Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 76)

REAL WEDDINGS 43  A shared love of the arts helped bring Emma and Simon together. They were both at the same college in Brockenhurst, she was doing drama while he was studying music, and their paths often crossed during show rehearsals. They became good friends and started seeing more of each other when Emma moved from her home town of Southampton to Highcliffe. Love blossomed and after 10 years together Simon popped the question during a romantic spa break in Bath. “I assumed it was just a night away to relax and unwind as I’d recently started a new job and we hadn’t been able to spend much quality time together,” recalls Emma. That evening as they were getting ready for dinner in their room, Simon got down on one knee, ring in hand. “It was a complete surprise and I was in total shock. My eyes lit up when I saw the beautiful rose gold band and sparkling diamond!” COUNTRY CHARM When it came to finding the perfect setting for their big day, St Giles House won hands down. Set in the heart of the Dorset countryside, the house, rooms and grounds blew them away. “Simon’s a wedding pianist and plays at a lot of venues across the south coast, so we were looking for something a bit different that wouldn’t feel like work for him,” explains Emma. “We both wanted a church service and an elegant reception in the countryside. St Giles House offered us all that and more.” With the church located in the grounds, after the service they were able to walk to the house for the reception. “We strolled hand-in-hand, with the wedding party following behind us in the September sunshine. The bells were still ringing and it was a really special moment,” remembers Emma. LOOKING THE PART Emma chose a strapless, ivory satin Maggie Sottero Cressida dress to complement their classic wedding theme. “It was elegant, timeless and I felt really comfortable. The corset bodice pulled me in at the waist and the soft edging along the bust fitted against me perfectly. It had hidden pockets too, which made it feel really modern.” To complete the look, she had a long train, simple accessories and a stunning Italian lace, tiered veil to skim her shoulders. Her sister Laura was bridesmaid and she wore a long, blush pink dress which matched the colour of the men’s ties. “It was a fishtail style with an open back; she was my Pippa Middleton and she looked beautiful,” adds Emma. Simon bought his slim-fit, three-piece Hugo Boss suit in Nice while they were away in the South of France. The groomsmen chose Next suits in different cuts for a comfortable fit and all wore matching ties. THE PERSONAL TOUCHES The period library provided an idyllic backdrop for the wedding breakfast. “It Emma and Simon’s country house wedding was full of charm and style Images courtesy of Peppermint Love Photography CLASSIC CHIC