Jo and John adored their alternative venue from the moment they set eyes on it - except there was just one issue, the guests weren't so sure. Regardless they took the risk, booked the AMAZING The Keeper and the Dell and on the day any hesitations their guests had swiftly vanished. All captured by the lovely Emily Tyler Photography, today's real wedding is the perfect inspiration if you're having doubts about doing things your own way...
Jo and John met at work. John was the IT guy, Jo had a few IT queries. After a few office phone calls, Jo visited John's office and they decided to go for a drink...
They totally hit it off and down the line John surprised Jo with an ultra romantic proposal. Jo remembers..."The proposal was amazing. We were in a beautiful secluded villa in the Spanish mountains and it was my birthday. I went to shower and when I came out, the whole of the outside had been lit up with candles and tea lights. John cooked the most amazing tapas I have ever eaten and just before the clock struck midnight, he told me there was another gift that he had got for me but I could have it if I answered yes to his question. He then got down on one knee and proposed. I was so surprised and overcome with emotion that I could barely get the words out to answer. It was incredible!"
Such an adorable shot of Jo & John's fairy-like flower girl...
To celebrate their love Jo and John wanted a very informal wedding, with fun being priority number one. To match their fun, relaxed theme Jo and John chose the unique The Keeper & The Dell as their venue. A choice that initially wasn't so popular. Jo explains..."It was really really important that our day was relaxed and as informal as possible. Choosing our incredible venue (the Keeper and the Dell) initially raised a few eyebrows as it is very untraditional but for us it was absolutely perfect. Food, drink and music were also incredibly important as was being surrounded by the people we love. Our wedding was intimate, relaxed and above all else, FUN!"
On the day all hesitation and doubts were immediately erased as Jo and John's guests realised how amazing and chilled their venue of choice was. I mean who couldn't love this adorable pairs wedding party?
Jo remembers her absolute favourite moments of the day..."The whole day was incredible but two things really stand out - the first is that I had my four best friends by my side as bridesmaids - one travelled all the way from South Africa and another from Australia. It was magical to have everyone together on the biggest day of my life. The second, and it is a bit cheesy, was John's speech. It literally took my breath away. I have never heard a speech that was so sincere, romantic and all out awesome - there was hardly a dry eye in the house! I still have a copy of it and read it regularly."
To keep everyone entertained (and well fed) Jo and John arranged a host a fun extras including a tea station, personalised shot glass wedding favours, lots of gourmet cheese nibbles and a selection of scrumptious wedding cakes baked by Jo's pal Grace.
Jo and John's advice? "Be organised, be clear about what you want from your day and make sure that you stick to that vision. We had lots of input and requests from various parties but ultimately, aside from one or two concessions, our day was completely about us and what WE wanted. Best tip of all - enjoy it and don't sweat the small stuff!"
Huge congratulations to you both and thanks so much for sharing your wedding day with us all! A big thank you also goes to Emily Tyler Photography for sharing her work with us. To see more from Emily Tyler Photography visit www.emilytylerphotography.com
The Wedding Details
- Ceremony and Reception: The Keeper and The Dell
- Hair and Make Up: City Brides
- Bridesmaids dresses: Phase Eight
- Shoes: Jenny Packham
- Flowers: Libby Ferris
- Groomsmen’s suits: TM Lewin
- Accessories: Debenhams
- Cars: Target Wedding Car Hire
- Stationery: The Original Wedding Tea Towel
- Wedding Bands: Ernest Jones