Nicola and Jon had a stunning, fun-filled real wedding with muted tones and fab flowers at Butley Priory, Woodbridge in Sept 2011…
The proposal
“It was Easter Friday and Jon had pretended he was getting up early to watch the cricket,” remembers Nicola.
“Being an un-sporty person, I had no idea there wasn’t actually any cricket on that day! He busied himself wrapping gifts, and at 10am he burst into our bedroom with a basket full of gifts and daffodils – but the most bizarre thing was that he was dressed up in a wolf costume (he was meant to be the Easter Bunny – but apparently he didn’t like that costume!).
I started unwrapping my gifts (all the while wondering if this was a proposal!) and yes, I opened an Easter Egg and in iced letters were the words; ‘will you marry me?’ at which point Jon popped down on one knee and presented me with a ring!”
The bride’s real wedding outfit
“My dress was called ‘Dayton’ from Enzoani’s Blue collection. It sounds corny, but the instant the sales assistant did the dress up I felt all teary and happy – I even started clapping my hands like an over-excited seal pup!” laughs Nicola.
“It was the perfect mix of romantic, feminine, waist defining and soft detailing that I’d been looking for. Not to mention the mermaid shape was ultra flattering and complemented my curvy figure,” she adds
The groom’s real wedding outfit
“Jon found a really great, modern Daniel Hetcher suit in mid grey, which he combined with a fabulous grey and pink stripe tie from Thomas Nash,” recalls Nicola. “I’ve never seen him look so dapper – normally he’s a jeans and trainers kind of man!”
The bridesmaids
“I’m not fond of traditional bridesmaid dresses, but stumbled across some gorgeous grey gowns from Phase Eight,” explains Nicola. “I took them home and had a mini fashion show with Jon and my parents, along with six other dresses I’d ordered online, and they all went for the Phase Eight ones, hurrah!” she adds
The ceremony
“I was instantly smitten with Butley, you can feel its historic greatness as soon as you arrive, and the Great Hall where we had our ceremony has the most wonderful high vaulted ceilings. We made our vows more personal by writing them ourselves – although Jon fluffed his lines, leaving everyone in fits of giggles!” says Nicola
The reception
“We went for a country-inspired theme of birds and butterflies, with large amounts of pastel-coloured florals and candles,” smiles Nicola. “We decorated the outside venue space with white metal hearts, white, pink and purple paper bells, lanterns and pom poms, which all looked beautiful gently blowing in the breeze.”
The honeymoon
“A few days before we were due to go, Jon injured his back and couldn’t fly – so we’re still yet to have one!” says Nicola.
