S & J • Holkham Hall
“James and I met on the first night of Freshers’ Week at University…six months later, he took me to Holkham beach for a picnic (which was full of my favourite food) and asked me to be his girlfriend. The rest is history!”
James and Sophie #NorfolksRoyalWedding (we say better than the Royals, but we’re bias)
We were privileged to be part of Sophie and James’ wedding day, and what a day it was. Picture this: clear blue sky, a charming location and a celebration of simply the best-looking couple, inside and out. One couldn’t ask for more on their special day. Holkham Hall, a place so close to their hearts, made for the perfect setting - and really captured the essence of them as a couple.
“James and I knew that we wanted to get married in a venue that meant something to us, so the obvious choice was to go back to Holkham – the place where James originally asked me to be his girlfriend (and where we’ve spent several days since, walking James’s two cheeky dogs!)”
Norfolk is especially significant, as James’ family are from there, and much of their time outside of work and life in Richmond has been spent enjoying all that it has to offer. The location played a clear role throughout the planning and decision process. All food was to be sourced locally, and all suppliers involved in the lead up and on the day were local.
“Whilst we didn’t have an official theme, we hoped that the wedding reflected our personalities – for example, we named our tables after our favourite beaches and there was a different gin on each table (G&T is our favourite drink!). Our wedding colours were based around my favourite flowers – cream and blue hydrangeas.”
The wedding was inspired by the outdoors and nature. This was reflected throughout, with foliage lining every table, a floral chandelier, and a tipi bringing the outside, in. There were garden games to occupy the children (and adults), cosy sofas to relax on during the drinks reception, and blankets scattered about for the evening. Every element complemented the essence of the relaxed, botanical theme: ‘inspired by nature’.
Having their ceremony in the breathtaking Marble Hall added an instant wow factor, and the tipi perched on the edge of the lake for the party was achingly romantic, yet understated. As the sun set on the day, a cool mist descended on the lake. It was the most magical experience we’ve ever had. Sometimes nature just astounds you... and what perfect timing.
Sophie had a bevy of ladies to support her, and adding thoughtful, personal touches to each one was something of great importance. Every detail was considered, with matching earrings for her flower girls, bridesmaids, maids of honour and also her mother and sister. Sophie chose our LILY BLANCHE pearl stud earrings, which complimented the navy gowns, offset by the bouquets filled with beautiful white flowers.
“The quality of the jewellery speaks for itself and I fell in love with the personalised touches – Annabelle at Marie Blanche is a talented artist and hand-painted my wedding bouquet onto the boxes of the jewellery. Most other brands, you get a very standard box which is produced en masse….the boxes you get with Marie Blanche are completely unique and make the moment of jewellery-giving even more memorable. The service was absolutely outstanding from start to finish. I couldn’t recommend Marie-Blanche more highly.”
Music plays such a vital role in a wedding, and we always say it – create the atmosphere with music that sets the tone for each part. Every song chosen for James and Sophie’s wedding sums them up – personal, sentimental and fun.
Entrance music – ‘Nuvole Bianche’ – Einaudi (personal to Sophie as one of the first pieces she learnt to play on the piano)
“One of my favourites, and it is also long enough to get my football team of bridesmaids down the aisle!”
Ceremony song – “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ - Frankie Valli (lead by the brilliant band Jazzbomb)
First Dance – ‘Perfect’ – Ed Sheeran (sung by one of Sophie’s oldest friend’s sister)
Asking any Bride and Groom to pinpoint their best memories of the day is an incredibly hard task… but we pestered them nonetheless.
“Ah! This is an impossible question! I loved every single part of it….well, apart from when I lost my Granny’s engagement ring (that’s a story for another time, and don’t worry, it was found…!). If I HAD to pick a favourite moment, I think it would be when James and I stepped out for some golden hour photos – we had some time just the two of us (and our fabulous photographer Kathy) and we took it all in….we could hear all our closest friends and family members laughing and having a good time and we’d just GOT MARRIED(!); James was also delighted to have his speech out of the way! That and the ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ singsong – this set the tone for the rest of the day….just one big party with the people we love the most.”
Choosing the right wedding venue is such an important part of getting married; a place that will be cherished for many years to come. The sentiment behind James and Sophie’s choice was perfect.
“We had never been into Holkham Hall before, just walked around it. It is magnificent, and the team are so passionate about making each wedding special. We are so happy we chose Holkham and can’t wait to return for many years to come.”
“Enjoy the process…the big day, sadly, goes by rather quickly so enjoy putting it together and don’t sweat the small stuff. People are coming from far and wide to see you and celebrate the two of you together... they won’t notice if the bunting doesn’t quite match the shade of the seat cushion…!”
“We’ve just celebrated our 10 year anniversary and I can’t quite believe where the time has gone.”
A love everlasting, two soulmates who have embarked on their forever.
• Photographer: Kathy Ashdown • Venue: Holkham Hall • Coordinators: Holkham Hall • Catering: Julie Abbs Catering • Flowers: Ivy Floral Events • Wedding Dress: Sassi Holford • Men’s Suits: Suit Supply • Cake: James’ Aunty Dawn • Hair Styling: Hair by Tracey Ward • Make-up: Lovemoimakeup • Favours: Dandelion Cocoa •