'We met online,' says Leonie of her and Jonny's first encounter. 'We like to think we would have met anyway as once we got chatting it transpired we actually lived in the same apartment block. It was quite funny when we inadvertently drove to our first date in convoy!'
Jonny's proposal took place during a pre-Christmas escape at The Scarlet Hotel in Cornwall. 'We were enjoying a day relaxing in the spa with a wild storm blowing outside. Suddenly Jonny was insistent that we should embrace the beautiful scenery and brave the elements by heading out for a walk,' says Leonie. 'I reluctantly agreed. Two hours later I had tears of joy streaming down my face at the top of Bedruthan Steps!'
Deer Park Country House provided the stirring setting for their English country wedding 'with a luxe edge' courtesy of a soft pink and grey colour scheme. An eclectic mix of homespun and professionally made, the couple designed and printed the on-the-day stationery themselves while enlisting the talents of Simon Nickell Design for the floristry: a key component of the look and feel of their day. 'Simon really set the scene with his stunning creations inside and outside the venue, and with the most gorgeous bouquet,' explains Leonie.
Guests were greeted upon arrival with Prosecco, Pimm's and Peronis ' 'plus an impressive display of the Deer Park's own collection of classic cars at the front of the venue' ' before the al fresco ceremony at the Summer House.
Talented young cellist and family friend Josh Rapley played for Leonie's grand entrance and Leonie and Jonny's exit, who exchanged their own vows after 'emotional' readings including 'The Love Monkey' by Edward Monkton.
'The ceremony has to be the best part of the day for me,' reveals Leonie. 'I was so excited I practically ran down the aisle! For me, this was what the whole day was about: marrying my soulmate. It was a really intimate ceremony in a beautiful setting; I can't describe the emotion; it was so wonderful to see everyone we love all together to celebrate with us.'
Drinks and canapés were served in the Italian garden before the wedding party moved onto the orangery where they feasted on lobster and salmon ravioli, seared fillet of brill with a ragout of mussels, fillet of beef Wellington and summer dessert plate comprising lemon tart, strawberry mousse and blackcurrant parfait, while a sumptuous Moroccan mezze kept appetites at bay later in the evening.
'Bill Ding and the Skyscrapers kicked off the evening reception with an incredible cover of our favourite dance track for our first dance, 'Lean On' by Major Lazer, which really got the party started,' says Leonie, who partied the night away before retiring to the venue's tree house.
'Invest time early in your planning to source and secure the best suppliers you can, as they all get snapped up so far in advance,' says Leonie when asked for her planning tips. 'Trust in their expertise and let them do what they do best ' if you've chosen people whose work reflects your style, they'll nail it without you intervening too much.'
Photography Pip & Simon pipandsimon.co.uk
Venue Deer Park Country House deerpark.co.uk
Dress Myra by Enzoani enzoani.com
Bridesmaids' dresses Maids to Measure maidstomeasure.com
Groom's outfit Colmore Tailors colmoretailors.co.uk
Hair Amy Wilson from Fallen Saint Hair fallensaint.co.uk
Make-up Kimberley Dewar kimberleydewar.co.uk
Flowers Simon Nickell Design simonnickelldesign.com
Save the dates Rubyblue Paper Co rubybluepaperco.com
Cake Sweet Satisfaction sweetsatisfaction.net
Entertainment Bill Ding and the Skyscrapers bdsmusic.uk
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