How They Met

Kelmarsh Hall, Confetti Shot

Photography by Sarah Vivienne Photography.
\r\n\r\nZoë and Tony met at Republic, a nightclub in Sheffield when they were both students in the city, although it wasn’t quite love at first sight, as Zoë explains: “He was very cheeky and we actually had a bit of an argument on our first meeting! We then didn’t see each other for a few months but bumped into each other in another club and took if from there.”

The Proposal

Country Wedding Northamptonshire Doorway Photo Kelmarsh Hall Grounds Photo

I knew he was going to propose, but it was a surprise when and how. We’ d booked a holiday to Malaysia for Valentine’s day, my birthday and our anniversary (all in February!) so I expected it to happen then. But he called me on my way home from work a couple of days before we went away and asked if I fancied going out for dinner. I was on the phone and I didn’t have my glasses on – I could see this tall guy walking towards me with what looked like a big bunch of flowers but it didn’t click…I practically bumped into him! He then got down on one knee and popped the question, right in the middle of the street by London Bridge Station.

The Dress

Deanna Hudson, wedding dress, cream, green Deanna Hudson Dress

“I designed my own dress and had it made by the fantastic Deanna Hudson. It was made from taffeta and silk. One of the first things Deana asked was whether I wanted the dress to make a noise, I said yes, which is why we decided on taffeta – it made a lovely swoosh noise when I walked. Unique details included a green floor-length sash (that matched The Groom’s tie) and a huge flower for my hair made from the same fabric as the dress.”

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The Bridesmaids

Wedding, Bridesmaids, Dessy, Green Dresses Bridesmaids outside Kelmarsh Hall The Maids wore green dresses by Dessy, and Sarah gave them each a huge wine-glass shaped vase from the day complete with flowers, and silver floral motif earrings as gifts.\r\ndessy.com\r\n\r\n

The Venue

Country House Wedding, Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire Kelmarsh Hall Exterior

The couple were married and had the reception at Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire.\r\n“We just loved it the minute we walked in,” says Zoë. “We were up from London for the weekend so we had a day packed full of viewings but Kelmarsh was just very classic and had lots of lovely period features and a really grand feel to it.”

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The theme

Kelmarsh Hall, Reception, Green, Wedding Kelmarsh Hall, Reception

“We went for classic English country house as we wanted to keep everything quite natural and in keeping with our amazing venue. The house had lots of greens and dusky pinks which is why we went with the colour theme we did. As the wedding was in February the cream roses and ferns in our flowers worked perfectly.”

The Details

homemade wedding cake, DIY, craft, details The Cake

Zoë made many of the big day’s details herself. “I made our menus, table plans, table centres, place cards and favours, and the invitations.” She also made the wedding cake, a rich fruit cake to her Grannie’s recipe. She recommends other brides have a go, too: “Try to do as much as you can yourself, not only does it save cash but it makes the whole day a lot more personal.”

The Transport

Beetle, hire-car, wedding, white Beetle Car

“My dad chose our wedding cars as a surprise and they were brilliant! My dad and I travelled in a classic Karmann Beetle with white interior and seating, white body, and a Champagne coloured hood. The bridesmaids travelled in a New Beetle Limo called ‘Big Ron’.”

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The party

Funkification, wedding party, Kelmarsh Hall, Band Party at Kelmarsh Hall

We had a five-piece band, Funkification, who played classic soul, funk and 70s grooves with a touch of pop and rock. We also made our own playlists to play in between sets. Tony and I didn’t want to leave – we wanted to stay to the end but my dad sent us home at midnight! There was lots of dancing and drinking, it was a brilliant night.”

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