Our Brides – Gemma

Gemma stands in front of a large floral border full of shrubs and flowers. She holds her hands together at her waist and looks to the side. She wears a floor length beaded ivory dress, and train length veil.

Thanks to Jamie Oliver’s HR department, Gemma and Nick crossed paths and the rest is history. From their start in London to their wedding at Whirlow Hall Farm, with a trip to India in between, there is a story in every answer!

Gemma looked sensational in Eliza Jane Howell’s Annie dress, and the smiles in these photos are infectious!

Congratulations Gemma and Nick, here’s to your next adventure.

Jess x

THE LOW-DOWN

How would you sum up the style of your wedding?

I think our style was relaxed and personal. We had a few rough themes that helped us shape the day, but ultimately we just wanted the day to feel like ‘us’.

Where did you tie the knot?

We tied the knot in Dore Parish Church.

And what was your wedding dress?

Annie by Eliza Jane Howell.

See our Eliza Jane Howell dresses

THE LEAD UP

How did you two first meet?

We met in 2011 when we both got jobs at Jamie’s Italian in Bank, London. Before we’d started working together, Nick had already tried to get me fired due to over staffing so we owe our marriage to Jamie Oliver’s HR department! Thanks guys!

What about the proposal? When, where, how?

The proposal was on the top of Higger Tor, dressed in matching rainmacs, in the rain, which was really lovely as we were totally alone. It’s a special place for my family and Nick had planned to ask me on that spot years before. We were heading off to India the next day for a 6 month trip so he snuck it in, in between dropping off our cat with my parents and moving out of our flat. We celebrated with lots of champagne on the train back to London, ready for our next big adventure.

THE DRESS

Did you have an idea of what you wanted when you first started looking for your wedding dress? And did you stick to it?

I had no idea! I approached the dress finding with an open mind, and tried on a few styles before I found the one I loved the most. It all came down to what I felt comfortable (and great!) in.

How did you find the whole experience of searching for the right dress?

I had loads of fun. I really enjoyed sharing it all with my mum and sister and the process of trying on and finding your wedding dress is a very special moment. I was blown away with the quality of these garments and what it feels like to wear them and found it all amazing and laughed A LOT.

What was it about your dress that made it ‘the one’?

I instantly felt comfortable and special when I tried it on. I loved the sleeves, and the embroidery and the weight of it made it swish about like nobody’s business.

How did you feel once you’d made the big decision?

I felt pretty great! Jess was amazing and guided me through how it should hang, and any alterations I needed to make and even suggested I add the excess fabric onto my veil which made it even more special. I was sad to not try on more amazing dresses, but glad to have found one so easily without any stress.

Do you have any top tips for other brides out there shopping for their bridal gown?

Have an open mind and go with what feels right!

THE BIG DAY

Tell us more about your outfit on the day. How did you complete your look?

I added a beautiful veil, which was swapped for a floral clip during the reception. Nick gave me some amazing earrings on the morning of the wedding and my sister Abi had a ring made for me which I wore on the day too. I also had some very sparkly heels for the ceremony, but changed into white ankle boots in the evening.

And your bridesmaids?

I had 10 bridesmaids……! Which is ridiculous, BUT I love them all so much and so I couldn’t choose. I am so glad I did, as having them all with me by my side made for some irreplaceable memories.

What do you remember about the morning?

It was pretty chilled out. We had to delay our wedding due to the pandemic, so I was just happy to be doing it! Everyone around me was also very relaxed and we had a real laugh getting ready all together.

Who did your hair and makeup?

Lauren Eaton MUA did both!

Who took your wedding photos?

Maytree Photography

Did you follow any traditions? Or was there anything unusual about the ceremony?

The ceremony was pretty traditional, but we decided against hymns and instead had lots of readings by our loved ones of literature that meant something special to us and them.

How did your dress feel when you were walking down the aisle?

It felt lovely! I was so pleased to be walking down with my Dad, especially after the year we all had had and the dress was just the icing on the cake. Watching the videos, it looks so swishy and moves beautifully and I look deliriously happy so that’s all that counts!

THE MEMORIES

What are your favourite memories of your wedding day?

The ceremony was incredibly special as it all suddenly felt very serious and being surrounded by our loved ones saying those very important words to each other is something I will cherish and remember forever.

What gave you the biggest laugh?

We had planned on playing an old family game that we call ‘Corners’ which weirdly most of the guests knew from parties we’d had before and at around 10pm we made it happen. Everyone was desperate to dance and the whole thing was hilarious. After that there was no leaving the dance floor and everyone let loose.

What got the tears flowing?

My dad’s speech, but we were crying from laughter. It was the best speech I’ve ever heard and everyone was in stiches. Even today, people come up to me and say ‘your dads speech was just amazing’. It was lovely watching his Dad, my Grandad – who is 90, laughing and crying and setting everyone off at every punchline.

ADVICE FOR BRIDES-TO-BE

If there was one piece of advice you could give to a new bride-to-be, what would it be?

Don’t worry too much about all the things you are “meant to do” and do what feels right for you. It’s an amazing day to share with your loved ones, and even if everything goes terribly wrong (like a global pandemic…) – you’ll always have a fantastic day marrying the one you love.

And last but not least, where is your wedding dress now?

It’s still at my parents house, as straight after the wedding we both got new jobs, moved house and cities! So life has been great but a bit full on. Once I get it back – it’s going in my wardrobe and I’m putting it on whenever I get the chance…..!

THE RECAP

Dress

Annie by Eliza Jane Howell

Accessories

Earrings - Maison Sabben

Shoes - Carvela & Topshop

Venue

Whirlow Hall Farm

Photography