While December 2017 was a time of Christmas festivities and fun for many, it was also the month in which Daniel and Jo Jacques consummated their love with a beautiful winter wedding. Read on to discover their story and to see gorgeous images from their special day, which serve as great inspiration for brides looking to get married in 2018.
Jo has known Daniel since she was 15. What originated as a schoolgirl crush on her friend’s brother, became a long-lasting relationship two years later. 10 years down the line, and the two lovebirds have just celebrated the happiest days of their lives in East Sussex.
The Proposal…
Christmastime seems to be a running theme when it comes to Dan and Jo. The two enjoyed a dream trip to New York over Christmas, and much to Jo’s delight, Dan popped the question while on the roof of their hotel on Christmas Eve. It was the perfect place and a magical moment, especially seeing as though Jo had been unknowingly carrying her own engagement ring around the city all day when holding Dan’s jacket!
The Wedding Planning…
Luckily, the couple gave themselves two years to plan their big day, which made the whole process a little less stressful. As a Christmas-lover, Jo persuaded Dan to have a winter wedding and they soon chose the perfect date: 21st December. The first year of planning involved booking the main components, such as the venue, photographer, and choosing the dress.
Jo admits that despite the lengthy preparation time, stress inevitably arose in the last four months until D Day. “The need to have everything perfect and to please everyone was the main reason for the stress, but on the day, you don’t even think about these things!” she admits. Sadly, Jo’s Dad passed away just 11 weeks before the wedding, which made the process understandably harder. Her brother honoured her father by walking her down the aisle, and his memory was celebrated through emotional speeches with tears of both sadness and laughter.
The Venue…
Dan and Jo looked around about 10 venues around East and West Sussex before they found their perfect location. The luxury Buxted Park Hotel, complete with Palladian pillars and grand fire places that are perfect for winter weddings, provided the most romantic backdrop for their marriage.
The venue decoration for Dan and Jo’s winter theme included lovely artificial flowers from Budding Sensations. These pretty and real-looking flowers adorned the grand ballroom while all the guests enjoyed the wedding breakfast and reception, and were also used in the bridal party bouquets – and being artificial, they can be kept forever as beautiful reminders of the day.
The Dress…
Jo’s dream dress was the 9th dress that she tried on in Wed2b at Brighton marina. She looked gorgeous wearing a sweetheart neckline with a lace bodice, rhinestone belt and figure-enhancing mermaid silhouette. When trying it on for the first time, Jo loved it so much that she was walking around the shop in it for an hour! Luckily Wed2b is a relaxed boutique that allowed her to really take her time with the gowns, with no appointment needed.
Jo had 5 bridesmaid’s who wore midnight navy dresses with silver grey pashminas to form part of the overall winter colour scheme. They looked picture-perfect next to Jo in white and her 4-year old niece as a flower girl in ivory and navy.
The Big Day…
Jo celebrated the night before her wedding day in Buxted with a family dinner, lots of laughter and some natural pre-wedding nerves. The next morning she drank champagne and got ready with her mum and bridesmaid’s – which is exactly how a bride’s should be! Jo looked stunning in her lovely gown and with thanks to her make-up artist, Gemma Russell and hair stylist, Reflex Hair Designs.
The day went smoothly and despite her initial nerves, Jo loved walking down the aisle with 75 loved ones smiling back at her. From then on, the day was a joyous whirlwind. From saying those all-important vows to having family photos taken, laughing through speeches and welcoming the evening guests for the ultimate party. “It truly was the best, most fun day of our lives. There was so much love for us and we were overwhelmed by it all!”
We wish Dan and Jo eternal happiness in their life as newlyweds. Their special day certainly seemed a success, with stunning photography by Samantha Pells and videography by Bride and Zoom to keep as lovely memories.
If you feel inspired by this real wedding, here is a reminder of all the vendors that Dan and Jo used to make it so special:
Flowers: Budding Sensations
Photographer: Samantha Pells
Make-up: Gemma Russell
Suits: Suit to Suit
Bridesmaid dresses: For Her and For Him
Wedding dress: Wed2b
DJ: Odyssey Wedding Disco
Videographer: Bride and Zoom
Hair: Reflex Hair Designs
Contact the suppliers mentioned in this article
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