Photography I Do Film and Photos idofilmandphotos.co.uk Venue Quantock Lakes quantocklakes.com
After matching on a dating app, Gemma and Connor quickly realised their paths were destined to cross. “It turned out I worked with his brother’s partner!” says Gemma. “From the day we met, we knew it was something special. We moved in together within a few weeks and never looked back.”
Connor proposed during a romantic getaway to Cornwall at Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa. “He’d decorated the room and had our favourite song playing when I walked in,” recalls Gemma. “It was such a special moment, followed by a lovely few days away together.”
The couple chose the rural setting of Quantock Lakes for their summer wedding, styling the celebrations with an elegant sage green palette. Florals carried the colour story beautifully throughout the day, from tall centrepieces overflowing with cream blooms and lush foliage to milk churn arrangements and the flower-adorned pontoon framed with soft white draping. The wedding party completed the look in sage-toned gowns and tailored suits.
Wanting to make the most of their wedding weekend, Gemma and Connor hosted a relaxed welcome barbecue with close family at the venue the evening before the wedding. The glorious sunshine continued into the next day, providing the perfect backdrop for their outdoor ceremony on the pontoon.
Before walking down the aisle, Gemma surprised Connor and their guests with a pre-recorded voice note. “I don’t think there was a dry eye,” she says. “It included our daughter laughing and saying ‘dada’, which made for such a sentimental and personal moment.”
Accompanied by her bridesmaids and the couple’s one-year-old daughter, Gemma made her entrance to a live performance by singer Samantha Harvey. One of the day’s most meaningful moments was having her father by her side. “It meant a lot because of his recent health issues,” she explains.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed drinks and live music in the sunshine before heading into the elegant wedding barn for a traditional three-course wedding breakfast of soup, roast dinner and a trio of desserts.
The newlyweds shared their first dance before a DJ set and silent disco kept celebrations in full swing. “It really got everyone on the dance floor,” says Gemma. Late-night pizzas fuelled the celebrations before a sparkler send-off brought the day to a magical close.
Looking back, Gemma says having their daughter there was one of the most emotional parts of the day. “Due to fertility struggles, it took a lot to have her, so having her with us on our wedding day meant everything.”
Her voice note also became one of the standout moments of the celebration. “It was the talk of the day,” she says. “I’m so glad I did it because it added such a personal touch.”
Her advice to other couples? “Be prepared and organise as much as you can beforehand – spreadsheets, planners, anything that helps. But when the day arrives, let it all go and enjoy every moment. It goes by far too quickly.”
Photography & Videography I Do Film and Photos idofilmandphotos.co.uk
Venue Quantock Lakes quantocklakes.com
Dress Brides at Waterfields bridesatwaterfields.co.uk
Bridesmaids’ dresses Azazie azazie.com
Suits Skopes skopes.co.uk
Hair Samantha Marie Bridal samantha-marie.co.uk
Make-up Liza Hayward instagram.com/_makeup_by_liza_
Décor hire Unique Designs by Tina uniquedesignsbytina.com
Entertainment Samantha Harvey samanthaharveyofficial.co.uk
Prescott Entertainment prestcottentertainment.co.uk
.jpg)
