There’s nothing I love more than writing about weddings, and it’s even better when I get to be a guest at a friend’s wedding and then write about it!
Although Jessica and Tom live in the sunny Cayman Islands, they always knew that they wanted to get married back home in the UK surrounded by their family and friends, and what better place to do it than the pretty village of Bampton, famous for its many appearances in Downton Abbey!
Their wedding took place in the heart of the British countryside on a beautiful summer’s day, and I’m so excited to be able to share their incredible photos and their lovely story with you.
Jessica looked stunning in a classic gown by British designer Naomi Neoh. The soft chiffon full skirt was enhanced at the waist with pretty lace detail and a ribbon belt with an elegant V back complemented by a full length veil.
Jessica’s bouquet matched her English rose style perfectly. Full of roses, hydrangeas, posies and purple Veronica. It looked as though it had just been freshly picked from a magical garden, and a photograph of her parents transformed her bouquet into something very special.
Tom looked just as handsome in a traditional morning suit. His groomsmen matched Tom’s look with their buttonholes matching Jessica’s summary blooms and pastel blue ties to match the bridesmaids.
The bridesmaids (Jessica’s sister’s) looked amazing in their blue Maids to Measure gowns. Jessica chose this tone purposely to match her sister’s blue eyes, and their posy bouquets complemented their dresses perfectly.
Jessica and Tom married in St Mary’s church in Bampton in Oxfordshire, recently shown in an episode of Downton Abbey. Tom’s mother lives in the pretty village and it’s no surprise they chose this church with it’s beautiful interior and wonderful history.
The newlyweds then drove off in a fabulous 1930s car to their reception at the incredible Kingston Bagpuiz House, another location for a scene in Downton Abbey. The couple were able to enjoy the grounds of this magnificent venue and spend a few special moments with their photographer while their guests enjoyed champagne and canapés.
The couple were then joined by their bridal party for some fun photographs in the vast grounds while guests were treated to a very special and unique family tree, showing photographs of both Jessica and Tom when they were young and their families. A very special touch, paying tribute to certain family members that couldn’t be there to share their special day. In fact, Jessica’s youngest sister and the best man spent many hours up a ladder creating this meaningful focal point and decorating surrounding trees with over 900 fairy lights!
Guests were then asked to take their seats in a magnificent marquee, with opulent candelabra as centrepieces which carried pink and blue hydrangeas matching the bride’s bouquet. A fantastic map of the world pointing to various cities they’d visited together made for a unique seating plan. I was delighted to be in Havana for the night!
After a delicious wedding breakfast, the guests all ventured outside to watch Jessica and Tom cut their cake and toast their new lives as husband and wife.
We then took to the dance floor to witness the new Mr and Mrs Wright have their first dance, and while the bride and her guests continued the party, the groom and his groomsmen disappeared to a private room in the venue to enjoy their “folly” with Cuban cigars and vintage port. An old wedding tradition for the groom and his groomsmen. How decadent!
It wasn’t easy for Jessica and Tom to arrange their Oxfordshire wedding all the way from their home in the Cayman Islands, but their families acted on their behalf to ensure everything was planned to perfection. They even booked their venue without seeing it first! Thank god for the internet and helpful families!
A beautiful wedding for my beautiful friend and her new hubby. Congrats Jess and Tom!
Photo credits: Barker Evans
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