Emily’s Perfect Wedding In Stella York
How did your partner propose?
Jack and I went out for dinner on a random Friday night in Tunbridge Wells, I was stressed after a busy day at work and definitely not dressed for the occasion as he didn’t let me go home and get changed first, we ate our food (in record time) and he suggested we went for a walk at Dunorlan Park because the weather was so nice. We walked and chatted for a bit and then walked back to my car, which was made to look like someone had broken in to it, in a mad panic Jack told me to check the boot of my car, in the boot was a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket with a ring box, I was in so much shock I forgot to say yes! We then drove home thinking I was just going to see my mum, I walked into the house to be greeted by all of our friends and family for a surprise engagement party, it was amazing!
What’s the best piece of advice you received in the run up to your wedding?
To enjoy every minute of the build-up and planning of the big day and make special occasions out of smaller tasks to keep family included without them overwhelming you.
How did you go about finding your wedding dress?
My mum sister and I went to a couple of local stores but two of my friends had found their dresses at Fross and had really enjoyed the experience. When we went in I felt so at ease, under no pressure and the shop is so beautifully presented. I had an idea of what I wanted but wanted to try on everything and I’m so glad I did because what I went for was nothing like what I had pictured.
How many dresses did you try on before you found ‘the one’?
I think I tried on about 10.
Do you know the name of your dress designer?
Stella York
What made you fall in love with the dress that you chose?
As soon as I put it on it felt comfortable, it had the perfect amount of sparkle without being too over the top and as soon as I saw my mum and sisters face I knew it was the one
Did you wear a veil and/or any other bridal accessories?
I had a floor-length veil and a really dainty headband, both from Fross.
Tell us a little about your wedding day – the vibe, what inspired you, etc.
When we started looking at venues Jack and I knew we wanted somewhere that could hold a lot of guests, had the option for both outdoor and indoor ceremony and had a hotel for all of our guests. We looked at a few and I had always had East Sussex National in the back of my mind. ESN was really reasonably priced, was a really decent size and had beautiful outdoors for photos. With over 100 guests to the day alone we were keen to create a fun, relaxed atmosphere in a sophisticated venue and ESN gave us just that. Considering how many people were catered for the food was of a really decent standard, we provided miniature gins for all of our guests and had Brian Mole acting as our MC and DJ throughout the day who just added to the fun feel.
What was your favourite moment from the day itself?
There are so many to choose from but it has to be walking down the aisle and seeing Jack and all of our friends and family for the first time, it’s such a magical feeling.
Is there any advice you would be happy to share with other brides?
I would pass on the advice I was given, enjoy every minute of it all, planning shouldn’t be stressful it should be fun, make an occasion of everything such as making favours, trying on bridesmaids dresses, hen dos and spending quality time with all your friends and family, you only do it once so make the absolute best of it.
Are you taking a honeymoon and if so when (in relation to your wedding, ie, immediately after, or sometime later) and what are your plans?
The day after the wedding my Dad did an open house for close friends and family which was great as it gave us the opportunity to reminisce and speak to some of the people we didn’t get much of a chance to on the day. We are off to France for a mini-break the weekend after the wedding and are doing a big honeymoon to South Africa and Mauritius in November (two months after the wedding). I’m really glad we did it this way, immediately after the wedding is the time when everyone is in the post-wedding bubble and it’s nice to hear stories about the day before everyone goes back to work etc.
Would you mind sharing details of any other suppliers you used? Ideally by their Instagram handle but if not, just a business name will do!
Photographer – @Samandlouisephotography
Videographer – n/a
Planner/Stylist – Bows Hire
Venue – @eastsussexnationalgolfspahotel
Shoes – Fross Wedding Collections
Accessories – Fross Wedding Collections
Groom’s suit – Moss Bros
Bridesmaids – ASOS
Flowergirls – Monsoon
Page Boys – Moss Bros
Florist – The Wild Orchid – Uckfield
Cake – Family Friend
Transport – n/a
Entertainment – @DJBrianMole
Rings – W.E. Clark & Son
Catering – @Eastsussexnationalgolfspahotel
Stationery – Family Friend
Hair Stylist – @Gavinharviehair
Makeup Artist – @Elenabedwellmua
Honeymoon – Dialaflight
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With love and thanks,
Fross and the Team x