Neil and Jo worked together becoming good friends in the first place for three years before dating. Two years later, they took a holiday to the magical Seefeld in Austria celebrating their second anniversary. Every day they passed a jeweller’s shop in the hotel lobby, admiring the rings in the window as they did. Whilst on a romantic carriage-ride around the lake, Neil asked Jo to marry him; immediately they went straight to the little jeweller to buy a ring!
Wanting a venue somewhere not too far for their friends and family to travel, they visited one of West Tower’s monthly open evenings. As soon as they walked through the door, they knew that this was the wedding venue for them!
“We loved that West Tower is an old manor house full of character but also so light and bright. The real selling point for us was that we would have the whole place to ourselves for the full day.”- Jo
The Style of the day
Given that their wedding was so close to Christmas, they knew they surely had to have some sort of festive theme. Ultimately creating the most magical setting with enchanted trees, a floral arch and lanterns.
Keeping to the festive theme, they gave personalised wooden tree decorations and bottle stoppers in hessian sacks as favours. They gave the children Christmas stockings behind their chairs keeping them entertained throughout the day.
From the very beginning, Jo dreamt of wearing a Justin Alexander gown on her wedding day, Visiting many shops trying on many dresses, none of them compared to the very first one she’d tried. She eventually chose the very first dress she’d tried in the very first boutique!
Wearing drop earrings coupled with a small hair vine as her accessories; surprisingly her rose gold sparkly Jimmy Choo’s (a gift from her mum) were much more comfortable than she thought they’d be.
The Wedding
Jo was delighted when she found a pianist on Instagram – something she’d always wanted whilst walking down the aisle! His white baby grand piano in front of the Christmas Tree was perfect for their winter wonderland theme. ‘Kissing You’ by Des’ree played as she walked into the Ballroom together with her dad.
Welcome drinks and canapes were served in the Cellar Bar whilst the Ballroom was quickly transformed for their wedding breakfast. Opting to have speeches before their meal allowed Neil and his brother (his best man) to instantly relax as soon as they were finished and could enjoy their food.
Later, whilst everyone gathered around the dancefloor, Jo and Neil were given a fabulous introduction to start their evening.
Choosing Frankie Valli’s ‘Can’t take my eyes off of you’ as their first dance, the chorus was a big hit. With their guests singing along to one of their favourite songs, instantly putting the couple at ease!
Light Bites of Pizza, Fish and Chips and Sausage Barms served at the same time as festive treats including gingerbread men made by West Tower’s pastry chef, their sweet cart was a big hit all night too!
“It couldn’t have been more magical, we both wish we could do it all over again. West Tower go above and beyond and I can’t recommend them enough to anyone. " – Jo
Suppliers
- Dress Puure Bride
- Menswear Burtons & Tie Room
- Venue Dressing Flower Design Events, Brides Little Helper
- Cake Vanilla Nova Cake Boutique
- Photographer Emma Bilsborough photography
- Entertainment Craig Smith Music, Steve Mitchell DJ,
