Your Kent Wedding - May/Jun 2019 (Issue 84)

REAL WEDDINGS 43  J on and Jodie met as teenagers through Jodie’s brother, who played football with her future husband. She says, “I used to watch him and had always noticed Jon around the stadium. He asked me for my number, and we’ve been together ever since!” Bath is a place dear to the couple’s hearts, so it was significant that the groom-to-be chose the Royal Crescent Hotel in the city to propose. It was August 2011 when their little son, Harri, was just six months old. The pair had first laid eyes on the beautiful Nettlestead Place when Jon’s best friend tied the knot there. They’d had such a wonderful day and loved the atmosphere at the venue. Plus, it’s located just 15 minutes from their home, which made it the perfect spot. Jodie remembers, “The undercroft was exactly right for us, as we didn’t want a church wedding, but this still had a traditional and intimate feel about it.” Here the bride tells us more about their gorgeous wedding day… SETTING THE SCENE Guests were treated to some edible delights as wedding favours, in the shape of pink and cream macarons with mini personalised bottles of prosecco. These were placed on the tables with centrepieces created from mirrors, candles and cut glass – simple yet romantic. The table plan was the perfect reflection of the invitations and welcome board, with complementary colours and flowers in the style of dreamcatchers. The place and table names were also designed to match. Jodie says of her flowers, “I just couldn’t stop looking at them! I’d always wanted peonies, but they weren’t available at the time of year, so Steph from Chic Weddings recommended a variety of rose, which looked similar.” Hanging rings of foliage were added to the marquee, creating a modern feel and completing the look perfectly. The dramatic doorway of the undercroft seemed like a styling feature not to be wasted, so it was enhanced by a white satin-draped frame with floral sprays at the corners. “It was one of my favourite pieces of décor,” recalls the bride. FOOD FOR THOUGHT The Vine Restaurant in Sevenoaks catered the event as part of the venue’s package. Food was an important part of proceedings for the pair, so naturally they opted for the gold option. Jodie says, “It was totally worth it. We were over the moon with the standard of food and the service they provided.” LOOKING THE PART The bride wore a blush pink dress with tiered skirt and embellished sweetheart bodice by Cosmobella. Jodie says, “I tried it on in ivory but always knew I wanted a blush dress so ordered it without actually seeing it! A little risky, but it paid off. It was my dream dress. Christina at Christina K Bridal Shop was so lovely and couldn’t have been more helpful.” The look was completed with a handmade headband-style tiara, drop earrings and delicate bracelet, gifted by Jon on the day as a surprise. Jon was dressed in a navy tux with velvet jacket, which stood out from the groomsmen, who wore regular jackets. “It was made to measure and fit like a glove,” says Jodie.