Jessica and Luke first met through friends at their local pub. They slowly grew closer together, with a visit to Thorpe Park Resort solidifying their blossoming relationship. Not long after, Luke took Jessica on two first dates – the first was a simple night at the pub, the second was a proper seaside affair.

Luke proposed six years later on an anniversary trip in Norfolk, where they spent the weekend in a little treehouse with a log burner. Luke chose the perfect moment: just before renting a rowboat. “He kneeled by the side of the lake – right in a muddy puddle! – and asked me if I would marry him!” Jessica said. “Of course I said yes!” The couple followed their exciting moment with a cheery row on the boat and a FaceTime call with Jessica’s family.

Jessica and Luke wanted to put their own stamp on their day, so finding a relaxed and down-to-earth venue was a top priority. Working with an £8,000 budget (about $10,200), they chose The Eltisley for its perfect blend of shabby chic and elegance.

Against this backdrop, on August 3rd, 2018, Jessica and Luke were able to combine many of their favorite places, stories, and eras to create a unique look for their ceremony and reception. They mixed pieces from Alice in Wonderland with elements of the seaside, and imbued a festival vibe with a 50’s rockabilly sensibility. As Jessica said, “Why pick one theme when you can have them all!”

Jessica’s beautifully detailed dress fit like a dream and added a very special touch to the day. Her experience finding and fitting the dress was fantastic from start to finish, with the staff at Peters Bridal Warehouse ensuring she was completely comfortable. Jessica recommends them to big brides in particular. “Every girl wants to wow her guests with THE DRESS,” Jessica said. “I think I managed that by going bigger and sparklier than I ever thought I could pull off.”

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Next to the couple’s beautiful bespoke wooden lollipop stand, bunting, and place names, Jessica was particularly proud of their centerpieces: teapots with light effects that ran out of the spout and into a tea cup below, all in an array of country garden flowers. Crafted specially by Jessica’s mum, they were a total crowd pleaser!

The venue was relatively small for Jessica and Luke’s 55 day and 90 evening guests, so it was certainly a challenge trying to organize them all. This was especially true when it came to moving everyone into the barn for the meal! Still, Jessica said, “I think my husband would agree – seeing all our family and friends from all different walks, moshing together in a shack with a band? It ROCKED.”

Looking back at the successes and joys of her own wedding, Jessica advises future Big Brides, “Have your day- your way. Do not listen to other people.”

Photographer: Gemma Foulkes Photography
Venue: The Eltisley
Decor: VM BESPOKE
Floral Design: Belinda Jenkins, Jessica’s mum
Dress: Peters Bridal Warehouse