Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - September/October 2020 (Issue 82)

REAL WEDDINGS 31  T eenage sweethearts Jess and Jack were together for 10 years before getting married. Jack popped the question at one of their favourite places, local beauty spot Farley Mount in Winchester. “It was a cold, crisp day just before Christmas and we were walking our black labrador Darla whose tail wouldn’t stop wagging when Jack got down on one knee,” laughs Jess. She said ‘yes’ of course and they went to the luxury Lainston House hotel afterwards for a surprise champagne afternoon tea. “Jack had booked it in advance and I had no idea!” adds Jess. “It was wonderful and as it was Christmas time we had the chance to celebrate with all our family and friends too.” THE WHERE AND WHEN When it came to the venue hunt, the first and only place they visited was Hampshire’s Wherwell Priory. “Jack remembered the place as he’d worked there a few years ago. It was perfect, there was plenty of space for the marquee wedding we’d always wanted and it had beautiful countryside views, a long drive lined with trees and a river running through the grounds. We could imagine having our day there from the moment we first saw it!” Jess recalls. They set the date for 3 rd August, 2019 and opted for a church ceremony at St Catherine’s Littleton. A FAMILY AFFAIR Jess and her best girls stayed the night before the wedding at The Fox in Crawley, near Winchester and travelled to the church in style. The bridesmaids travelled in a silver people carrier, while Jess drove herself and her dad in a sleek Mercedes-Benz S-Class. “It was lovely to spend some time with my dad before we walked down the aisle! We were both very nervous and I remember not really saying much, just enjoying the moment,” recalls Jess. The ceremony was extra special as Jess’ 88-year-old grandfather came out of retirement to conduct the service. “I’d been so calm on the wedding morning but when I arrived at the church and saw my dog Darla and flowergirl Imogen, I burst into tears. That’s when it hit me that I was just about to get married!” remembers Jess. “My grandfather Bob was marrying us and after he gave me a cuddle I calmed down, ready to walk down the aisle. It felt amazing and as soon as I saw Jack, the tears started again. I was so overwhelmed by how beautiful the church was, full of our friends and family and how unbelievable it was that I was about to get married to my best friend and by my lovely gramps too!” As well as this, her brothers Alex and Oly sung and played their favourite song Crazy Love. “Neither of us had heard them play it before and it was incredible, something we’ll never forget,” adds Jess. LOOKING THE PART Jess wore a beautiful sheer lace Essense of Australia dress with a V back and beaded trim from Anya Bridal Couture in Droxford. A friend had recommended the boutique to her and she went with her mum, godmother and bridal entourage. “We went for a Sunday slot which meant we had exclusive use of the barn, complete with champagne, which made the day extra special.” After trying on six different gowns, she started to feel a little disheartened until the lady at Anya Bridal picked one out for her. “As soon as I slid it over my hips, it just felt right. Everyone had their eyes closed when I came out and as I turned around they were all looking at me crying – all five of them! That’s when we knew it was the one !” She completed the look with a Richard Designs full-length, scalloped, pearl-edged white veil, blue sparkly Jimmy Choo shoes and a white pearly bracelet that was worn by her grandparents’ bridesmaid on their wedding day. Jack and his groomsmen looked smart in blue three-piece suits which matched the six bridesmaids dresses perfectly. The bridal party also included their reluctant flower dog Darla, who had to be coaxed down the aisle.