Lovely Jen in Jesus Peiro when she married Nick

How was your big day? We hope it was every bit as special as you dreamed it would be!

It was EVERYTHING we had dreamed of and more!! (and I didn’t look like a fridge you can tell Abi!) With such a wet few previous months to have the stunning weather we had for the whole weekend was just an extra joy! We had opted for a celebration that spanned the entire weekend to prolong all of the celebrations, and it didn’t disappoint. We had the most stunning flexible venue in Fillongley hall which really allowed us the freedom to have the wedding of our dreams, with no time constraints resulting exactly in the fun, relaxed vibe we wanted.

We know I love to tell this story! Nick and I met at work over 20 years ago and have been friends for a very long time (even attending each other’s first weddings – eyes covered emoji!) – we took the long road!

Tell us about the proposal?

Nick took me to my home country of Wales for my Birthday in November last year and unbeknown to me had a full weekend planned of romantic gestures narrated by a set of 10 poems for each section of the trip. However, November weather and a steep narrow hill in Abergavenny had him rearranging plans! On the journey there we got stuck with a flat tyre and little chance of any roadside rescue! Thankfully a few rearranged poems and a local tyre rescue soon had his plan back on track. We were in a beautiful lodge overlooking Sugar Loaf mountain and it was perfect.

Give us an overview of your wedding vision and how it came to life?

We’re very social and wanted to be able to include as many of our large family and friends as possible. I also was very keen to have a venue with little time restrictions. Adelle, who is a very close friend of ours and helpfully the most wonderful wedding stylist(!) had a list of venues for me as soon as I woke the day following the proposal! We always knew we didn’t want a long engagement and after visiting a couple of venues as soon as we saw Fillongley Hall we knew it was the one. We really wanted to include as many different elements as we could and this was the perfect venue for just that; following our church ceremony we knew that we wanted the fun to start with a surprise entrance from our ‘flower-dude’ groomsman Nigel!

We had a cocktail reception in the orangery, garden games and drinks on the patio before heading down to the most beautiful 3 pole sailcloth tent from Sami Tipi. During the wonderful wedding breakfast provided by Thomas Caterers the big surprise of the Singing Waiter Masters was a true highlight and really got the party started!

Tell us about your experience dress shopping at BBW?

Thanks to Adelle again! Adelle had told me to only go to one boutique- and of course that’s Madi’s! From the second I walked in I wanted to buy everything in there! (and almost did ha ha). I didn’t quite know what I wanted – because I wanted so many! – and Madi expertly and patiently guided me as I chose my perfect dress – and accessories! I just love fashion and was certain I didn’t want more than one dress for the day itself, but I couldn’t resist creating multiple looks with some amazing accessories. I loved everything about the experience with Madi and her team.

What was your favourites moment of your wedding day?

Following the ceremony the reception entrance led by Nigel was so much fun! Personally for me the speeches were a true highlight, so personal, heartfelt and funny, and Nick’s was even in full poem form! The biggest surprise of the day by far were the singing waiters – they were simply incredible! Their West End background blew everyone away and we just loved seeing all of our guests loving every minute. When they finished with Nessun Dorma there were even tears! Our wedding band were also superb and I have wonderful memories of dancing for most the night!

What advice would you give to brides planning a wedding?

Trust your own vision! Try not to compare to anyone else as this is your day, and if you lack the vision don’t worry!. Ttrust in the experts, they’ll provide it all for you!