that was not sure what would work and had never worn false lashes.

The trial was relaxed and amazingly fun, discussing several styles and brands. Clare was able to put together a look for the bride, bridesmaids, and mother of the bride that suited everyone perfectly! Providing exceptionally useful hints and tips about the day in general. The makeup lasted all day and night, and the bridesmaids and bride felt incredible.

The post Faye & Dean’s timeless modern wedding, with Danny Jack Photography appeared first on English Wedding.