WINTER SPARKLE

Jessica and Tom’s black-tie wedding was all kinds of glam

Images courtesy of Nick Church Photography

Tom and Jessica first met at a family Christmas party when they were teenagers, and stayed in touch throughout their time at university and Tom’s rugby career. Later, having both moved to London separately, they were able to spend more time together. “By the time we finally took a leap of faith and decided to become a couple, I had accepted a teaching job in Dubai, and Tom in China!” Jessica says. “We managed a long-distance relationship for four months before Tom joined me in Dubai.”

On 21st December, 2018, exactly 16 years after they first met at the Christmas party, Tom decided to pop the question. “He proposed at sunrise on top of a very windy Brent Knoll,” Jessica tells us. “We could look out and see all of our family homes and connections in Somerset.” Tom had designed a beautiful gold and diamond trilogy ring for Jessica – how could she say no? When it came to setting the date, the pair settled on 22nd December, 2019, and they soon got to work planning their dream winter wedding at Coombe Lodge. Jessica fills us in on all the details…

We wanted a Christmas wedding, and we knew that the timeless Coombe Lodge would look beautiful in winter with candlelight, open fires and festive decor. Logistically, it was perfect as our family could stay with us and we didn’t have to travel between venues.

The aisle was lined with glass bottles of flowers, confetti and lanterns, while the tables were brimming with candles and an eclectic mix of mercury glass bottles and pots filled with flowers. Our simple three-tier white cake comprised Victoria sponge and fruit cake layers and was decorated with arrangements of fresh flowers to coordinate with the rest of the day.

We wanted the table plan to be simple and elegant; it was a white board with black scroll font entitled ‘Be Our Guest.’ For favours, we donated money to Weston Hospice Care and gave pin badges in memory of Tom’s father and my nan.

We treated our loved ones to Thatchers Reserve sparkling apple wine and Thatchers Gold Cup winter cocktail for a Somerset-inspired treat. We had a delicious formal wedding breakfast with a whole Somerset hog roast in the evening. I loved my Madison James gown. It was an off-the-shoulder style with a semi-scoop neckline and an elegant, minimalist look. I set the dress off with a bespoke Joyce Jackson veil, which was made from Italian tulle with a diamanté edging. 39

Tom looked dashing in a black Hugo Boss tuxedo. The groomsmen also wore tuxes, but the groom stood out with a white rose and thistle buttonhole. My bridesmaids wowed in champagne-coloured maxi dresses of their own choosing. In the evening, a live band called Truly Medley Deeply played tunes from all eras: ’90s, Motown, pop, rock, etc. They kept the dancefloor full all night.

Our photographer, Nick Church, was excellent; he was very personable and extremely discreet. We also have to say thank you to Tom Baxter at Coombe Lodge, who supported us from our initial meeting all the way through to the big day. Nothing was too much trouble.On the day, I felt so emotional and excited. Walking down the aisle to see all of our close family and friends was such a special moment.

CLOSING CREDITS

Venue, www.coombelodge.co.uk | Photographer, www.nickchurchphotography.co.uk Bride’s dress, https://dubaibridalshowroom.com | Bride’s accessories, www.instagram.com/oliviahooperbridalstudio Hair and make-up, www.ewhairandmakeup.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, www.mayadeluxe.com and www.monsoon.co.uk Menswear, www.hugoboss.com | Flowers, www.thewildebunch.co.uk Cake, www.waitrose.com | Stationery, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/juicypaperie Band, www.trulymedleydeeply.com | Drinks, www.thatcherscider.co.uk