Pronovias Elegance for a Stylish Navy Blue and Gold Winter Wedding

Some colour combinations are classic, tried and true, and that can definitely be said of the choice of colours throughout this beautiful winter country house wedding in Somerset

Rich shades of navy blue and accents of gold work wonderfully here in the winter light, and despite the sometimes inclement weather, the happy couple look to be having the time of their lives! Head of communications Jess and athlete and Invictus Games team vice captain Steve were married on the 25 February 2017 at the picturesque lakeside church of St. Mary’s in Orchardleigh, Somerset, followed by an elegant reception at Orchardleigh House.

“As we got married in February, we wanted to stick to a wintery theme with navy blues and golds but also very classic and traditional. The navy blue was also particularly important as they were Steve’s military colours and we wanted that to come through on the day.”

Images by Helen Cawte Photography

Jess chose her wedding gown from Little Book for Weddings boutique, Brides of Winchester (if you haven’t taken a look at our directory of amazing suppliers, head on over!), and what an exquisite choice she made – the graceful silk ‘Pravina’ dress by the wonderful Pronovias, with sleek capped sleeves and dropped waist, flattering bateau neckline and bow detail.

“I loved how traditional it was but also the simplicity of it, which spoke for itself. It really felt like a ‘bridal’ dress.”Piccolo Press provided the classically elegant stationery, and the wedding breakfast tables were decorated with vases of creamy white blooms, with accents of navy blue and gold in the place cards, stationery, chairs and the amazing mini Prosecco bottles covered in gold glitter.

To keep off the February chill, Jess also wore a cosy faux fur jacket and on her feet, chic navy blue suede heels from Christian Louboutin, which were a gift from her bridesmaid and bridesmaid’s boyfriend (her something new and something blue). She wore pearl earrings from Debenhams and a Swarovski bracelet – a gift from Steve, and a spritz of Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel.

“We wanted flowers that fit our ‘wintery’ theme but were classic enough to complement the dress. We also wanted the blue from the anemones to pick up the navy of the guys’ suits.”

In her hair, Jess wore a crystal headband, which she bought from eBay teamed with a stylish veil. Hair and make-up artist Charlotte Tillyer styled Jess’ hair and created a radiant make-up look with a subtly smoky eye and perfectly pink lip.

Charlotte also took care of make-up for the mother-of-the bride and the bridesmaids, while Charlie Metcalf from Eden Hair of Salisbury styled their hair.

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I love the contrasting blue and grey in Steve’s three-piece suit from Ted Baker, with a smart white shirt and blue tie.

“Steve’s suit had a grey waistcoat to complement the groomsmen. We got some strange looks in the tailors when we asked to cut the legs off the trousers and make them into shorts to fit his prosthetic legs!”

The groomsmen wore three-piece suits from Moss Bros with navy blue ties and pocket squares to match Steve’s.

Jess also gave Steve a very special gift on the day of their wedding – a watch from Breitling.

“I saved for the 18 months before the wedding to buy this for Steve as he’s always been obsessed by watches but never had a Breitling.”

“Steve proposed at sunrise whilst we were on holiday in Mauritius. It was particularly special to us as the first time I’d ever properly watched the sunrise was when we were on holiday in Australia the year before, and it was such a magical moment. We got engaged 18 months before we got married.”

Jess and her dad travelled to St. Mary’s Church in a classic Rolls Royce, and Jess later found out that this had been on her dad’s bucket list! Einaudi’s I Giorni was played on the church organ as Jess and her dad made their way down the aisle.

With a beautiful lakeside setting, the church was lit with atmospheric candles and heated with a log burner (there is no electrical supply to the church!)

“I genuinely don’t think there’s anything we would change about the day. Apart from perhaps walking down the aisle slightly slower to take it all in! I was so nervous about getting to Steve, I legged it down the (very small) aisle!”

The couple exchanged their vows and rings in this lovely setting; Steve chose a wooden ring from Etsy, and Jess chose a double band from Beaverbrooks.

“My engagement ring that Steve got was so beautiful, I really wanted something that felt like part of it so opted for a double band which my engagement ring slotted into the middle of.”

Jess and Steve’s photographer of choice was Helen Cawte, whose lovely, light-filled work we’ve had the pleasure of sharing before on Love My Dress.

“Helen was absolutely brilliant, she made the whole planning experience in the lead up to the wedding enjoyable and on the day, all of our guests commented how great she and her assistant were. It really felt like they enjoyed being part of the day. We were absolutely over the moon with the stunning photos too, from capturing the smallest details to the amazing shots of Steve and I and the candid ones of our family and friends. I couldn’t recommend Helen highly enough!”

The bridesmaids wore striking navy blue gowns with pretty lace capped sleeves from Queen of Victoria, shoes from New Look and bracelets from Debenhams. In their hair they wore sprigs of fresh gypsophila and carried simple bouquets of the same from florist The Lily Locket. Jess carried a gorgeous winter bouquet with ivory roses, gypsophila and gorgeous anemones with deep blue centres.

The couple were keen to choose a reception venue with accommodation, where family and friends could stay and relax without having to worry about transport. The beautiful, intimate setting of Orchardleigh House was perfect for them.

“They just had to head upstairs to bed after they’d finished celebrating – that was really important to us.”

“We bought the bottles from Aldi then I had a family hen do where we decorated them with gold glitter, straws and blue ribbon.”

Catering was undertaken by the team at Orchardleigh House, and a gorgeous three-tier cake decorated with fresh flowers from The Flying Pig Cake Emporium.

“This was a gift from my mum for the wedding day. I never got a slice of cake on the day but it all went and our guests said it was delicious!”

Family friend and magician Charlie Nethercott was on hand to amaze guests with his tricks, and music came from The What 4’s. For their first dance, the couple chose Bonfire Hearts by James Blunt.

“It’s a song we’ve both loved for a while, particularly for the lyrics ‘Days like these, lead to nights like this’ and ‘People like us we don’t need that much’, plus the mention of a ‘loyal soldier’.”

Another favourite part of the day for Jess was being able to spend a quiet few minutes enjoying a glass of champagne with Steve, which was thoughtfully arranged by the bridesmaids.

“They’d completely tidied the bridal suite (it was a tip when we’d left for church as I’d got ready in there with the bridesmaids) – it was such a small but thoughtful surprise.”

Words of Wedded Wisdom

“Enjoy the planning, don’t feel pressured to do anything you don’t want to. Someone gave me the advice of taking mental snapshots through the day as it goes so fast, I’d definitely pass that advice on to any brides to be.”

Jess and Steve, many congratulations and thanks for sharing your elegant, cosy winter wedding with us – it looks like you had the best time! Many thanks also to Helen Cawte Photography for the amazing images, too.

Until next time lovely readers,

With love,

Laura