Worthing, West Sussex UK
August 28th 2015
Alexandra and Jennifer met at work five years ago and have been together for four. Over February and March 2014 the couple decided to go backpacking around Thailand. Jen had already traveled there and told Alex it was a worthwhile experience. Says Alex, “I was hesitant at the prospect of a month without my make up of hair dryer, but we had the most incredible time.”
Unbeknownst to Alex, Jen was carrying an engagement ring for the first three weeks of their trip. One night their tuk tuk nearly went off the side of a cliff, and Jen decided that was the night she would propose. She popped the question on the terrace of their beachfront hut on the beautiful island of Koh Phangan. Alex said “Yes!” and the couple spent the evening drinking cocktails on the beach, followed by a midnight dip in a warm sea. Say the couple, “It was beautiful.”
After eighteen months of wedding planning the brides were married at Field Place Manor House. The brides loved the gorgeous property and barn for the wedding reception.
Says Alex: “Jen and I did not see or know anything about each other’s dresses before our big day, which really heightened the anticipation.” The brides did, however wear matching floral crowns from ASOS in their hair. A good friend did the brides’ hair in loose curls.
Though Alex describes herself as a girl who loves shopping and make up, she could not find the simple wedding dress she dreamed of. In the end she teamed a white gown from ASOS with a small silver belt. Jen went for a traditional white dress with a lace overlay that echoed their romantic, boho theme.
Alex and Jen did not see each other until their ceremony, which they kept somewhat traditional. They both wanted to walk down the aisle with their dads. Their bridesmaids began the procession, followed by Jen and her dad then Alex and hers. Says Alex, “The order was only decided like that as Jen knew I would take longer to get ready in the morning.” The brides walked down the aisle to an acoustic version of Lena’s “Stardust.” One of their readings was from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, and they exited the ceremony to a surprise tunnel of flowers provided by the girls from their Girl Guide units.
The brides say their florist did an amazing job capturing their ideas. There were hundreds of jam jars and bottles full of wildflowers and lavender. Say the brides: “We did not want traditional centerpieces. We used empty bottles of our favorite alcohol for table names. These were then surrounded by jars of wild flowers and our homemade jam favors. The tables really looked so dreamy!” Their cake was a naked cake adorned with flowers, and in keeping with the floral theme, the brides also loved their bridesmaid dresses and say guests still rave about them.
The brides say guests had a blast in the photo booth, and that Alex’s dad surprised them with a flash mob during his speech. Says Alex: “Jen and my sister are obsessed with McBusted, so a McBusted themed flashmob ‘crashed’ the wedding which was a wonderful surprise.” They also had a live folk band during the reception.
First Dance: Jason Mraz “I Won’t Give Up.”
Alex’s Favorite Moment: “Seeing Jen at the end of the aisle smiling at me. We spent the night before at our respective parents’ houses and I had missed her loads! The whole day was so full of love.
Jennifer’s Favorite Moment: The flashmob.
Both brides say they were never without smiles on their faces because the entire day was magical.
The brides’ fun and elegant stationary.
Jen gets a little help with the finishing touches, revealing the detailed back of her beautiful dress.
Alex and her father pose by their vintage ride.
The brides enter the ceremony escorted by their fathers.
Jen slips a ring onto Alex’s finger.
And a kiss makes it official!
It’s all smiles as they add their signatures.
The brides share an excited, candid moment.
The Girl Guides are at the ready as the brides make their exit.
Next, family and friends surround them as they walk hand-in-hand.
The brides and their guests make their way to the barn to celebrate.
Alex and Jen pose with their well-dressed bridal party.
A group hug from behind.
The newlyweds take a moment alone.
The space looks bright, elegant and cheerful.
The cake looks even better.
Alex and Jen raise a glass to their loved ones.
Surprise! A flash mob gets this party started!
The brides take the floor for their first dance.
Time to cut this luscious cake.
Alex and Jen toss their bouquets to the waiting guests.
Their wedding day is a perfect success full of love and merriment.