Today’s wedding sings of summer. If you’re missing those long, chilled out evenings and glorious rays then you’ll adore today’s summery celebrations! Let me introduce you to gorgeous bride and groom Verity and Adam, whose July wedding in Somerset is as perfect as can be – from the little details through to the amazing atmosphere of love and laughter captured so beautifully by our friend Warren at Howell Jones Photography.

Wedding photographer’s website

https://howelljonesphotography.co.uk/

We had a skype interview with a couple of different photographers but we loved Warren’s style of photography and his relaxed approach.
We had an engagement shoot in Oxford in the autumn and it was great for us to all get to know each other a bit before the big day. It was important to us for the photographer not to feel like a stranger on the day so we could be comfortable and not awkward in front of the camera.

Contact & Bookings – Somerset wedding photographer Howell Jones Photography

Website https://howelljonesphotography.co.uk
Insta @howelljonesphotography
Facebook @HowellJonesPhotography

It was all so fantastic. My parents very generously allowed us to use their beautiful garden for the reception which was perfect as it allowed us to make it very personal and create the relaxed atmosphere we wanted. We were so touched by everyone’s support and contributions to the day. So many people offered to help which made it feel so special and personal.

The church service was very memorable, and the speeches were very emotional. It was lovely to have the odd break with just the two of us. We drove back from the church together which was great just to have a few minutes to take in the day that far, we were both beaming and incredibly happy. We also took time to step away from the reception after the wedding breakfast to have our photographs taken in the fields around the house.

Thinking back to the first dance makes me smile, we only had about 20 seconds on the dance floor on our own before all our friends descended on us! We then spent the rest of the night dancing away to the fantastic band.

Not sure there was a thing I’d change!

 

Your wedding style or theme:

We both wanted to have a traditional marriage ceremony in a church and planning the service with our vicar was a very important and enjoyable part of the preparations. My sister had got married at the church and had their reception at my parents’ house a few years before us so we were fortunate that we could use that as a template but add our own personal preferences.

Wedding dress designer and bridal boutique:

I had two dresses! I wasn’t planning it that way but after trying on a few I decided I wanted a big traditional dress for the church service and then a more relaxed one for the reception. It worked out perfectly as it was a very warm day and I would have been far too hot had I not had my second one to change in to.

I found my first dress second-hand on Swoon – http://www.swoonweddinggowns.co.uk/bridalwear/dress-collection/
It was a Pronovias Dalia dress that had been customised by its previous owner. I went to try it on at their house and it fitted perfectly. I then customised it myself with a different lace bodice.

My second dress was from Catherine Deane https://www.catherinedeane.co.uk/

For my first dress I really wanted a classic gown and something that would make me feel like a bride! When I tried it on it fitted like a glove and it had pockets so I was sold.
The second dress also had pockets and was just so comfortable. It kept me cool on one of the hottest days of the year and allowed me to dance all evening.

Tell us about your accessories: jewellery, shoes and anything else!

My veil was my something borrowed from my good friend Sarah. However, I completely forgot about it until just as we were leaving the house so it wasn’t fastened securely and only lasted halfway through the service before it fell off!

I wore my late grandmother’s diamond earrings that my sister surprised me with the evening before. Was lovely to have a little bit of her with me on the day.

You couldn’t see my shoes in either dress. I spent ages deciding what to wear but in the end, went with simple and comfortable and got some ivory Rainbow shoes.

And what did the groom wear?

Hackett

Beautiful bridesmaids: what did your best girls wear?

No. 1 Jenny Packham

Hair and make-up – did you DIY or hire a professional?

www.essencehairandbeauty.com

Describe your wedding flowers. Who arranged them for you? (florist details would be lovely please)

Bramblewood Flowers

We met Claire and explained the style of the day and the types of flowers we wanted. The flowers were beautiful, classic with some Roses but not too formal.

General styling – did your venue need much decoration?

One of the best men has a garden accessories company and kindly gave us loads of pots to use in the garden, one was so big we stuck a big umbrella in it and used it as a bar! We also had a couple of fire pits for the separate seating areas around the garden. We used lots of festoon lighting to light up the marquee and pathways.
We had lots of herbs decorating the tables which we then gave away as favours the next day.
We borrowed some hay bales from the local farmer to use for extra seating.

The wedding cake: what kind of cake did you choose and why?

My brilliant mother-in-law made our cake. Each layer was a different flavour and all were delicious!

Entertainment: any musical recommendations, surprises or treats?

https://www.markhussey.com/

Words of wisdom: share your best piece of advice for other couples:

Don’t get carried away with the tiny details. As long as you’ve got the big stuff booked, relax and enjoy the process! Also, don’t be afraid to ask friends and family to get involved, you’ll be amazed how willing people are to help and how much more personal and special it will make the day.

Favourite Somerset wedding supplier web links for other brides and grooms:

Wedding photographer: https://howelljonesphotography.co.uk/
http://www.carolinegentcatering.com/
We used an old university friend to supply the wine and champagne – https://firstclassproducts.co.uk/
https://www.markhussey.com/