We’re thrilled to introduce Emily and Harry’s enchanting winter wedding at The West Mill in Derbyshire, which has taken its rightful place among our real wedding features. As you’ll see, the couple’s celebration exuded effortless elegance, with a striking monochrome colour palette that perfectly captured the essence of a snowy winter’s day. The delicate white flowers and black velvet tuxedos created a romantic atmosphere that was simply breathtaking, while Emily’s stunning fitted lace gown stole the show. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance – the couple’s epic sparkler exit, which left us utterly spellbound! We’re deeply grateful to Matt Horan Photography for sharing these captivating images with us.
Winter Wedding at The West Mill
The Proposal
It was in the picturesque setting of Cornwall, where my family has cherished countless summer memories, that Harry proposed. Specifically, it was our second day in October 2019, when we woke up to a radiant sunrise and decided to take a stroll along the headland at Polzeath, my favorite beach. Little did I know, this would be the spot where Harry would pop the question. To make it even more special, he cleverly hid a GoPro in the underbrush, capturing the entire moment on film. It was nothing short of perfect.
The Vision
Our vision for the special day was one of understated elegance, characterized by a crisp monochromatic palette punctuated by warm pops of burnt orange. To create an atmosphere that was both intimate and festive, we imagined an abundance of soft candlelight, perfectly complementing the refined setting of The West Mill.
The Venue
As we exchanged vows at a charming church near our home, we couldn’t wait to celebrate with friends and family at The West Mill in Darley Abbey. Our experience at this picturesque venue the previous summer had left us enchanted, so when it came time to plan our own special day, we knew exactly where to start. Little did we know, our return visit would cement West Mill’s place as our dream reception spot. The sheer beauty of the venue is awe-inspiring – its natural charm requires minimal embellishment to look resplendent on your big day. We were equally smitten with the concept of hosting our wedding breakfast and evening festivities across different levels, offering a unique flow to the celebrations. Throughout our planning journey, including the inevitable date change due to Covid-19, the West Mill staff proved to be consummate professionals, ensuring every aspect of our special day ran smoothly.
The Ceremony & Music
The wedding ceremony was an unforgettable experience. Seeing Harry at the top of the aisle filled me with an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude as we publicly declared our love to each other, surrounded by our closest friends and family. It was particularly poignant that my Grandad had written a poem for us on the occasion of our engagement, even though he couldn’t be there in person; hearing it played during the ceremony brought tears to many eyes. The emotional impact was palpable.Music played a vital role in our special day, and we were willing to invest in making it unforgettable. Our brother-in-law Rob from The Burgundy’s set the tone with a beautiful rendition of ‘I Get to Love You’ by Ruelle as I walked down the aisle, leaving me breathless even now. Later that evening, Roland from The Burgundy’s kept the drinks reception relaxed and enjoyable with his laid-back playlist.The highlight of our day was undoubtedly the live music performance by Urban Intro in the evening. Their energy was infectious, and they got everyone on the dance floor within minutes of starting to play. We were thrilled to see so many of our loved ones letting loose and having a great time.As the night wore on, our DJ kept the party going until the very end, ensuring that we ended our special day on a high note. Being surrounded by our friends and family, dancing together under the stars, was truly one of the most magical moments.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
As soon as we got engaged, we knew that Matt Horan was the perfect fit to capture our special day. In fact, he was the first vendor we booked after securing our wedding date. We had been impressed by his work when photographing a friend’s wedding a few years prior – their photos were some of the most stunning we’d ever seen.
Your Outfits
The search for Harry’s perfect black tuxedo led us to Reiss, where we found a stunning velvet suit that fit him like a glove. His groomsmen complemented his style with plain black tuxedos from Next, including a miniature version for our nephew. I, on the other hand, had a different vision in mind for my dress. I wanted something that would make me feel like royalty, and Lori G delivered just that. The moment I walked into their store, I felt at ease and knew we’d found ‘the one’. A long-sleeved lace dress with a flowing train was exactly what I had envisioned, and the addition of a beautiful veil only added to its elegance. I wore it for most of the day and evening, feeling like the queen of the ball. For my bridesmaids, I opted for simplicity, choosing dresses from Reiss that allowed their natural beauty to shine through. Meanwhile, our flower girls stole the show in their adorable Next dresses with puffy sleeves and intricate v details at the back. They were one of my favorite parts of the day.
The Styling & Decor
Our styling was expertly handled by Tara Knott, who helped us achieve a simple yet understated look that impressed everyone. The rooms were transformed into a beautiful setting, with the attention to detail and flair that only a talented stylist can bring. For our flowers, we had a very specific vision – wild, white, and green – which Rebecca from Floral Deco brought to life in stunning bouquets that exceeded our expectations. Our cake, courtesy of Emma at Hellocake, was a masterpiece of simplicity and elegance, with its classic white design and single black silk detail. And let’s not forget the extra tier that was cut up to ensure everyone had enough to enjoy! We also worked with Tanya at Daydreamer Creative Studio to create a breathtaking backdrop for our top table, which now proudly hangs in our home as a reminder of our special day. As for our stationery, we took on the design ourselves and had it professionally printed by Harry’s Dad, who owns a printing company.
The Honeymoon
After exchanging vows, we spent a relaxing few nights at Grantley Hall, unwinding from the whirlwind of wedding preparations. The serene atmosphere and breathtaking surroundings proved the perfect antidote to our pre-wedding jitters. Fast-forward to summer, and we’re counting down the days until we embark on an adventure-filled Greek Island-hopping escapade. Having something exciting to look forward to has been a wonderful respite from the post-nuptial glow.
Memorable Moments
As we relived that unforgettable day, it’s hard to pinpoint the most memorable moments. However, a few stand-out experiences still bring tears of joy to my eyes. From the calm morning spent with my closest friends, preparing for the big day, to the emotional rush of seeing Harry waiting at the altar – those fleeting seconds will forever be etched in my memory. The highlight was undoubtedly our visit to my grandparents, who unfortunately couldn’t attend the ceremony itself. Sharing tender moments and laughter with them was truly precious, and I’m grateful for those cherished photos. The speeches delivered by Harry, my father, and his brother George were nothing short of phenomenal – I’ve never heard more heartfelt and hilarious words spoken. The evening’s revelry left an indelible mark on our hearts. As the dance floor came alive with laughter and music, it was pure bliss to be surrounded by loved ones, creating new memories while reliving cherished moments from our past.
