Photography Aurelia Allen Photography aureliaallenphotography.com Venue Rockbeare Manor rockbearemanor.co.uk
Jess and Danny first met on a dating app in 2019. With Danny working in London at the time and Jess living in Manchester, their connection grew through long phone calls before they eventually met in person at a bar in Manchester.
Danny chose to propose during a trip to Devon. “I had absolutely no idea he was planning it,” says Jess. “Although I did think it was strange when he panicked because I’d left the car boot open. Little did I know the engagement ring was in there!” she laughs.
Their day out in Sidmouth took a dramatic turn when the weather suddenly worsened. “We took a walk along the seafront and seemed to be the only people braving the conditions,” recalls Jess. Beneath Jacob’s Ladder, in one of the small coves, Danny got down on one knee – secretly filming the moment after propping his phone up. “I thought he'd set it up to take a photo,” she smiles. “It was perfect and couldn’t have been more fitting for us.”
When it came to choosing a venue, Rockbeare Manor proved irresistible. “We were both blown away the first time we visited,” says Jess. The elegant country house provided the perfect setting for the classic palette of gold, black and white – a timeless scheme that complemented the grandeur of the venue. Their summer wedding day unfolded under clear blue skies, with warm sunshine setting the mood from the start.
The couple exchanged vows outdoors on the lawn, framed by abundant florals. “It was absolute perfection – very personal and relaxed, exactly how we wanted it,” says Jess. Writing their own vows added another layer of meaning, with both managing to keep them secret until the ceremony. “We were surprised we both managed this and, funnily enough, included some of the same sentiments," says Danny. "There were heartfelt moments mixed with a few laughs, which is very much us.”
Following the ceremony, drinks and canapés allowed the newlyweds to soak up the celebrations with family and friends. “We promised each other we’d stay together all day so we could enjoy it side by side as a newly married couple,” says Jess.
Guests later gathered for a wedding breakfast featuring buffalicious mozzarella, slow-roasted short rib of beef and sticky toffee pudding. Speeches full of humour paved the way for the evening celebrations before Jess and Danny took to the floor for their first dance to Here Tonight by Brett Young. “I did try to convince Danny we should take dance lessons,” laughs Jess, “but that apparently wasn’t happening! After a few slow dances in our living room, we thought we did well.”
The party quickly gathered momentum thanks to a saxophonist and DJ spinning 90s and 00s club classics. “There was a lot of tequila – and we loved every second of it,” says Danny.
Among the many memories from the day, one moment stands out. “Seeing each other for the first time at the end of the aisle will stay with us forever,” reflects Jess. “And having a first look with my parents and bridesmaids beforehand definitely brought a few tears.”
Looking back, Jess shares some simple advice for couples currently planning their weddings. “Start paying vendors as early as you can to avoid lots of big bills coming in at once,” she says. “And stick together as much as possible on the day. I’d hate to look back and realise we kept passing each other instead of enjoying it together.”
Photography Aurelia Allen Photography aureliaallenphotography.com
Venue Rockbeare Manor rockbearemanor.co.uk
Dress Along Came Eve alongcameeve.com
Bridesmaids’ dresses JJs House jjshouse.com
Suits Whitfield and Ward whitfieldandward.co.uk
Hair Jessica Faye jessicafayebridalhair.co.uk
Make-up Amy Bond instagram.com/makeup_by_amyb
Flowers Fleur de la Couture fleurdelacouture.com
Entertainment Prescott Entertainment prescottentertainment.co.uk
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