All the rustic pretty tones and happy, smiling faces for today’s real wedding, as we bring you the spring nuptials of Sarah and Daniel in the dreamy and impressive Hodsock Priory, set in 800 acres of countryside perfection.
Few designers go from day to night as well as Blue by Enzoani and Sarah’s Omari gown proves how perfectly adaptable the style truly is, as we follow her down the aisle, throughout the day and dancing well into the night!
The gown is perfect for the day, with the rustic, dusky pink tones in the florals adding a whole lot of soft, prettiness that reflects the time of year, when the blooms are at their freshest and most beautiful. Throw in some lovely, sagey green tones for the ‘maids and some idyllic golden hour light and you know we’re onto a winner here! Let’s catch up with Sarah and hear about the planning, the day and the realisation that their wedding dream really had become a reality.
With photography by Matt Moore Photography
Proposal
We got engaged in Crete in July 2021. Over six years ago we went to Crete on our first holiday together, and it’s where Daniel told me he loved me for the very first time, outside a little chapel on a stroll after dinner.
We went back to Crete in 2021 and, one day, we went on a lunchtime wander. I didn’t realise where we were until Daniel asked me to sit down before saying, “Do you remember the significance of this spot? How about I go one better and ask you to marry me?”
Setting
We chose 15th April 2023 as we both love spring and we wanted a fresh sunny spring day around Easter time, when all the flowers are in peak bloom!
We got married at the Church of The Immaculate Conception in Spinkhill, which is Daniel’s family church. The reception was at the incredible Hodsock Priory. This was a venue that took our breath away from the very first visit, the grounds, the building… everything! It was just our dream venue.
Theme
Theme-wise, we wanted to have classic romance, fresh florals were a huge factor and we wanted an ivory, blush and sage theme. Timeless, classy and fresh spring colours.
Dress
My dress was by Enzoani Blue, the Omari gown. I always knew I wanted a dress to fit my figure; I’m tall and didn’t want a dress I felt overwhelmed by. I visited a boutique called Holmes and Co Bridal in Tickhill. When I described my vision, the team there picked the stunning Enzoani gown and I instantly fell in love. The whole cut of the dress was perfect for me and the train was to die for.
Groomsmen
Daniel wanted something that was classic, nothing pretentious but just a well-tailored navy suit. He opted for Hugo Boss and he looked incredible. All the groomsmen wore matching suits from Next Occasionwear.
Bridesmaids
The bridesmaids and flower girl all looked incredible in Wed2B gowns. The ability to choose different cuts and designs to suit each of their tastes and shapes (whilst still matching!) worked perfectly.
Beauty
Makeup was done by the incredible Hannah Atter of Muse9 Studios, whilst hair was done by Kelly Hanks Hair Design.
Transport
We booked cars using The Wedding Car Hire People and found two beautiful White Chrysler 300C cars (Baby Bentleys!). All Occasion Cars and BB Wedding Cars and Events were the two companies providing the service.
Photographer
We had Matt Moore Photography and 100% without a doubt we would recommend him.
Matt is an exceptional photographer and an all round fantastic human. From our first conversation, we hit it off and we knew we’d picked the right man for the job. Matt is fun, easy going and really works to understand your vision. The quality of the photography speaks for itself, and we have had constant positive feedback from the wedding party and our guests of how awesome both he and his second photographer Giles are. No request was too much trouble, which was so important to us as our photos are not just for us, they’re memories for everyone we love. If you’re unsure who to pick, we cannot recommend Matt enough. We’re a couple that aren’t always comfortable with ourselves on camera but there’s not an ounce of stuffiness. Matt just created natural ‘real’ snapshots of the happiest day of our lives. We’ll be eternally grateful to have a wedding album that has character and truly represents us and our loved ones.
Styling
Sarah Jones at Hibiscus Doncaster was our florist and she was nothing short of exceptional. I had a fresh hand tied large natural bouquet of blush and dusty pink roses, white roses, Astrantia, white veronica, white astilbe, eucalyptus and olive.
Sarah also provided the fresh flowers that we had for the reception and wedding breakfast tables. We had a long, two metre, thick arrangement on the top table, as well as candelabras and hurricane vases on each table, all adorned with fresh flowers. The room looked amazing.
Favours
I made the favours myself. They were individual shortbread biscuits, iced and personalised with our names and wedding date.
Cake
We had a three tier classic textured buttercream cake adorned with fresh flowers.
It was honestly so delicious and was made by Jane Welding at Pink Peppercorn Cakes. We had white chocolate and raspberry, lemon curd drizzle and black forest.
Dining
We are HUGE foodies, so the quality of the food was incredibly important to us. We had a series of classic canapes for our drinks reception; goats cheese tarts, crispy cod, roast beef in miniature Yorkshire puddings, tomato bruschetta. Then, our wedding breakfast was tomato, basil and mozzarella arancini with a yellow pepper coulis, followed by braised beef bourguignon with creamed potatoes and then raspberry posset with raspberry coulis and meringue. For our evening guests we had a full suckling pig hog roast.
Entertainment
We had a singer, Ross McWhirter Acoustic, who played for our drinks reception and after the wedding breakfast. He was just absolutely outstanding, so talented and genuinely created the atmosphere. The amount of compliments we had were unbelievable. Just an all-round awesome person too, so friendly and down to earth.
For the evening celebration we had a band called The Natterjacks, who play live music similar to Mumford and Sons. They were an absolute hit with our guests.
Special touches
We had a memory presentation; a critical part of our day was making sure we remembered our lost loved ones. On the fireplace mantle piece in the venue we had photos and messages in their honour.
Thanks to
Absolutely without question, the staff (in particular Jess) who were unbelievable and just as incredible as the venue itself. We had countless comments on how amazing the food was as well as the venue.
Our singer, Ross too! During the day we actually realised that without him it may have felt flat at times. He really did bring joy, atmosphere and happy vibes. He’s SO talented,we were just so fortunate to have him.
And of course, Matt, our photographer. He effortlessly integrated with us and our families, nothing was too much trouble and he really understood our vision. Created memories that will last forever.
Best bit
Daniel and I went for a stroll around the gardens during the golden hour, after the wedding breakfast and after we’d finished taking photos.
During the walk we just laughed and spent time with one another which felt so intimate. We also looked on at all our guests drinking and having a good time on the terrace, and realised that our dream really had become a reality.
Honeymoon
It was a complete surprise to me – Daniel whisked me off to Seville for the week after the wedding. I just had a case packed and didn’t have a clue where we were going until we arrived at the airport. We had a dreamy week of tapas, beautiful sunshine and amazing wine. It was perfect. We’re then off back to our special place in Crete in June.
Advice
Leave your phone locked up at home! That would be my top tip.I left my mobile phone in a drawer from the moment I woke up on the wedding day and just stayed present.
Everyone says it, but really do try stay in the moment. Grab that time to have a walk with your new spouse, and just soak up every minute together.
Despite all the fizz I drank, I remember absolutely every last second of our day.
I also used the Brides up North for styling inspiration, particularly with the abundance of green spring editorials to take a look at, and that was really useful!
