The coldest and most crisp winter wedding can still strike up a tremendous warmth in your belly. The images from Chris and Joanne’s big day are the visual equivalent of sinking a good slug of Whisky and then stepping out amongst a bitter January frost.
We are embracing winter today at Rock My Wedding, but these gorgeous photographs from Big Bouquet are going to keep you cosy, wrapped up and warm.
Bibury Court Hotel provides the perfect seasonal backdrop for a day full to the brim of winter, a day full of warmth and of love, laughter and the odd surprise.
Home Or Away?
Our wedding was held on 10th of December 2011 at Bibury Court Hotel in The Cotswolds. We currently live in Bournemouth but my parents are from Cheltenham and I’ve always loved the Cotswolds so we decided to get married there. Originally we were going to go abroad because we were very keen to do something different, but we then decided that actually having a wedding in the UK could offer us this, with the benefit of the people we love being around us to help us celebrate.
Bibury court was the most beautiful venue, which we had exclusively. This gave our winter wedding a lovely cosy feel. Our wedding co-ordinator Catherine was exceptional throughout the whole process, as was the lovely assistant manager Sarah. The food by Nigel Goodwin, a new chef at the venue, was also delicious.
I had To Have It.
The dress was Eden by Jenny Packham. I tried on about 20 dresses before I saw this one and they all looked OK but when I saw this in Brides Magazine, I knew I had to have it! I bought it from Wedding days of Cheltenham who have a large range of Jenny Packham dresses and other designer gowns and were so fab throughout the whole process.
Jenny Knows Her Stuff!
I had a headband and earrings both by Jenny Packham that were designed to go with the dress. I wasn’t going to argue with Jenny on this one! I also wore a gold Italian good luck necklace (my something borrowed from my beautiful bridesmaid Becca).
Sky Scrapers.
I dragged my Mum and Dad around London for a whole day trying to find the perfect shoes. Originally I thought plain Louboutins, but none of them felt quite right. Just as we gave up looking we passed the Jimmy Choo Knightsbridge store and I saw my blingtastic dream shoes. They were pretty sky scraper to be honest, so I kicked them off when I rocked out to the band in the evening.
Relaxed And Simple.
My hair and make-up was done by the Cirencester Blushes team with Kate on make-up and Gary on hair. I wanted something really relaxed and simple so that the dress was the focus which I think they achieved.
Cream With Pearl And Diamante.
My Florist was the amazing Soraya at Ultraviolet Flowers in Southsea Portsmouth. I know it’s a long way to deliver flowers but she really is the best so it had to be her! The bouquets were all cream roses with pearl and diamante touches and my bouquet was held together with lace and a vintage brooch which Soraya had sourced. The bridesmaids were tied together with black silk which was a lovely contrast. The buttonholes were also cream roses.
The centrepieces were candelabras as we knew it would be dark during the breakfast and we wanted that cosy winter feel. They were also dressed with cream roses and were supplied by a local(ish) couple who run an amazing little candelabra hire company.
White And Cream.
For the maids and groomsmen we decided on a classy sophisticated white and cream jazzed up with a sprinkle of winter blingyness. We hired the groomsmens suits from Austin Reed and bought the bridemaids dresses from Wedding days of Cheltenham. The dress was really flattering on everyone (even my two heavily pregnant bridesmaids) and are avialble in a whole range of colours. The flower girls dresses are from Monsoon.
Design Your Own Suit.
Chris designed and wore a suit from aSuitThatFits.com. It was great fun designing his own suit and having it tailored, and the finished product was stunning, but we did have to make countless trips to and from London and Southampton because the tailoring wasn’t quite right. Also they were going to make the same suit for my dad but ran out of material which was a bit of pain. So he got his from Austin Reed which was lovely. If you are going to choose this option I would recommend that you leave plenty of time.
What A Bride Wants.
Originally we thought the best option was to get a photographer local to the venue in case it snowed. However we used a Bournemouth based company for our photo save the date cards called Big Bouquet who were so unbelievably good we thought we would risk the weather and choose them.
We loved Emma and Ian so much because they made us feel incredibly relaxed, and therefore the photos don’t look staged or forced. I am so happy with the finished product, I really feel that they captured the mood and feel of the occasion. They were also lovely, and very fun to have around on the day. The best bit about their work is the attention to detail. Emma constantly goes above and beyond to make sure that every part of the process is special for the bride and groom, from beautifully wrapping the save the dates, to updates on progress etc. You get the impression that having been a bride she really understands what a bride would ideally want and constantly provides that.
Fromage Heaven.
We don’t have much of a sweet tooth, however we both have a deep love for cheese so we were very keen on a cheesecake. We got this from The Cheese Works who delivered to the venue which was fab (no cheesy car smell). The groom’s friends are still talking about it now, they were all in fromage heaven.
Cake Tower.
We were worried that those who like a bit of ‘proper’ cake would be disappointed so we also went with a scrumptious cupcake tower from Angel Bakery. Catherine was a joy to deal with and combined small cupcakes, regular cupcakes, and one giant top cake. There was something for tiny and huge appetites.
Guilty Pleasures.
Chris was in charge on entertainment, and I have to admit that it was the highlight. During the drinks reception we had a blues duo called Freewheelin’ who we saw play in a pub Gretton and fell in love with. Also as a surprise Chris arranged for my very talented cousin Scott Cameron to play a surprise acoustic solo set which was very emotional. In the evening we had undeniably the greatest wedding band of all time The Reacharounds who specialise in mash-ups of guilty pleasures. They were unbelievably good and made sure that the party was rocking all night long. In between their sets we had a DJ Chris Shaw keeping the party going who was also fantastic.
Beautiful Words And Happy Memories.
We chose Islands by The XX for our first dance. No one had really head of it and it was tricky to dance to, but it didn’t matter because the words are beautiful and it reminded us of an amazing holiday driving through France.
Booze Based.
We both love Whisky so we named each table after one of our favourites, and then for the men we gave the miniature corresponding to the table name. This really helped to fuel the party atmosphere. The girls had handmade whisky truffles made by Pauline (the groom’s mother) which were very yummy and looked adorable.
Simple And Laid Back.
We kept the decor simple with lots of candles and cream rose petals and jazzed it up with some festive mistletoe and a beautiful tree table plan. The best thing about our wedding was that it all felt very laid back and allowed people to really relax and enjoy themselves. We had funny poems during the ceremony that reflected our personalities and relationship, the registrar accidentally said the best man’s name instead of the groom’s, we all drank lots of beautiful cocktails, and we kicked off our shoes and rocked out to the band.
A Special Day.
The key thing for the both of us was to make choices based on what we liked and reflected our personalities and likes as opposed to opting for the traditional, or what we thought would look good. It made for a very real, emotional and special day.
Venue Bibury Court Hotel
Dress Jenny Packham
Boutique Wedding days of Cheltenham
Shoes Jimmy Choo
Hair And Make-up Blushes
Blooms Ultraviolet Flowers
Tailor aSuitThatFits.com
Photography Big Bouquet
Band The Reacharounds
Cheese The Cheese Works
Cake Angel Bakery
When I spoke to Emma and Ian at Big Bouquet they said the surprise performance by guitar totting youngster Scott Cameron (a cousin of Joanne’s) really did bring the house down, one of those moments you’ll never forget. Also, apparently The Reacharounds can hold a pretty funky tune too!
I can’t leave you today without mentioning that dress – I LOVE it, and the first full width black & white portrait shot of Joanne with the fur could be a still from a movie. A classic movie.
Breathtaking stuff.
Adam.
Such a beautiful wedding full of great details. Chris and Joanne certainly put amazing thought into the finer points of their day, and everything has been captured beautifully by the awesome Emma + Ian from Big Bouquet – simply beautiful. Thank you for sharing this.
Erm… how gorgeous is that bride?! stunning dress and I now have to find a reason to wear a fur shrug in June
Oh to be able to wear a Packham, The bride is beautiful! I LOVE the photographs, esp the one of them kissing in the hall!
This was my wedding dress too, only I had it in ivory. It is stunning and so comfortable to wear, great to see another bride rocking it on the blog! Makes me want to wear mine again though…
Gorgeous wedding and such a beautiful dress!
Really quite fancy a “good slug of Whisky and then stepping out amongst a bitter January……” ……oh, it’s raining. Nevermind.
xx
OMG, I have seen this dress alot, but Im not sure I’ve seen it look as beautiful as this – STUNNING!
Wow this is the first time since ordering my own dress that I’ve had *serious* dress envy. Of course it helps that the bride is absolutely stunning (very lucky groom!).
I love the spontaneous shot of Chris and Joanne smooching in the doorway. I hope that they plan on hanging that one up in their home!
Love everything about this wedding….kind of jealous of a winter wedding! I love the look of those reception drinks! What is it??! looking for something a bit different other than pimms or just fizz!
Awww thank you so much for all the lovely comments guys! Nicola- it’s called a Naked Bibury Tuesday (a speciality of the venue) and it is a booze soaked cherry topped with fizz. We think the booze was either brandy or Kirsch. Very yummy and feels a bit more special than plain fizz xxx
Good God – her figure…. that’s got me ramping up the pre-wedding diet! hehe. Usually I’m a Summer-wedding fan but this was so pretty
I do have visions of Chris and Joanne doing the dance from the “Islands” music video though… I assume they didn’t follow the same choreography!
Ohhhh…tears before 11am coffee is always a good sign…and a sure sign to my employers ive been on RMW! I am getting married on 30 December and am so glad to see a winter wedding…! what time did you get married at Joanne? was it really dark for your pictures? Gorgeous to the core..!
Hi Essien- Thank you
You wont regret a winter wedding, it felt so magical. We got married at 1pm and it was light for the photos (2-4ish) and dark for the wedding breakfast! Perfectly cosy xxx
Morning winter wedding lovers…
Isn’t the light just perfect? and doesn’t Joanne look impossibly perfect? Eden is my little sisters dream dress – I have sent her the link!
Tracy M – I think you need to send me a picture
Charlotte xxx
@Joanne, oh perfect, i think that might be the time i have to get married, although i did want it at 2, maybe 1.30 to compromise!
Joanne you absolute beauty! You’ve always been beautiful but you absolutely shine on this day, I’ll definitely be stealing some of your ideas as have always planned a winter wedding and I’m thrilled you had such an amazing day!
xXx
What an amazing outfit, from the hair piece right down to the shoes! Loving the look of the band as well.
We always think that the best weddings are where the couple really let their personalities shine through, and they really do from these pics.
The bride has the perfect figure for a Jenny Packham – she’s beautifully slender.
And did you notice that one of the twins from The Matrix has snuck into a couple of the photos?!
I love everything here, don’t think i can rock that amazing fur bolero on a beach tho.
I love the venue, the brides stunning dress, the elegant settings wow. No wonder they are beaming : ) xx
OMG what a beautiful dress!! I’m just in the process of making my final decision between a Jenny Packham and Paloma Blanca…. I think this has just swayed it!!
Truly beautiful wedding!! x
Oh wow! That dress is simply beautiful! Love. Love a lot xx
What a stunning bride. I design headpieces for that dress all the time, but I have to say she is one of the best brides I have seen wearing it!
Many congratulations.
Great looking day – beautifully captured. I love the dress!
@Charlotte – was tempted to submit our wedding but was too scared in the end! Though it’s funny cause some aspects of Joanne’s day remind me of our wedding day (not exactly the same, but shall we say echoes of). Will email you a pic of the ivory version for you to send your sister – you don’t seem to see it as much as the pewter one.
Talk about vintage chic! I love her headpiece!
Wow, gorgeous. That dress looks absolutely stunning and I love the accessories. What a beaut.
Oh my – just gorgeous xx
Joanne – I love the bridesmaid dresses and I live quite close to Cheltenham. Just wondered what designer they were?? xx
@Hels_bels Glad you like them
Not sure who the designer was but they were from Wedding days- Cheltenham, if you phone up and say that you saw them on RMW they will be able to tell you. I remember they were quite reasonable and very flattering on- Definitely a “wear again” dress. Good luck planning xxx
Oh my good Lord – how did I miss this the other day?!?
TOTALLY DREAMY!
How beautiful?! And that smooching shot? *swoon*
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Congrats !!! Wish you both goodluck !!!
Amazing wedding
You’re beautiful ..and ..everything so perfect…
May i ask if you sell the dress ???
Thanks
@Alice Thank you for your lovely comments. Really sorry but i’m not selling the dress, I love it so much that I couldn’t possibly part with it. You can buy it at Wedding Days of Cheltenham 01242 224965. I hope that helps- Good Luck
What a wonderful wedding and some fabulous pictures . We love seeing our brides pictures and Joanne looks absolutely amazing
Love this! lIke the cheese cake and the first band the best – looks like a lovely day – good clear photography
I’ve bought Eden for my wedding next year and after seeing your pictures I just can’t wait to wear it again! It’s stunning, i’ve definitely made the right choice!
Joanne did you have the dress altered (aside from length?) I’m wearing Eden for my wedding next month, and I love how it looks on you. The top half seems more fitted and less blousey than it does on other brides, and that’s how I’d like mine to look!
Hi Ella- Thank you for your lovely comment. The only alterations that I had other from the length was having foam cups sewn in to the top half of the dress. I’m guessing that may be what makes it look less floaty. Good Luck
x
Thank you!
I’m loving that dress!! planning on getting this one myself and trying to decide between ivory or pewter. Joanne, which colour were you wearing?
Hi Anna- It’s the pewter one. I hope you have a lovely wedding xxx
Gorgeous dress!
Thanks Joanne, it looks like the cami underneath is cream, is that right? Sorry, last question I promise! X
Hi Anna-
Don’t worry ask away! It’s actually a very light pewter, but it kind of looks cream. It’s the standard underdress with the pewter eden dress,
Good luck xxx
Hi! You are beautiful!!! I want to know if this dress is the platinum one!
Thank you!!!
))
Thank you Cecilia- Yes it is the platinum dress,
Jo xxx
Thank you for your answer! I want it for my wedding too!
))
Hi Joanne, I’m wearing the platinum Eden for my wedding and have been looking all over for a white fur bolero, but I haven’t seen any as perfect as yours, can I ask where you got it from?
Hi Joanna- I got my bolero from Wedding Days of Cheltenham. I’m sure they would be happy to post an order to you. Their number is 01242 224965. Tell them you saw in on RMW and they will know which one it is. Good luck x
Hi Joanbe
You looked beautiful in your dress!
I’ll be wearing the ivory version of this for my wedding and was wondering if you could tell me the name of the headdress and earrings you wore. You said they were designed to go with the dress.
Thanks for your help!
Thank you Corinne,
They were both Jenny Packham, the headress was Acacia 1 http://www.jennypackham.com/products/acacia-i-silver
and the earrings were Atara http://www.jennypackham.com/collections/earrings/products/atara-bridal-earrings-ii
I hope that helps?
xxx
Thanks Joanne,
Thats a great help, I really appreciate you getting back to me so quickly
Hi Joanne, you look stunning in that dress! I LOVE the shrug too! Do you mind sharing where you bought it from? Thanks, Sonya
Hi Sonya- Thank you, you’re so kind. It’s all from Wedding Days of Cheltenham. Give them a call and they can give you exact names, details and prices for each item x