Everything’s coming up roses Sophie and Jimmy’s wedding styling was inspired by the roses that grow in their garden Images courtesy of Nicky Hill Photography Sophie and Jimmy met at university in Preston and started dating soon after. Sophie knew she was on to a winner, when Jimmy treated her to a home-cooked meal of Hunter’s Chicken on one of their first dates. “I could barely cook a meal and still can’t really!” she explains. The two soon became inseparable and after a year as a couple, they decided to move in together. “We found that our values aligned and it felt very natural to share our lives,” Sophie says. Jimmy planned a heartfelt proposal at the National Trust gardens at Stourhead – a place they’d visited many times and adore. However, by her own admission, Sophie isn’t a lover of surprises and point-blank refused to go. “I’m a stubborn being and didn’t fancy a walk that day,” she remembers. So, thinking on his feet, Jimmy decided to propose in their back garden. Not quite Stourhead, but since Sophie couldn’t be persuaded to leave the house, their own version of it would have to do! Perseverance paid off for him though and he surprised Sophie by popping the question. This was back in 2017 and they opted for a long engagement to save for the wedding of their dreams. The couple agreed on three essential criteria when looking for a venue: it needed to have accommodation, be dog friendly and have an outdoor ceremony licence. Having viewed a handful of venues, Holbrook Manor emerged as the perfect fit. “It has a relaxed atmosphere and we felt we could make ourselves at home there, but it was also grand enough to suit the occasion. The staff were very friendly, supportive and relaxed, letting us explore every nook and cranny each visit,” Sophie explains. Read on as the bride tells us more about W-day – 31st July, 2021… 38
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