How we met...
Plenty of Fish – I’d had a really bad date the night before and almost cancelled my date with Adam. I was so glad I didn’t though, and we were out all day chatting away, it all just felt right!
The proposal...
It was our 4 year Anniversary and Adam usually forgets cards, so I thought nothing of it when I went to give him mine but he said ‘let’s do them later’ (he’d forgotten again is all I thought), but that evening just before we went out for a meal, in the town we first met, he gave me my card. He had ordered a wooden keepsake heart that had our anniversary date engraved into it and inside there was the cutest picture of our whippet Freddie with a sign around his neck that read ‘will you marry my Daddy?’ It was so nice asking with just the two of us there and Freddie on my lap of course.
Our vision for the day...
I went back and forth on Pinterest with themes but then decided that Dodmoor House is beautiful just as it is with very little decoration, so I stuck to it's roots and went with a more up to date rustic vibe, with gold geo lanterns, brass frames, grey tapered candlesticks. Full of green foliage, eucalyptus, ruscus and white florals.
What we wore...
The groom and groomsmen hired their suits from A Farleys Wedding Suit Hire in Kibworth. I knew I wanted tweed, but in the end because of sizing across teen to adult we had to compromise with a tweed waistcoat. I liked how this looked in the end with the formal navy suit and brown brogues.
My bridesmaid dresses were a bargain from H&M! I stuck to a budget here as I had chosen 6 bridesmaids and was very lucky to fall onto a colour that fit within our scheme and the girls felt comfortable in them!
My dress was from Georgina Scott Bridal back near my hometown in the West Midlands. I went based on a friend’s recommendation and fell in love with a super sparkly number by Brighton based designs True Bride. I always thought I would choose lace but turned into a bit of a magpie with the beaded/embroidered bodice, with the perfect veil to match!
Freddie, our whippet, wore a custom-made harness from Tuna & Bear that fit in with the groomsmen’s scheme.
The food...
We used Ian Brodie Catering, one of the recommended informal caterers, to feed our guests for the day! They did a three-course meal, family style dining so people could take as much or as little as they wanted. Everyone loved the mini ploughman’s platter for a starter - almost too much as people struggled with the main! The main was roast beef with all the trimmings. Desserts were delicious, we went for a trio of mini desserts and the lemon posset was a great choice after a heavy meal. Very hearty foods which then followed to a burger bar during the evening which extra guests loved - I just regret not being able to manage one as during the opening evenings at Dodmoor they tasted so delicious!
Our favourite part of the day...
My favourite part was definitely walking down the aisle, seeing so many happy faces there to celebrate with us was so heart-warming, and to top it off seeing Adam waiting at the very end with Freddie. I thought I would be nervous but not at all surrounded by all that we love! Freddie getting involved during our vows was also an added bonus :)
I also loved arriving a bit earlier and getting a chance to see all my visions had become a reality, the Dodmoor team did a fantastic job helping set up and it was so nice to see it before everyone else had arrived.
The ideas that we felt really worked on the day...
The Gin Bar - we provided our own drinks for the day and the gin bar was a massive hit! People loved being able to add their own garnishes and try the different flavoured gins.
We asked our photographer Aaron Collett (another recommended Dodmoor supplier) to capture some of the twinkly lights around the venue during the evening, these pictures turned out really well and we got to try Dodmoor’s new festoon lighting set up behind the Courtyard Barn. The Sparkler arch also turned out really well on the photographs, we got some magical shots! It was a really nice addition for the evening guests to join in on as they arrived.
The entertainment...
We used Dodmoor’s recommended DJ (1entertainments). You get to create your ‘must play’ and ‘do not play’ playlists. It was great to hear so many of our choices and our guests loved it! We also booked Dodmoor’s DIY Photobooth, which kept guests entertained on the mezzanine and made for some great, funny photos!
Where we feel our budget was really well spent...
The venue!! The Dodmoor team are fantastic, right from the first email to viewing the venue, up until the very end and thereafter! An exceptional service and stunning venue – it’s worth every penny!
It was also really helpful with the no corkage charge; with smaller numbers we provided our own drinks and Dodmoor were always there to provide suggestions for quantities.
Personal touches that reflected us as a couple...
Having our dog Freddie there meant so much to us! He is a big part of our family and it was one of the key reasons we chose Dodmoor House as they allow dogs there on your special day. It was his birthday too, so of course we had to get him a little cake - he was very spoilt and loved all the attention!
I also made a lot of our ‘on the day’ stationery, along with some of the signage. I am a designer by day, so it was really nice to share some of my creative talents, as well as getting some of my super talented friends to help too and see it all on display.
Recommended suppliers we used and loved...
We used quite a few of Dodmoor’s recommended suppliers. Aaron Collet for his amazing photography skills and he really got stuck in on the day. He was really great in the morning too for suggesting times to get ready! Julie Anna Flowers for her stunning floral displays and listening to my ever-changing emails, she knew exactly what the venue did and didn’t need to fit within our budget. Ian Brodie for the delicious, hearty food!
We also used other suppliers who were great - The White Emporium for her lovely props to hire to help me create the look I was after and her friendly advice along the way. Lynsey Jess our make-up artist, she made everyone feel at ease on the morning while getting ready. Jake Flint our videographer, he captured some amazing naturally lit shots around beautiful Dodmoor. Oh Hey Sammi - my friend and colleague who made our amazing wedding cakes, and Freddie’s too!
Finally, if we could give a tip to other couples...
Everyone says it, but the day really does go by so fast, just roll with it (you’re in great hands at Dodmoor), but do stop and take it all in when you can :)
Get a videographer - I know it’s not in everyone’s budget but keep your eyes peeled on social media, we won a complimentary film from someone starting out who wanted to expand their wedding portfolio. We were so lucky to have a video to look back on because the day is over in a flash!
The day should be for you and your Husband to be – don’t sweat about the people not attending, those who love you most will be there and make your day so special.
And finally…BOOK DODMOOR HOUSE – you won’t regret it for a second!! xx
Thank you so much to Amy and Adam for sharing their story, and to Aaron Collett for the photos x