The look of love @StuartJamesPhotography
Do these two have an engagement story for you! Tom, we applaud you! It started when Ashleigh’s best friend unexpectedly turned up with a letter that she’d been told not to deliver until that day. Inside was a clue, which led to another, and another – each taking Ashleigh to a place where the couple had shared special moment in their relationship. The clues took her from Gosport near Portsmouth on the train all the way to Waterloo Station, where her Mum and Tom’s Mum were waiting for her. And the final destination? Covent Garden, where Tom proposed. He’d spent months secretly planning this day with all of Ashleigh’s friends in on the surprise, and even managed to plan a surprise engagement party for them all to celebrate. As Ashleigh puts it, “It felt like such a “me” moment, with everyone being so happy for me.” The benchmark had been set, but despite having to postpone their wedding because of Covid, when Ashleigh and Tom finally got married in May they did not disappoint – and even had a mini best man, their son, as a new addition to the wedding party!
Having to postpone meant that they had a new addition to the wedding party @StuartJamesPhotography
“My Alice Rose experience was amazing! I live down south and Tom’s family are all from Sunderland so we chose Hoar Cross Hall as it’s in the middle and my Dad lives round there. We’d decided to use suppliers from close by, so my gran booked lots of dress experiences in the area – but once we’d visited Alice Rose we cancelled the rest! Because it was just me and my grandma at my first appointment, I didn’t want to say yes straight away, so Donna kept my faves so that my Mum and two best friends could come and be part of it. She asked them to pick out a dress together and it turned out to be THE dress! Donna was so lovely and friendly and made sure I tried on lots of different styles so that I didn’t rule anything out.”
“There were so many beautiful dresses that it was so hard to choose, but when I put on Canary Wharf by Dando London, everyone cried so I knew it was the one. I’m so glad I chose it because it’s so timeless and classic. Especially with having to postpone my wedding, it meant that it was always going to be perfect – it doesn’t matter what year it is, it will always be beautiful.”
Ashleigh looking stunning in Canary Wharf by Dando London @StuartJamesPhotography
The gorgeous couple share a loving moment @ StuartJamesPhotography
“I think my friends would describe me as quite extravagant, and I’d always dreamed of a princess wedding. My dress fit my venues perfectly – both the church and Hoar Cross Hall were very traditional and very grand and so was my dress!”
The grand wedding Ashleigh had always dreamed of @StuartJamesPhotography
“My advice would be to stay open-minded when it comes to choosing your dress. Don’t say no to any style as it might look amazing on you! And when it comes to the wedding itself, do what you and your husband want to do. Having that two years from when we’d originally planned it helped us to realise that it’s our day and we’re so glad we did it our way.”
Ashleigh’s dreamy Canary Wharf by Dando London and veil are all from our fabulous boutique. Book an appointment HERE or ring 01530 587210 to make your dream dress appointment.
Credits:
All Photography by Stuart James Photography: www.stuartjamesphoto.co.uk
Make Up by Helen Pearson: www.helenpearsonmua.com
Hair by Amazing Grace: www.instagram.com/amazingrace
Suit by Master Debonair: www.masterdebonair.com
Venue Hoar Cross Hall: baronseden.com/hoar-cross-hall