After falling in love at college Jen and Will moved to the countryside and bought their first home together. A fixer upper, Jen and Will worked hard to make it their dream home in the country, and once it was complete they decided it wasn't just the perfect home - but also the perfect wedding venue. This beautiful wedding at home (complete with the most adorable dog, Bumble) was captured by Lily and Frank Photography and we're delighted to share each elegant moment with you today.
Beautiful bride Jen tells us their love story..."We met at Durham University. Will had a gap year so started a year after I did. Durham has a collegiate parenting system and I was Will’s college Mum! We also played in a big band together (I played sax and Will trumpet). Best of friends, fell in love and we have been inseparable ever since. On graduating we moved to Somerset, began working at Will’s family business (he is the 6th generation), and bought a dilapidated farmhouse at auction. A year and a half later we moved in along with Bumble the dog, needless to say our home is very special to us."
Madly in love, Will proposed to Jen on holiday in Rome. She describes..."It was in Rome on our beautiful rooftop balcony. The most beautiful setting overlooking the most incredible city."
Once engaged Jen and Will began looking at wedding venues but ultimately decided their home was the perfect place for them to celebrate. Jen explains what made their house the perfect setting..."It being our home - a home which we re-imagined and a venue we could make completely our own. We visited some absolutely stunning venues but we were lucky enough to have the space outside to host the wedding and we felt that it was the perfect setting for us, I guess as the age old saying goes home is where the heart is!"
Before kicking of their wedding party at home Jen and Will hosted a classic church ceremony conducted by Will's cousin, and with music performed by family. Jen was brought to and from the church on a horse and carriage - an element of the day that meant a lot to her. She explains the sentiment..."Having horse and carriage with the same breed of horses as my mum and dad had on their wedding day (Friesian sisters Rosa and Bella). The journeys to the church with my dad and then from the church with my husband were so, so special."
Another important element of Jen and Will's wedding at home was the involvement of pup Bumble. Jen gushes..."We were adamant that our best friend Mr Bumble was to be included in the festivities. He wore a beautiful collar decorated by our very talented florist, featured in many photos, was under top table to listen to the speeches (in which he featured heavily) and I also enjoyed a dance with him (and have the paw prints on my dress to prove it!)." Adorable!
The elegant marquee was decorated with DIY ivory bunting, lots of willow (a nod to the family business which specialises in willow products) and an impressive gold tiered cake. The rest of the marquee was styled simply with long tables and a gin bar to encourage an all night long party. Jen remembers the evening..."The speeches were incredible, I laughed and cried during all 3, and our fantastic local DJ Jazzy Jeff doubled up as compere extraordinaire! The evening’s entertainment was absolutely incredible. Having met and played in Durham Hatfield College Big Band (Kinky Jeff and the Swingers) to have a Big Bang play at our wedding was just perfect. The dance floor was packed all night and our guests have not stopped singing their praises."
Following the wedding Jen and Will honeymooned on the West coast of America and Hawaii, visiting: San Francisco, Las Vegas, Maui, The Big Island, Los Angeles and San Diego. Huge congratulations to you both and thanks so much for sharing your wedding day with us all! A big thank you also goes to Lily & Frank Photography for sharing their work with us. To see more from Lily & Frank Photography visit www.lilyandfrank.co.uk
The Wedding Details
- Ceremony: St Giles Church, Thurloxton, Somerset
- Reception: Jen & Will's home
- Wedding Dress: ‘Bryony’ by Sassi Holford
- Bridesmaids dresses: Made bespoke by Alla Sellick Bridal Couture
- Shoes: Joanie Platform by Harriet Wilde
- Flowers: Eden
- Groom(smen)’s suits: Regency Groom
- Cake: Ornella-Bianca
- Cars: North Curry Carriages
- Wedding Favours: Mini white-washed willow hamper for each guest filled with Lily O’Brien's chocolate honeycomb hearts
- Stationery: Bee Happy Designs
- Make Up: Elle Hitchens
- Hair: Louise Alway
- Wedding Bands: Michael Spiers
- Ceremony/Reception Music: Divertimento Strings Duo, The Loose Cannons and DJ Jazzy Jeff
- Photographer: Lily and Frank
