Photography: Sanshine Photography

A wonderland wedding at Aynhoe Park

‘The phrase ‘go big or go homeʼ seems to resonate with me and I knew I wanted something olde worlde, but not National Trust décor,’ says Jennifer. ‘Seeing the floating giraffe suspended by balloons and The Orangery at Aynhoe Park on Instagram ticked all the boxes. I absolutely love Alice in Wonderland and this venue is just a wonderland in itself!’

As the wedding was in February, the couple decided on a blue colour theme. ‘I’m a fan of more muted tones, so we chose a dusky, steel blue. The colour was stunning on the bridesmaids, who wore Vera Wang dresses in slightly different styles, and which suited their complexions beautifully.

‘We also had Bubblegum Balloons set up a suspended balloon ceiling of various shades of blue and rose gold which looked amazing with the lighting of the room. We even asked for some balloons going up the staircase that said ‘He put a ring on itʼ and ‘Here comes the brideʼ. 

‘We used Studio Sorores for our florals, as we wanted someone who was familiar with Aynhoe Park. I envisioned something quite classic and elegant, so my bouquet was made of white peonies tied with a steel blue/grey tie. We also had white rose petals down the aisle, among varying heights of candles and two large urns at the front full of white florals of hydrangea, peonies, roses and phalaenopsis. Our arrangements for the tables were quite low as I like the idea of people being able to see each other and talk over the table.’

The couple hired glass-beaded charger plates and matching cutlery from Whitehouse Event Crockery, which they teamed with blue napkins.

To make their showstopping cake, the couple chose Poppy Pickering. ‘Her work is incredible and she is the nicest person ever!’ says Jennifer. ‘Our flavours were lemon and blueberry; rhubarb and ginger; and apple caramel and hazelnuts. There was a plain white tier at the bottom with a bow; a sparkle tier; a blue lustre tier and a plain white-with-dots tier. I was blown away when I saw the cake – I have a massive sweet tooth and this was so important to me. We have the top tier at home on display and itʼs still so pretty.’

Music was also an important part of their day. ‘Guests were greeted by a string quartet that played Canon in D by Pachelbel as I walked down the aisle. We had a pianist during the wedding breakfast and a DJ and saxophonist package in the evening which was amazing.

‘There were so many memorable moments. I remember feeling calm having my hair and make-up done; a couple of pangs of nerves but these quickly settled. But then waiting behind the doors with my dad, I could hear the wedding music begin and I said, ‘Oh, wow, itʼs really happening! Now I’m nervous!ʼ

‘Other memorable moments included cutting the cake and our first dance – Nat King Coleʼs When I fall in love. I absolutely love that song and it was made even more special by our dog, Bernard, joining us on the dance floor!’

For the photos Jennifer had her heart set on a beautiful floral arch made of peonies, roses, hydrangeas, anthurium and phalaenopsis.

‘My shoes were pearl heels from Jimmy Choo, but I took them off soon after the photos and put on some flats!ʼ

‘When the doors opened, I just remember smiling at Andrew. The room looked so beautiful and the daylight flooding through the windows was surreal.’

LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Your wedding contacts

Venue aynhoepark.co.uk
Photography sanshinephotography.com
Bride’s dress Berta from thewedding-club.co.uk
Groomswear reecefordsuithire.co.uk
Bridesmaids’ dresses Vera Wang at davidsbridal.co.uk
Stationery lilacandwhite.com
Flowers studiosorores.com
Balloons bubblegumballoons.co.uk
Cake poppypickering.co.uk
Hireware eventcrockeryhire.co.uk
Entertainment @piccadillystringquartet; @joepike; @jonnyrossmusic

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