Inspiration

This is one of those really pretty weddings, that manages to be elegant and rustic at the same time - which is actually not that easy if you think about it. But Charlotte & Kevin knew that their venue Newton Hall, was the perfect place to combine those two things. We're swooning over the pastel flowers, which seem to be tumbling over every surface imaginable, the bone china tea cups, the jam jar cocktails, the Dessy Bridesmaids dresses in sorbet shades, and Charlotte's subtle bronze lined gown, Penelope by Watters, which is fabulous. The perfect gown for swooshing on the beach in, which is exactly what she did. And the light in those beach portrait images by Sarah Jane Ethan? It's just beautiful.

The Bride

Charlotte The Bride: When choosing my wedding dress I wanted something relaxed, elegant and comfortable. When I started dress shopping I really struggled to find something I was comfortable in, then I discovered Watters Love Marley range while in London. I then booked an appointment at my closest supplier Agape in Cheshire. The moment I walked into the shop I knew I would walk away with my wedding dress, Alex was lovely and her creative flair really excited me. I loved the Penelope gown by Watters before I even looked in the mirror! Karen at Agape made a few adjustments to personalise my dress and it was perfect.  On our wedding day I wore my mothers pearl earrings.  I had my headpiece made by a lovely lady called Laura Donovan recommended by Agape.

The Flowers

As soon as I came across Bels Flowers I knew my flowers would be perfect. Helen is so talented I just asked her to do what she thought would look best in keeping with my pastel vision. On the wedding morning Helen took me to see the room that she, Charlotte (The Finishing Touch Company) and Jane (Newton Hall) had set up and it took my breathe away! I had my first little happy tear they had created the exact vision I had in all the months planning. 

The Venue

When we discovered Newton Hall we knew we would get married there instantly - it was a perfect reflection of us and our style, we didn't look anywhere else. The guest rooms were so fabulous we struggled picking one for our bridal suite. Newton Hall created us a perfectly bespoke wedding package using all of our ideas, we really wanted a relaxed day for everyone to enjoy that wasn't too formal so we decided on afternoon tea for our wedding breakfast and a bbq on the evening using local produce. 

The Wedding Party

When I started thinking about bridesmaid dresses for my girls I wanted all six to be comfortable and love their dress. I found Dessy had a massive range of styles and pastel colours so I asked the girls to pick something they each individually loved. I didn't see all the dresses until the wedding morning, it was such a lovely surprise! 

The Groom

Kevin wanted a current classic suit and decided to have a different coloured waistcoat to the other groomsmen as he loved the contrast. 

The Stationery

For our invites we used Sweet Pea Paper who had some really pretty designs, something for everyone's style. For our name places and table plan I made these myself as I wanted to put my own personal touch into these, I also made some signs that we placed around the venue on the day. 

The Entertainment

Newton Hall recommended AMV Live Music to us and we decided on the fabulous Annabel Pattinson to sing during afternoon tea and the arrival of evening guests and a great DJ for the evening.

The Photography

I discovered Sarah Jane Ethan through her website and when I first emailed her to ask for availability, I knew I could spend my wedding day with her as she was so lovely. When SJ arrived at the venue I instantly felt relaxed it was like she was part of the bridal party. SJ has a brilliant way of blending into the wedding and making you forget she's even taking photographs she is so much fun to be around. 

Advice

If I could offer any advice it would be; be true to yourself, trust your instincts and don't let anyone tell you what you should or should not do. Also don't compromise on anything, enjoy every minute and take time out just the two of you on our big day! 
Fern Godfrey

Written by Fern Godfrey

Dress: Penelope by Watters | Boutique: Agape Bridal Boutique | Jewellery: 77 Diamonds | Shoes: Dune | Headpiece : Laura Donovan | Florist: Bells Flowers | Venue: Newton Hall | Decor: The Finishing Touch Company | Cake: Love Lily Cakes | Bridesmaids: Dessy | Groom & Groomsmen: Next | Stationery: Sweet Pea Paper | Entertainment: AMV Live Music | Hair & Beauty: Elite Hair & Beauty

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