Wedding Ideas

Kay & Lloyd

When Kay and Lloyd met at just 15, Kay’s friends knew the pair would share something special. The two began dating a few years later, eventually tying the knot at Gaynes Park 15 years later.

The Proposal

Lloyd asked Kay to marry him while the couple were holidaying in Lapland, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

After he proposed, the biggest, most explosive shooting star flew across the sky. It was incredible.

The Wedding and Reception Venue

Kay had already begun looking at wedding venues – knowing that Lloyd would surely pop the question soon. The pair were keen to find an exclusive venue with everything on one site, with some picturesque areas for photos.

The couple found Gaynes Park in one of their local wedding magazines and after requesting a brochure Kay fell in love.

Groom looking down the aisle to his bride during their wedding — © Kerrie Mitchell

Bride and groom posing in the Gather Barn at Gaynes Park – wedding barns Essex — © Kerrie Mitchell

“It was the first venue we visited and we loved it immediately. The fact that Gaynes Park is a wedding venue with on-site accommodation was a big selling point – as were the venue owners, who seemed so excited about our wedding.”

Bridesmaids

Finding the right attire for the bridesmaids was perhaps the trickiest challenge for Kay. With all four maids being different shapes and sizes, she wanted to make sure they all wore something they felt comfortable in.

We went to David’s Bridal in Westfield, as there’s a large range of styles and colours. We eventually opted for raspberry coloured gowns – which worked well and contrasted with the wedding flowers.

Bride and bridesmaids in bright pink dresses outside the Coach House — © Kerrie Mitchell

The Men

Lloyd wore a navy three-piece suit, teamed with a cream tie, while his groomsmen bought navy ties with a subtle paisley pattern. Kay always knew he would choose well and let him make a decision on his final attire.

Lloyd scrubbed up very well. I just remember him smiling as I walked down the aisle.

Your Dress, Accessories and Flowers

Despite what Kay had in mind, she ended up with a Mori Lee dress quite the opposite.

I knew I definitely did not want strapless – but I ended up with a strapless dress. I also wanted cap sleeves – but the style I had imagined just didn’t suit me.

She teamed her dress with a pretty bouquet; diamond earrings, which were an old gift from Lloyd; a diamond drop necklace, borrowed from her sister; and new Jenny Packham bridal shoes.

Bridal preparations can begin in the luxurious space available in the Coach House — © Kerri Mitchell Photography

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Bride looking in the mirror before her wedding at Gaynes Park — © Kerrie Mitchell

Pastel Spring wedding flowers for a Gaynes Park wedding – barn hire Essex — © Kerrie Mitchell

The Decorative Touches

The couple’s wedding day was inspired by their trip away in Lapland. They named their tables after the constellations they gazed at in the skies, gave away Finlandia Vodka miniatures as favours, and hung festoon lights in the barn venue, Mill Barn, to replicate the stars in the sky.

We kept the styling simple. The space was so stunning we didn’t want to do much to it.

The Cake

Kay was lucky enough to have some serious baking talent in the family. Her mum and sister made the pair’s wedding cake, which comprised of a fruit cake tier, chocolate tier, and Victoria sponge.

She spent weeks practising and the end result was amazing. We had so many compliments about it and it meant so much more having someone close to us make the cake.

Elegant wedding decorations for an Orangery wedding ceremony at Gaynes Park – wedding venues Essex — © Kerrie Mitchell

Tables decorated for a barn wedding reception – wedding barns Essex — © Kerrie Mitchell

Pastel centrepiece and star table names for a Gaynes Park wedding – barn hire Essex — © Kerrie Mitchell

Chalkboard sign in the Orangery of Gaynes Park - wedding venues in Essex — © Kerrie Mitchell

Best Part of the Day

Getting married was the best part of the day. I expected it to be awkward but the registrars were so chatty and complimentary and the Orangery was lovely – it was strangely relaxing! It was the only part of the day that was truly about us.

Wedding Planning Tips

Focus on the elements that will make the most impact on the day, rather than the little things that people won’t really notice.
Make sure the choices you make are things you and your partner will enjoy – not just your guests.
If you have the money, don’t scrimp because you feel you have to. I wish we’d spent more on some of the bits of our wedding now.

Bride and groom exchanging rings in the Orangery – venues in Essex — © Kerrie Mitchell

Bride and groom in the gardens of Gaynes Park wedding venue in Essex — © Kerrie Mitchell

Bride and groom enjoying the sunset over the fields of Gaynes Park — © Kerrie Mitchell

“Getting married was the best part of the day.”

Honeymoon

Kay and Lloyd stopped off in two sun-drenched destinations to celebrate their newlywed status. The first stop was Dubai, for three nights, and the second stop the Maldives, for seven nights.

We ate and drank so much, relaxed, had a spa treatment, and went for a sunset cruise. It was bliss, made all the better because we were on a real high from the wedding.

Suppliers

Photography :	Kerrie Mitchell
Flowers :	Lily and May
Wedding Dress :	Mori Lee
Bride’s Accessories :	Jenny Packham
Bridesmaids Dresses :	David’s Bridal
Groom’s Suit :	Anthony’s
Groomsmen’s Outfits :	BHS
Disco/DJ :	Discowed
Rings :	Chisholm Hunter
Favours :	The Whisky Exchange