An autumn-themed wedding at Goodnestone Park, Dover

The planning

We got engaged in May 2021. James proposed in Goodnestone Park Gardens. It was a special spot for us as we used to go for picnics in the grounds ten years before. The engagement was a complete surprise. We were having a walk around the gardens afterwards taking it all in when we arranged to have a meeting with the venue to enquire about a wedding there. It was such a gorgeous venue, and it transpired that there was a availability on our ten-year anniversary, which was three months away at the time. We knew it was fate and booked it there and then.

We had the most incredible weekend with friends and family. Covid restrictions were lifted so it didn’t impact our day, other than family from abroad who were unable to make it. We were so lucky.

Nadia and James' wedding was planned in just three months

The dress

I tried on quite a few dresses in various boutiques and larger bridal shops in South West London. I did not have a huge amount of time and the pressure was on. My mum and I visited Tatiana Porembova at Couture Bridal Studio in Twickenham and she was just a delight. She talked me through what she could make for me, taking elements from things that I had loved from other dresses as I just hadn’t found the one yet.

Tatiana promised she would be able to design and make my dress for me. It was the best experience; we would chat away about little details in the dress and she was so patient and informative. I felt so comfortable with her and trusted her to make my dress exactly how we envisaged it after the first meeting.

Nadia's dress was custom-made in the nick of time

The theme

We chose autumnal colours as we both love rustic, orange tones, which we've even used in our house. In keeping with the colour scheme, the bridesmaids wore burnt orange dresses and our flowers featured the same colour palette. 

Autumn colours took centre stage on the day

The cake

Our semi-naked wedding cake was made by James' sister, Charlotte Standing, who was also a bridesmaid and is just 16-years-old.

The cake was a three-tiered semi-naked rustic creation

The photography

Our photographer, Petrina Reynolds, was just incredible. She was like an extra bridesmaid for me; she was so calming and talked me through the whole day numerous times before we got to the big day. She ensured that we got all the shots we wanted and made sure I wasn’t feeling too awkward while posing, as I warned her I would be.

The lifting of Covid restrictions allowed all guests to celebrate in style

The entertainment

James' mother's band, The Wicked Singer Band, played as our evening entertainment and performed our first dance song – Hey Now by London Grammar. 

The first dance was a highlight of the day

Suppliers:

Photography: Photography by Petrina
Venue: Goodnestone Park
Dress: Tatiana Porembova at Couture Bridal Studio, London
Accessories: Bracelet, Oliver Bonas; Other jewellery, gifted by family gifted
Wedding rings: The Ring Shop (handmade abroad)
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Etsy
Hair: By bridesmaid Hannah 
Make-up: By the bride
Stationery: By the bride and groom
Flowers: Lady Penelope's
Cake: Charlotte Standing (groom's sister)
Catering: The Flavour Kitchen: London and Kent Caterers
DJ: Mint DJ Services Ltd