“Their wedding was truly beautiful and everyone was so inclusive and welcoming, they were just the dream clients! We spent the entire day together, right from groom prep {a rarity to me – so we definitely milked the photo opportunities, including a ‘Beatles’ styled road cross!}, to bridal prep {the girls had matching robes which were just adorable and the cutest fluffy dog who was 13!}, to a beautiful ceremony with their closest family and friends at their local Kingdom Hall. Following that we spent some good time in the sunshine exploring the local area for their couple photos, found a pony to take photos with, and the day summarized with speeches featuring home videos of the bride, which was tear-jerking and induced hilarious belly-laughs simultaneously.” –Grace Elizabeth Photography

What is your favorite wedding day memory?

It’s hard to pick one memory.. I loved the whole day! From the nervous shakes in the morning when I didn’t quite know what to do with myself to the hilarious and emotional speeches. It was fantastic. If I had to pick something it would be knowing that all my closest friends and family were there, having fun and celebrating with us!

What did you DIY for your wedding?

From the start we aimed to do as much as we could ourselves! To save a bit of money and just because it was fun too. I started with designing our invitations and RSVP’s and then getting them printed through a printing company. They turned out great! The benefit of doing things yourself is that you can create different things that all work together to fit your idea. For example, I made and wrote my own name place cards which matched in color with the invites. I also made the wedding favors two days before with a couple of friends, they were Lemon biscuits with dusty pink icing with our names and the date printed into them. Other things I created include the floral arrangements on the tables, the table runners and hand written seating chart. We also have an awesome family with so many talents so if they were willing we embraced it! My Grandfather made the most amazing drinks bar and also some logs for the evening cup cakes to stand on. Tom’s nanny made our beautiful cake and his auntie was my hairdresser. One of my bridesmaids, Becky, did my makeup and a friend of ours created our amazing wedding video. Told you they are clever!

Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?

Enjoy it! No matter whether you’ve got 6 months to plan or you’ve got 2 years, it will fly by as there is so much to do. Don’t doubt yourself, you can do it. When you’ve made a decision, stick with it and believe in yourself! Naturally, I am quite productive and feel like I always had to be doing some kind of wedding planning whether that was late after work or at the weekend. It takes a lot of hard work but it is so worth it when on the day you see your vision as a reality! -Jess, the Bride

Event Credits

Photography: Grace Elizabeth Photography // Ceremony Venue: Kingdom Hall, Fakenham, Jehovah's Witnesses // Reception Venue: Binham Memorial Hall // Florist: Myrtle and Moss // Catering: Norfolk Thai Cusine // Cake: The Food Dude // Invitations: Printed.com // Engagement Ring: Ivy Nixon // Bride's Attire: Monsoon // Bride's Jewelry: Next // Bride's Shoes: Deichman // Bridesmaid's Attire: Dorothy Perkins // Bridesmaid's Shoes: Marks and Spencer // Bridesmaid's Jewelry: Not On The High Street // Groom's Attire: Next // Groomsmen's Attire: Debenhams // Ties + Accessories: ASOS // Personalized Wedding Bunting: Katz Corner Boutique