“I forgot she was a photographer and saw her more as a guest – she got stuck in and had fun and got such great photos as a result.”

Anna and David are two of the most wonderful humans I’ve ever met; they’re so much fun, they totally embrace life, they’re so interesting to talk to (learning about David’s sommelier course and how it influenced their wine choices at their wedding and Anna telling me about urban beekeeping just made me realise I need to get out more!!!) and they’re just so lovely to boot. They’re eclectic, mega stylish and planned their winter wedding at Dodmoor House that was so memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Personal wedding highlights for me included a good old sing song mid ceremony, side splitting speeches featuring Toxic Exhibit C (read gold hot pants) and David’s own DJ set on the dance floor later on in the evening. It was a killer wedding to finish my 2018 with and as I sat designing their wedding album all the joy came flooding back! Stick the kettle on and get ready for a black and gold Gatsby inspired festive delight!

Anna + David’s winter wedding at Dodmoor House

How did you meet?

David found my CV on a job board and we met when he interviewed me for a job. I took the role and we worked together in the same team (David was my boss!) for 3 years!

Tell me your proposal story:

We were in Sri Lanka celebrating the end of my accountancy exams and my birthday. It was on my birthday we had a great day on safari and then were on the balcony of our lodge before dinner; David asked me to close my eyes as he had a final gift………when I opened my eyes he was on one knee!

Why did you choose a winter wedding at Dodmoor House for your wedding day?

When we first started planning the wedding we thought we wanted to have different stages of the wedding in different places (ceremony/drinks reception/ wedding breakfast), but as it was winter and the weather could have been awful and trying to get people to move once they have a drink in hand we had second thoughts. We visited Dodmoor House and fell in love with it – it was so picturesque and easy, and they had every eventuality thought of. It meant the day flowed so well and maximised guest drinking time!

What was it you loved about your outfits and accessories that made you choose them?

David wanted a classic look but with some flare (anyone who knows David will know he loves his style) – the en trend velvet jacket added a hint of Gatsby/glamour and he loves any opportunity to wear a silk scarf! DH embellished cuffs as an added detail and a pocket watch as he loves watches in all shapes and forms!  I loved my Stella York dress as it was very ‘bride’ and I loved the dramatic train. It was remarkably light and easy to walk in and a bit of structure felt like I was held in! It just felt great to wear. With it being winter I thought some feathers were needed for a bit of warmth and drama (as it happened it was remarkably warm anyway)! I wasn’t sure on a veil but when I put one on it just finished off the look and made me feel like a proper bride!!

Tell me about the vision you had for your wedding including your theme/colour scheme/styling/flowers:

Our theme was festive glitz and glamour; we wanted the sparkle and party spirit of Christmas to come through without it being cheesy. Black and gold was dramatic and classy and also a bit of a hint to Gatsby style which we love. We had seen some Jo Malone black and gold harlequin ribbon which we loved and basically built the theme around that. My mum made the epic black and gold table runners which gave the whole room a banquet feel, and the martini glasses with baubles were simple but effective – keeping with Christmas! I am a bit useless when it comes to flowers, but Anna from Julie Anna Flowers was amazing – I wanted classic and crisp colours that wouldn’t detract too much from the theme, but with a hint of festive.  The roses in my bouquet were fabulous.

What was your first dance and why did you choose it?

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Can’t take my eyes off of you. We knew we wanted a Jersey boys tribute band (they were amazing) and thought this song was very fitting for the day! I was dreading the first dance and being centre of attention but this song offered a good point where everyone could join in at the trumpets!!

What were the most wonderful parts of the day for you?

The ceremony was amazing – was really special and seemed very upbeat and happy! Everyone singing ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ just after we had become Mr and Mrs was so lovely (although I was crying too much to sing much of it!)  We were so lucky with the weather in December the drinks reception was outside in the sun drinking cocktails and it was a great atmosphere  It was great having a few minutes to ourselves after the drinks reception and before we were announced into the Wedding Breakfast to reflect and take it all in. Speeches were awesome!! Food was incredible!! The West End Jerseys were amazing!! DJ Hammel’s set for everyone dancing!! (Basically all of it – we didn’t stop smiling and laughing the entire day)

Why did you choose Hannah Hall Photography as your photographer, and what was your experience of your photography on the day?

We chose Hannah as when we met her she was so easy to get along with, very down to earth and knew we would feel comfortable throughout the day with her. We loved her style of photography – capturing the mood and feelings of everyone rather than a lot of forced posing photos. We had a great pre-wedding shoot (which I would recommend to everyone!) which really helped us to feel more relaxed and less awkward in front of the camera and Hannah made it all fun. On the day Hannah was so good at capturing the moments and being in the right place at the right time. In the most polite way I forgot she was a photographer and saw her more as a guest – she got stuck in and had fun and got such great photos as a result. I would recommend Hannah to anyone.

What would be your best bit of advice to other couples planning their wedding?

Don’t panic! At first it can feel overwhelming with everything to plan, but breaking things down into small chunks makes it manageable. Start with the big stuff and rest will all fall into place. Having had such a great experience with the Dodmoor House team I would suggest picking a venue that can help with logistics / operational stuff will make your life much easier and help you think of things you never even considered!!  I would also suggest picking a venue that allow you to design a wedding you want and not trying to hem you too much into a mould – we picked lots of different suppliers from all over and meant we could have the food / drink / entertainment we wanted.

Anna + David’s winter wedding at Dodmoor House happened with the help of…

Hair: Sophie Williamson Wainwright’s Hair // Makeup: Lucy MacDonald Make Up Artist by Megan Yorston // Dress: Stella York

Flowers: Julie Anna Flowers // Transport: Vintage Inspired Wedding Hire

Entertainment & Production: Desai Voices, West End Jerseys, Potter Events

Bridesmaids: Dress Me Pretty (Sorella Vita) // Groom: Moss Bros

Catering: Thomas The Caterer // Prosecco Van: Hello Prosecco

FANCY PHOTOS LIKE THIS OF YOUR WEDDING? I’M YOUR GIRL.

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