We so love getting to know our couples along their planning journey and finding out what, for them, the perfect day would be. Shaun suggested 🎶 sunshine, lollipops and rainbows 🎶 while for Lyndsey it was 🎶 you get what you give 🎶. As they have been so lovely we knew that meant a wonderful wedding day including their families, friends, colleagues and of course Archie and Rupert their beloved dogs.
Gathering at Southwood on Friday we learnt that a Ninja Master Chef was preparing their evening feast and a late afternoon ceremony the following day meant that their relaxed morning could be spent adding perfect finishing touches.
Lyndsey brought her own candy cart and cupcake ferris wheel while the boys added finishing touches to make them look perfect. Gorgeous tablescapes and fairy lights were added by KWF adding eucalyptus and white roses to complete the look amidst the romantic glow of twinkling candle light. Their ceremony space was prepared in the Secret Garden and our third different ceremony location already chosen this month was ready, all exclusively theirs to enjoy.
At last it was time to relax. While the girls were pampered in the Cartshed Lodge by Stacey Goddard and Eleanor Ainsley artistry in the cooling air conditioning we noticed a cheeky “for sale” sign added to their car – a bargain at just £1! We know Shaun loves his cars so was it to be replaced by a blue Mustang we wondered? As their ceremony approached it was time to check that the bridal squad were dressed and ready to meet their lovely Registrars.
Lyndseys bridesmaids had chosen full length blush pink gowns with classic matching white rose bouquets. As is her prerogative our bride outshone them all in a stunning off the shoulder mermaid gown that was so classically elegant. Intricate buttons added the simplest of details that completed such a gorgeous look with her hair slicked back and secured with pearl details echoing the detail from her dress. Dad was soon introduced to see his gorgeous daughter and grand daughter as their emotions spilled over in such moving moments. Dabbing away happy tears and catching their breath it was time to head across the lawn to the walled garden.
The boys were keen not to be outdone and looked super dapper in blue three piece suits completed with a blush pink tie and white rose buttonhole. Waiting in their shirt sleeves Shaun proudly wore cufflinks so thoughtfully gifted by his soon-to be wife as a photograph of his parents adorned each wrist making sure that they were both with him in spirit on the most important of days. On such a gorgeous summer day our gents wisely waited until the very last minute to put jackets on as Registrars Karen and Lindsey made sure they were ready for our bride to enter the aisle.
Everything about their ceremony was perfectly personalised. From Lyndsey’s entrance on the arm of her father and their speedy walk together between the smart neat box hedges leading them under wrought iron archways, to arriving at Shaun’s side in front of the gorgeous urn. The applause they received as their ceremony began allowed them to settle as our Celebrant Registrar remarked how beautiful our bride looked and just how lucky husband to be Shauny is to be loved by her 🥰. Dad Godfrey didn’t need even a moment to consider whether he was ready to hand over his daughter to the wonderful gent waiting for her.
Their reading “if it weren’t for the internet, would we have met?” Added a note of reflection allowing them to settle under a wonderful blue sky before vows were exchanged and they were announced as husband and wife. “Nothings gonna stop us now” was a great song to see them emerge under a tunnel of confetti to those so instrumental in the proposal. Jake from We Love Pets (East Coast) donned his finest Southwood wedding suit to bring two equally well dressed pets Archie and Rupert to greet their pawrents at the end of the aisle. Rightfully the dogs took their attention before they reached for their waiting passion fruit martini and prosecco.
Seeking shade their reception moved to the lawn under the pear tree where celebratory drinks were served. The dulcet tones of Darcy Newman soon encouraged guests to the terrace where canapés were enjoyed too. The gorgeous summer evening began with guests dancing on the terrace before heading inside to watch the cake be cut and a stunning first dance played by The Elevation Band.
Our groom added a few words while everyone was gathered as he admitted to being the luckiest man in the world and cannot believe he gets to be Lyndsey’s husband. Sharing thanks to all the family and friends, raising a glass to love and laughter he ended with “Let’s get this party started”.
The band had everyone dancing before a break was the perfect opportunity to enjoy a hog roast and salad cart from the Barbecue Lodge before stopping to pose in the Barkers photobooth to collect souvenir snaps from their day.
As the band packed away Mason took over as Juice_DNB, DJ extraordinaire bringing such a wonderful family celebration to a close in the early hours of this morning.
We hope those dancing feet are a little less sore now and that your dutiful bridesmaids are still looking after you. We may not have delivered on the rainbow but we think your day was perfect just the way it was 🥰 Thank you for celebrating with us at Southwood Hall, please do keep in touch x
