Hannah & Scott’s Timeless Wedding

Your Names: Hannah Sophie Harrison & Scott Harrison
Date of Wedding: Saturday 5th August 2023
Photographer: Aaron Collett
Style or Theme: Minimal, timeless & classic with a pastel pallet

We met through the power of Tinder when Hannah had just started University, and Scott had just started a Graduate job. We both used to find it embarrassing when telling people this, however we now embrace it – it’s the start of lots of modern love stories! Plus, we’re both of the opinion that the universe would have brough us together one way or another, Tinder just happened to be the soonest!

After being together for 5 years, Scott was offered a secondment in Thailand for 6 months, and so we both moved out there, with the plan to end it with the trip of a lifetime to Australia and Bali! Shortly before moving, Scott knew this trip would bring the perfect opportunity to propose, and so planned and organised to propose in Australia Zoo within the elephant encounter (Hannah had been a member of the zoo since she was little and always wanted to visit, and elephants are her favourite animal). Unfortunately, Covid scuppered these plans, and we were forced to come home after only 5 months, meaning the trip had to be cancelled. Scott had the ring at the ready and was waiting for Covid to ‘blow over’ so we could finally fulfil this dream trip… Little did he know it wasn’t going anywhere quickly. 18 months after purchasing the engagement ring, Scott decided to suck it up and propose… On Valentine’s Day 2021, in our kitchen… ROMANTIC?! We were engaged for 2 and a half years before the wedding, due to both the Covid backlog and our desire to have a Saturday summer wedding. We did ensure to keep Australia a large part of our wedding journey and spent 4 weeks there for our honeymoon (including visiting Australia Zoo!).

Hannah had found a designer whose dresses she loved and visited some local bridal boutiques to try them on. One boutique handed Hannah a ‘wild card’ based on her choices, and after trying this on, she couldn’t help but compare all other dresses to this one. It was just as she’d hoped – minimal and timeless, but also unique.

Word of advice – If it’s a definite no, go with your gut; but if you’re undecided, try it on – it may just be the one!

Minimal and timeless. We want to look back on the photos on future and not regret opting towards any ‘current trends’. No expense spared or corners cut – this was event we both believe we will do only once in our lives and wanted no regrets.

The hope was that we’d spend a lot of time outdoors, everyone being entertained by the various games we had sorted and enjoying the ‘summer vibe’ with plenty of alcohol flowing (some of this happened, but the weather prevented other aspects…).

Our location scope was broad due to family residing in Leicester, Somerset & Hampshire. We viewed lots online (due to Covid), but when we finally visited our two favourites in person, it was obvious that Dodford Manor was the one. The relaxed nature of the venue within the open countryside was ‘just us’.

The outdoor space was a great focal point for our plans (hence a Saturday summer wedding), with various games for the children & adults… Unfortunately, the British weather had its say on the day, but the backup indoor space was still utilised perfectly.

Dodford Manor have thought about all the little things that will change your day from being great, to being perfect!

We had an intimate civil ceremony with ~80 guests. Neither of us are overly religious and so we wanted an informal, short ceremony. Scott suggests he was entertaining the crowd whilst they eagerly awaited Hannah’s entrance (comparing himself to Jack Whitehall).

As we both expected, Scott cried when he saw Hannah walking down the aisle, however Hannah held it together. The moment we were united at the altar, I think we both sighed a breath of relief, but were filled with nerves at the same time.

Hannah’s sister, Emma, did a reading of ‘Bubbles’ by Rachel Bright, which we felt matched our views of one another, and our life moving forward.

We didn’t write our own vows, as Hannah isn’t comfortable being in the spotlight (unlike Scott – hence the dancefloor photos!), and given Scott was already undertaking a speech after the wedding breakfast, we opted for the pre-written vows.

Our cake was minimal, a 4-tier plain white with smooth butter-cream icing. We ensured our florist knew we were using some flowers for the cake and outlined the desired ‘spiral’ effect to our cake-maker, who decorated this with the flowers at Dodford Manor. Whilst this was simple, it had a bigger ‘wow factor’ than most over-decorated cakes would have, and we feel this was the most timeless option also.

Our words won’t do justice for how beautiful the décor was, and whilst we may be biased, we genuinely believe this is the most beautiful we have seen Dodford Manor look. Have a look at the photos and judge for yourselves!

Canapés: Strawberries & Cream
Starter: Mango and Brie Parcels with Mango Salsa and Rapeseed Oil
Main: French Trimmed Chicken filled with Feta; Spinach and Tomato Mousse; Heart Fondant Potatoes; White Wine, Lemon, and Tarragon Cream Sauce
Dessert: Summer Berry Eton Mess
Evening Food: Pulled Pork Shoulder served in a Bap with Spicy Tomato Relish and Sweet Apple Sauce; Savoury Potato Wedges

Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud. This song was constantly playing on the radio when we first met. We’re both big Ed Sheeran fans, and the words reflect how we feel for one another. To have The Distractions perform this for our first dance was magical.

Scott: Either seeing Hannah walking down the aisle towards me, feeling like the luckiest man alive; or walking back down the aisle through our friends & family, as the newlyweds!

Hannah: Walking down the aisle and seeing Scott’s face!

Use a spreadsheet!… No, but seriously – our advice would be to enjoy the process, but consider the below…

• Don’t cut any corners. If there’s something you want on your day, have it. You’ll only regret it if not, when you look back on the day in future.
• Ensure you have a photographer whose style resonates with you – whilst you hope that your memories last forever, the photos will have an impact on exactly how you remember them in future.
• Be brutal with the guestlist – it’s your day and don’t let anyone else influence who ‘should’ and ‘shouldn’t’ be there.
• Choose your groomsmen and bridesmaids in plenty of time, but not too far in advance – people and relationships can change, and not always for the better.
• If a supplier is causing additional stress or doubt – don’t use them! Planning your day will be stressful enough, without someone you’re paying adding to this.

Bride: Love, happiness & fun

Groom: Wouldn’t change anything

Photographer: Aaron Collett
Dress: Suzanne Neville dress, from Frances Day Bridal
Rings: Lanes Fine Jewellery, Leicester
Hair: Lucy Locks
Grooms Attire: Moss Bros
Bridesmaid Dresses: Duntery
Cake: Purple Bow Cakes
Flowers: Palm & Peony
Décor/Venue Stylist: The Little Details Company
Entertainment: The Distractions Band (Music)
The Burbage Booth Co. (Photobooth)