SARAH & GIORGIO THEIR STORY

Sarah and Giorgio met at school and started dating when they were just 15. On the weekend of Sarah’s 26th birthday Giorgio had booked a surprise spa break at Pennyhill Park. What she didn’t realise until later that evening was that he’d arranged a private dinner. After enjoying drinks on a cosy sofa in front of the fire, they went into their own private room for the meal, which is where Giorgio proposed! Nearly three years later, they came back to tie the knot. Here’s how it went…

The happy couple: Sarah and Giorgio Coppola

The special date: 19th August 2021

The photographer: Yulia Tsezar

The florist: Longacres Garden Centre

The cake: Odiham Cake Company

The outfit: Sass & Grace and Moss Bros

What did you love most about Pennyhill Park?

“When we were unable to go ahead with our original plan of getting married abroad, we knew straight away that we wanted to get married at Pennyhill Park. It’s where our engagement took place, so it was already so special to us.

“The whole process with Pennyhill Park was smooth and professional. The planning and organisation ahead of the wedding day meant that, when the day came, I was able to relax because I knew everything was in hand. The day itself ran so smoothly and the team were fantastic.

What do you remember most about the day itself?

Along with our guests we thoroughly enjoyed the food and glad we opted for a couple of upgrades for the wedding breakfast, as it made it feel extra special.”

“As cliché as it sounds, walking down the aisle to the pavilion where Giorgio was stood waiting. As soon as the music started playing and I started walking down the steps with my Dad, I remember seeing our guests looking at us with huge smiles on their faces. I suddenly felt really emotional, as the day was finally here. Our photographer also captured this moment perfectly!“

Were there any special moments or surprises?

“Menu tasting! We were pleasantly surprised by what Pennyhill Park had arranged and it was a lovely afternoon in preparation for the big day. It was also one of those moments when you realise it’s not long until the big day and it helps build the excitement.

Another moment was when we did our couple’s photoshoot. We went to a few spots in the grounds of Pennyhill Park while our guests were enjoying the Pimms and nibbles. I loved these little moments because, even though our photographer was there, it felt like it was time for just us two to really take in the day.”

Did you have a theme to bring your day to life?

“We didn’t have a wedding theme as such, partly due to it being an intimate wedding. In terms of colours, for me, this came from choosing the flowers for my bouquet and the flowers that were on the table. I had chosen these early on with the wedding team at Longacres Garden Centre and that helped form the colours and styles we selected for the stationery, favours and table decorations.”

Tell us about the dress...

“I think I visited around eight bridal shops until I finally found ‘the dress’. It was from this gorgeous boutique on the outskirts of Winchester, called Sass & Grace. Sam who owns the boutique is so lovely and has a fantastic range of dresses. Once I had picked my dress, I tried on a few veils and hair clips that Sam had in the shop and ended up ordering two of them for the day.”

What tips or advice would you give to future couples?

“Everybody says it, but it really is your wedding day so do exactly what you want to do. Our wedding wasn’t exactly traditional, but it was perfect for us and we’re so glad we didn’t change anything. Follow your heart and keep a spreadsheet on what you’re spending, especially for the little costs as they add up!”