Real Weddings Hinckley: Jade and James’s manor house wedding

Jade and James have known each other since they were two years old. "Small world, but our parents knew each other,” says Jade. “We also went to secondary school together and James was my first ever boyfriend. However, because we were quite young, we decided to just be friends. Then, in 2012, we got back together. Now, fast forward 10 years, and we have a nine-year-old son and have recently got married!”

Real Weddings Hinckley: Jade and James’s manor house wedding

A romantic proposal in Paris

James proposed on a surprise trip to Paris. “I had always wanted to go,” says Jade. “He booked a beautiful meal in a lovely quiet romantic restaurant where he popped the question. I was absolutely over the moon. We celebrated late into the night and it will always be one of our most memorable trips away.”

Real Weddings Hinckley: Jade and James’s manor house wedding

Bridal shops Hinckley 

Jade visited WED2B’s Hinkley store in Leicestershire. “We were greeted by the most wonderful staff and I tried on three dresses,” she says. “I loved the first one but my mother-in-law then pointed out a new dress, Kennedy, that had just been put on a mannequin and I knew it was my style."

Real Weddings Hinckley: Jade and James’s manor house wedding

"As soon as I slipped it on I welled up and felt so beautiful. Everything about it was stunning and my closest family and best friend said the same. It was a lovely moment and I didn't stop smiling for weeks, knowing I'd said yes to the dress.” (for similar styles try James, Bruna or Elysia)

Real Weddings Hinckley: Jade and James’s manor house wedding

A dramatic venue

The couple chose Ettington Park Hotel, in Stratford Upon Avon, for their wedding venue. “It's a gothic-style manor house with the most breathtaking grounds,” says Jade. “It has its own deer and a church within the grounds. As soon as we drove up to the venue we just knew. It took our breath away and once inside we could both just imagine our wedding day there. So we went straight ahead and booked it. Best decision ever! We got married on the 8th October 2021 and it truly was the most beautiful, memorable day.”

Real Weddings Hinckley: Jade and James’s manor house wedding

The big day

“Myself, my mother, our son Dylan and my mother-in-law and bridesmaid stayed at the venue the evening before the wedding, to make it extra special,” says Jade. “In the morning we had a champagne breakfast and from my room we could see the deer out on the grounds. It was the most beautiful morning to be getting ready to get married. It was a mild October day and the weather was perfect.”

Real Weddings Hinckley: Jade and James’s manor house wedding

“My Dad walked me down the aisle to ‘Can't Help Falling in Love With You’ by Elvis, which James and I chose quite a while before the wedding,” says Jade. “After the most beautiful intimate ceremony we had canapés in the great drawing room, along with Champagne and photos. This was followed by a lovely wedding breakfast and an amazing evening reception, that went on long into the night."

Real Weddings Hinckley: Jade and James’s manor house wedding

Sparkling white

“A wedding decor company dressed our ceremony room and wedding breakfast room,” says Jade. “We decided on a mainly all white theme, with a touch of sparkle, and it did not disappoint. Seeing the rooms decorated bought tears to our eyes and made the planning so worth it."

Real Weddings Hinckley: Jade and James’s manor house wedding

"My mother-in-law made our cake. As well as working for the NHS she also makes cakes, and we had the most incredible white wedding cake, engraved with our initials ‘J&J' with white roses. We also gave our guests gin favours, which I filled and labeled myself. They went down a treat.” 

Real Weddings Hinckley: Jade and James’s manor house wedding

“In the evening our amazing DJ played music well into the night,” says Jade. “Many of us didn't get off the dance floor, it really was the best day."

Real Weddings Hinckley: Jade and James’s manor house wedding

"I think my most memorable moment was, after spending the morning getting ready with my family and my bridesmaid, was seeing James at the end of the aisle. You can't beat that feeling and finally realising this is it, you’re getting married!”

Real Weddings Hinckley: Jade and James’s manor house wedding

My top tips…

“Plan in advance,” says Jade. “It gives you time to be excited and stress-free for your big day. In the morning try to relax and enjoy being pampered. Although it’s nerve wracking, getting ready on the big day was one of my favourite parts. Take some time out with the groom, just you two, on the day. It goes so fast, so try to take it in, even if it's just 10 minutes to have a glass of bubbly together."

Real Weddings Hinckley: Jade and James’s manor house wedding

"Lastly, enjoy it! You've probably planned it for a while, so enjoy your special day. I wish we could do it all over again. It really was the best day.”

Real Weddings Hinckley: Jade and James’s manor house wedding

Jade’s Dream Team

Photographer: Kayleigh Pope Photography

Bridal shops Hinckley: WED2B

Venue: Ettington Park Hotel 

Florist: Passion Flowers  

Cake: Ellabelles Cakes 

Stationary/ Decor: Imagine Event Design

Entertainment: Greenclaws Entertainment 

Makeup: Gemma Clarke MUA 

Hair stylist: Linzi Loops

If you would like your big day to be one of our real weddings please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. Or click here for more details about WED2B’s bridal shops Hinckley