Lawn games, a barbeque and country garden theme created the perfect atmosphere for this summer wedding for Jenny and Jon…
How they met
Despite their unusual outfits, Jenny and Jon’s first meeting was a resounding success. “We met at a fancy dress party, where you had to go dressed as something beginning with your initial,” Jenny explains. “I was a jogger and he was Jesus! We felt a connection straight away and knew it was something special.”
The proposal
After eight years together, Jenny and Jon knew marriage was on the cards, but Jon still managed to surprise his bride-to-be with his proposal. “We were on holiday in Copenhagen and after a lovely meal, we went for a walk to the harbour, which was all lit up with twinkling lights,” Jenny recalls. “We walked to the end of the harbour, and as I turned around, I saw Jon on one knee.”
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The bride’s outfit
Jenny was inspired by the 1950s with her wedding outfit. She chose a lace tea-length dress by Stephanie Allin, with a vintage yet modern feel. “I fell in love with it on the hanger, and when I put it on and my mum said I looked like my grandma when she was young, I was sold,” Jenny explains. She accessorised with a jewelled side headband from John Lewis, satin bow shoes from Rachel Simpson and emerald-cut diamond earrings – a present from Jon.
The groom’s outfit
Jon and his ushers wore a classic grey Lingfield suit from Moss Bros, teamed with brown brogues. “He looked so handsome, and I felt very proud to walk down the aisle towards him,” smiles Jenny.
The bridesmaids
Jenny was attended by her best friends from childhood and university, and her sister-in-law Laura. The bridesmaids wore elegant nude, chiffon sleeveless dresses with gathering at the shoulders and waist from Watters at Darcy Bridal.
The ceremony
Jenny and Jon tied the knot in a civil ceremony at Guyzance Hall, a 19th-century Northumberland country house with extensive landscaped gardens and unspoilt woodlands. “Our registrar really made the day,” Jenny recalls. “She was so warm and welcoming to our guests, and made everyone smile throughout the proceedings.”
The flowers
The bouquets, buttonholes and table centres for Jenny and Jon’s country garden wedding were created by Fern Events and included sprays of gypsophila and pretty pastel blooms. “Their service was faultless and I was speechless when the flowers arrived on the day,” says Jenny.
The reception
Jenny and Jon chose a barbeque menu for their summer wedding, with dishes including tuna steak, local Northumbrian sausages, minute steak and teriyaki salmon. “Straight after the ceremony, we had an ice-breaking quiz, where people had to collect signatures from someone who was a doctor, someone who had twins, and so on,” Jenny says. “It was great fun and really made our guests mingle. We also had lawn games, which were very popular in the July sunshine.” In the evening, seven-piece band Hip Operation entertained with their variety of modern and classic songs with a swing flavour.
The details
The DIY details for Jenny and Jon’s special day included ornate framed mirrors that Jenny converted into chalkboards to use as the seating plan and signage. Jenny’s mum made hanging wicker hearts and hessian table runners to add to the decorations. “I also collected old family wedding photos and displayed them on a table in the hall to add a family touch,” adds Jenny. As favours, the guests were given seeds in the brown envelopes trimmed with bows – carrot seeds for the guys, and cornflowers for the girls.
The cake
Instead of a traditional wedding cake, Jenny and Jon opted for a four-tier cheese cake from The Northumberland Cheese Company, decorated with grapes, ivy and figs. “As a surprise for Jon, I had two mouse toppers made to look like me and Jon – they were a real talking point,” Jenny adds.
The honeymoon
The couple stayed in a cottage in the South of France and also visited Paris, where they enjoyed wine tasting, chateau tours, exploring the local towns and taking a cruise on the River Seine.
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