Photography Freckle Photography frecklephotography.co.uk Venue Kingston Estate kingston-estate.co.uk
A swipe left on Tinder led to love for Sophie and Jason. “I’d seen Jason in the gym, so when his photo popped up I couldn’t quite believe my luck,” says Sophie. “We had our first date a week later and the rest is history.”
Jason chose New York as the backdrop for his proposal while the couple were in the city for their friends’ wedding – though it didn’t quite go to plan. After struggling to find the right moment during the day and missing the sunset on the High Line, he hurried Sophie into a quiet corner and dropped to one knee. “I was in complete shock – I had absolutely no idea!” she says. “He’d already told the restaurant we were engaged, so he had to make sure it happened before we arrived. It might not have gone exactly to plan, but it’s definitely a story to tell.”
For their wedding celebrations, the couple fell for the picturesque climes of Kingston Estate, choosing a classic, elegant aesthetic built around champagne, cream and gold tones. “I wanted the day to feel timeless,” explains Sophie. “I tried not to get caught up in endless Pinterest boards, which I found overwhelming. I didn’t want anything extravagant – just simple and sophisticated.”
Flowers played a central role in creating the romantic scene. Jason’s stepmum, a florist, worked alongside his dad and a friend to create a stunning floral arch, weaving together cream, barely-there pink and warm champagne blooms with lush foliage, as well as the bouquets and bud vases. Clean, classic stationery typography and bridesmaids in soft champagne dresses enhanced the pared-back feel, while photos of the couple’s beloved dog on the tables and a large photo wall – made by Sophie with help from her bridesmaid – added personal touches.
In the August sunshine, Sophie walked down the aisle of the walled garden to exchange handwritten vows with Jason beneath blue skies – a moment that became her favourite of the day. “I could have been anywhere in the world, surrounded by people or stood on our own, and I would have felt the same,” she says. “I’d been so nervous that morning, but as soon as I stood with him, I felt calm and so excited to become his wife.” Jason’s highlight? “Pulling off the wedding dip and catching it perfectly on camera!” he says.
A sunny drinks reception followed, soundtracked by live acoustic music from Joe Baxter, before speeches and a wedding breakfast served in the clear marquee. With Italian cuisine a firm favourite, the couple chose a bespoke menu of tomato and burrata salad followed by beef sirloin with salsa verde. “The food was absolutely incredible and one of the many reasons we chose Kingston Estate,” says Sophie.
Desserts of lemon tart, chocolate torte and tiramisu were enjoyed back in the walled garden alongside espresso martinis and French martinis as the evening light turned golden. As the sun dipped, the couple shared their first dance to an acoustic rendition of Gabrielle Aplin’s When the Lights Go Out, performed by live band The Broadsmen. “The words mean a lot to us,” says Sophie. “We felt under pressure to pick something well known, but that is our song – and that mattered most.” The band then filled the dance floor before guests tucked into chicken parmo sliders – a nod to Jason’s Teesside University days – and headed to The Undercroft nightclub to party into the early hours.
Looking back, Sophie’s advice to other couples is simple: “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Guests remember how the day felt – the food, the music, the atmosphere. Take moments for yourselves, don’t feel pressure to speak to everyone, and do what feels right for you. The day goes so quickly, so enjoy every second.”
Photography Freckle Photography frecklephotography.co.uk
Venue Kingston Estate kingston-estate.co.uk
Bridesmaid dresses Zara zara.com
Suit Paul Richman paulrichman.com
Hair Devon Wedding Hair devonweddinghair.co.uk
Make-up Fiona Miller Makeup Artist fionamillermakeup.co.uk
Make Up by Zoe instagram.com/makeupbyzoe.I
Entertainment Joe Baxter instagram.com/joebaxtermusic
The Broadsmen entertainment-nation.co.uk/the-broadsmen
Aldo Vanucci instagram.com/vforvanucci
Videography Dan Pitman Media danpitmanmedia.com
