Inspiration
A Small Celebration at Old Palace Chester / James & Jordan
- BY CLAIRE BOON
- 10/11/20
- 6 MIN READ
James & Jordan brought their wedding forward due to looming tighter restrictions due to COVID-19. Held at beautiful Old Palace Chester, it was the perfect setting for an intimate celebration.
Photography by Helen Jane Smiddy.
The Proposal
James proposed during a holiday in Otranto Italy in September 2019. It was on a private balcony overlooking the sea as the sun was setting. It was perfect!
How did COVID affect your planning?
We ended up pulled our wedding forward due to Covid. Our original wedding date was set for the 3rd October 2020 however due to the Covid restrictions changing three days before our wedding taking the total number of guests from 30 to 15 we decided to pull the wedding forward a week!
We originally had a wedding of 90 guests planned for 3rd October but cut this number due to the restrictions. The wedding ended up being incredibly intimate with only direct family, bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Theme
We have our venue and florist to thank for the décor. The venue were completely amazing when we asked to move the date of the wedding with three days notice. In two days they had pulled a team together to make our special day possible. The food was sublime and the service was exceptional.
Special Touches
I wore my mums veil which was incredibly special as I still remember my sister and I playing dress up with it when we were little. It’s a miracle it was in one piece!
The Big Day
Myself and the bridesmaids got ready at my mums house next door to the church. Smoke Salmon and Scrabbled Eggs with Champs for brekkie.
I was completely calm in the whole lead up to the wedding and only started to feel nervous when I had the dress on and it was nearly time to leave. A few tears in the ceremony but I held is together… just about 😊
My brother chose the music I walked down the aisle to. It was Arrival of The Queen of Sheba by Handel played on the Organ.
Funny Stories
When the cars were getting loaded for the luggage for the venue my suitcase was somehow missed off the list! So I had no clothes or makeup the day after the wedding and had to go round my bridesmaids rooms to pull together something to wear, a hairbrush and makeup! Not the most glamorous first morning of marriage but lots of laughing!
Top Tips
The advice that was given to us by my incredibly wise Mother-in-Law was be in the moment and enjoy every second. It goes so quickly and you don’t want to spend the day thinking of the ‘what’s if’s’ or dwelling if something isn’t perfect. The most important thing is marrying the person you love, everything else is just a bonus!
We have no regrets. It was perfect!
We would have loved all of our guests to be there but we are planning on holiday a celebration when it’s safe to do so.
Suppliers
The wonderful local wedding suppliers that helped bring James & Jordan’s vision to life are as follows:
Photographer: Helen Jane Smiddy
Venue: Old Palace Chester
Flowers: Jacqui O
Cake: Kate Andrews (family friend)
Brides Dress: Jesus Peiro from Ellie Sanderson
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: TFNC
Mother of the Bride Dress: REISS
Suits: Moss Bros
Makeup: Lucinka Hodnett Makeup
Hair: Bridal Hair by Lindsey
Stationery: Papier
Cars: Classic Wedding Cars Cheshire
Rings: Samara James
We hope this special feature gives you inspiration for your wedding or event.
Want to feature your wedding our blog? Please contact claire@bouquetandbells.com.
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A Small Celebration at Old Palace Chester / James & Jordan
James & Jordan brought their wedding forward due to looming tighter restrictions due to COVID-19.
May, 2020
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