I am so delighted to be sharing Alex and Jessie’s wedding today – a wedding that isn’t what it might seem on first looking! Their guests had been invited to what they thought was Jessie’s 30th birthday party at Norwood Park Country House in Southwell in the East Midlands. What no one knew, was that this summer celebration was actually their wedding day.
The couple had always loved the idea of a surprise wedding, and this felt like the perfect way to bring it to life. Friends and family arrived dressed for a garden party in shades of black, white and pink, ready for birthday celebrations, only to discover that Jessie would be making her entrance in her divine, puff-sleeved Jesus Peiro bridal gown. What followed was an unforgettable day filled with colour, laughter, love and unbridled joy!
With a palette of pinks and reds, thoughtful details and a relaxed, joy-filled atmosphere, the celebration captured exactly what Alex and Jessie had hoped for. It was a wedding that not only surprised their guests but reflected who they are as a couple – fun, warm and deeply connected to the people they love.
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Venue & Location
Having always wanted to have a surprise wedding, figuring out how to capture this fell into place when we knew a summer dinner party would be fitting to celebrate turning thirty and would equally be as fitting for our special day. The build up to the day was intimate and allowed us to hold on to moments that were completely ours.
We wanted low pressure from all angles, one that would feel personal, filled with fun, and full of joy, not just for us, but for everyone who has been part of our journey. The day captured all the love we are lucky to be surrounded by.
Our day started with friends wishing us a lovely weekend trip away, others wishing Alex all the best with pulling off the surprise 30th birthday party.
We walked into Norwood Park together, the sun shining through from the garden, and an acoustic version of ‘Better Together’ playing in the background – unintentionally, and an absolute coincidence – a magical moment, as the same song would later present as the song for our first dance.
Special thanks to Rich at Norwood Park for supporting us and allowing the plan to come together so smoothy, always smiling and laughing, holding onto the cunning plan. The step-by-step plan turned to real-life all thanks to you.
The Dress
Jesus Peiro
Sharing our story with ‘Love My Dress’, it seems most fitting to start with the dress. The first vision to be seen by family and friends that would give away that they were not actually attending a 30th birthday party, but in fact, they were attending our wedding!
I wore the Jesus Peiro ‘2443’ Dotty Taffeta dress, with bespoke Helen Martin Veils ‘Aurelia’ cape and veil.
The dress, being designed by Jesus Peiro, purchased from Frances Day Bridal, an utterly delightful bridal shop in Southwell. Located not too far from where the surprise was due to take place and from the church where we were to be married.
Featuring puff sleeves, the dress being the first I saw. Having booked an appointment under our daughter’s name – just in case – I quickly felt safe enough to announce my real name and reason for such secrecy.
Getting ready featured bridal space-buns, of course, as styled by Leah Bailey, and makeup by Rachel Lewan. Perfume, Love Story by Chloe. Sequined heels to add to the subtle texture of the dress. The scent I chose to wear was Love Story, by Chloe.
Bridesmaids were invited with the same polite request as everyone else, to wear ‘black, white, or pink’.
Whatever they felt most comfortable in for a surprise garden party, would be most suitable for our surprise wedding. Beautiful and pressure free. Completely in the moment.
Our daughter refers to her dress as her ‘party dress’ – still inline with the big surprise.
The Ceremony
When it was time to join everyone waiting, I made my way down the stairs with our bridesmaids. Our guests were stood looking to the door where they thought I would enter, wearing party hats, holding blowers and drinks – ready for their version of the surprise.
With Alex now waiting under the staircase, ready to see the response from the room, but to keep us from seeing each other a moment longer, I stood and said, “I am already here”.
Family and friends turned to then face us, and the room filled with squeals and laughter, now seeing me in my wedding dress and Alex laughing with them – having tricked them into thinking we were here for a birthday party.
“We’re getting married!”
It was a complete joy.
I remember being utterly overwhelmed with happiness that we managed to pull off the surprise. My heart was near to bursting, and I was more than ready to get to church to see Alex.
We whisked our guests away on a charming vintage bus to Halloughton Church.
An incredibly special detail of our day, being the church where my grandparents got married and where I was christened. The church Vicar, Reverend Phil, came out of retirement to marry us. I will be forever grateful for our ceremony there, being a place that holds such beautiful family memories.
My dad walked me down the aisle, alongside three bridesmaids. My daughter was also due to walk down the aisle with me, but she was busy – taking it all in.
The church snippet was traditional, with the Bridal Chorus to enter and the Wedding March to leave. Both sounding unbelievably grand being played on the church organ. The church Vicar, Reverend Phil, also came out of retirement to marry us!
We had our singer and guitarist, Mark Elliott, and organist, Robert Starr, playing at the church. The organist being my music teacher at Primary School, flash forwards twenty years – now playing the Bridal Chorus and the Wedding March.
We chose two familiar feel-good hymns, Give Me Joy in My Heart, and One More Step Along the World I Go.
We enjoyed cake at the church, baked and crafted for us by Jess of JM Cake and Craft, having baked up plenty of delicious treats for us over the years, and shared memories together even before that.
The cake was accompanied alongside iced tea – this being the first drink Alex served me ten years ago, when ordering a lemon-ice-tea when he worked as a bartender.
Photography
The day was captured by Claire of Little Posy Photography, being the most gorgeous and energised and caring character who I am most lucky to call my friend. She was one of the first to hear about our surprise plans, because it always had to be Claire. Her work and efforts speak volumes.
Whilst getting ready on the day, we cast our minds back to when Claire had taken photos of me playing dress-up as a bride for a portfolio at the age of eighteen, and then there we were “celebrating turning thirty” in a wedding dress.
Our Videographer was Jaye of Rue and Wild, formally WildLoveVisuals. How magically videos accompany the stills. The surprise just had to be captured from all angles – and how grateful we are that you did. Capturing such a breathtaking piece. The emotion! Thanks to Jaye, we get to live our day all over again.
Having been recommended by Claire, we reached out to Lucinda of the Flower Fairy – and what a flower fairy she is. We often share the Flower Fairies books at home with our daughter, ones I too shared with my parents and grandparents when I was a little girl.
Our conversations with Lucinda always made me think back to these moments, and how Lucinda must have used magic fairy dust on the day to create such a breathtaking vision. Each arrangement was an absolute work of art.
Having the palette of pinks and peaches, associated with love, romance, joy, kindness, completely reflected the warmth and happiness we felt on the day.
The Reception
Family and friends were seated at the long table in the Galley, enjoying the three-course meal, peach bellinis and beers – the dinner party they initially thought they were there for.
We chose our first dance song, ‘Better Together’ by Jack Johnson, and the moment was presented most incredibly by our singer and guitarist, Mark.
Words of Wedded Wisdom
The build-up to your wedding day is part your journey, so be gentle with yourselves.
Remember, the day is uniquely yours, no matter how it unfolds. Your way is the best way – make it personal and true to yourselves.
And as Jack Johnson sings ‘I believe in memories. They look so, so pretty when I sleep’ – Go and make some ‘so, so pretty’ memories.
A detail we are keeping behind the scenes. Embrace the planning – and the spending – the details make up parts of you – however much or little you spend; your love and being there for each other shines through overall.
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