Joanna’s Perfect Wedding Day

How did your partner propose?

On a trip to Sicily, he proposed in front of the Fountain of Diana in Syracuse one evening and got my family to fly out as a surprise! He calls me his Wonder Woman so felt the fountain was a perfect location. I was very glad I’d bothered to wash my hair before we’d gone out that evening!

What’s the best piece of advice you received in the run up to your wedding?

Get a videographer! Yes it all adds to the expense but so so worth it, I am so glad we listened to  other couples on this! The video we will cherish forever and it really captures the emotion and the feel of the day much better than the photos, however beautiful they are too. You won’t regret it and you can’t repeat the day!

How did you go about finding your wedding dress?

Lots of Pinterest scrolling! I don’t like taking too long to make decisions and I knew I’d be terrible at trying on too many dresses so I did lots of research of local shops and found Fross. I loved the styles and breadth of designs but couldn’t get an appointment so ended up visiting two other shops prior but ultimately found my dress here!

How many dresses did you try on before you found ‘the one’?

Oh my, I’m not sure I can quite remember but probably about 20. Some you have to try on for the fun of it even if you know you probably won’t choose them

Do you know the name of your dress designer?

Modeca

What made you fall in love with the dress that you chose?

The lace florals and the fact it wasn’t completely white but had a rum under colour. I knew I wanted something a bit whimsical and in keeping with our woodland style country wedding

Did you wear a veil and/or any other bridal accessories?

I had a bespoke cape made with shoulder detailing using the same lace as the dress which then attached at the front. This completely finished it off for me and I was delighted with how it came out

Tell us a little about your wedding day – the vibe, what inspired you, etc.

We live in the beautiful South Downs so it felt right to have our wedding local with the beautiful scenery. We have visited South Stoke, Arundel many times so didn’t look at any other locations! The church is 1,000 years old and candle lit and you approach through woodland tunnel. The venue is an old grade 1 listed barn just across the road so we went for a very relaxed, whimsical woodland vibe and were keen for it to not be too formal

What was your favourite moment from the day itself?

The ceremony and seeing Dom for the first time as I walked down the aisle

Is there any advice you would be happy to share with other brides?

Everybody says it goes so quickly and it really does! Try and take in each moment and move around your venue to chat to as many people as possible. I would also recommend cutting your formal pictures down to only the ones you really need and not spending too much time away from your guests, we were really happy we did this on the day.

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?

We took a few days away in Tuscany which was well needed! But planning a bigger trip to Peru within the year

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 – @gregshinglerphotography

Videographer – @mosesmsingh

Venue – @southstokebarn

Cake – @claireowencakes

Entertainment – @cheesecakepartyband

Catering – @sussexcaterers

Hair & Makeup Artist – @gemmasouter_bridal