Real Life Weddings at Lainston House

We met at university. Naomi took a sneaky picture of Jonny and sent it to her Dad and housemate saying ‘he’s a hunk’ and the next thing she knew they went to the cinema and had a Nandos. Naomi definitely didn’t let on that she liked Jonny tho, she kept him guessing for a while!

We dated for 2 years and then got engaged in our 3rd year. Jonny took me to Rome and surprised me with some friends when I opened my eyes to him down on one knee! We got engaged at the Trevi Fountain.

We adored the setting and the staff - all of it really!! :D

I have done Christmas’ with family at Lainston for a few years and loved it, so had to introduce Jonny to it as soon as I could. It had always been my dream to get married at Lainston, never once did I think it would become a reality. Even Jonny mentioned how much he valued the staff remembering who we were and recognising our name when we came to things or to visit. All of the team never missed making us feel as though we were the most special people in the room.

We didn’t have a theme - we had an epic tipi in the grounds which was INSANE!

We loved it and loved the vibe it created of a country house hotel with a beautiful outdoor style reception. It felt relaxed and the rustic vibes that fed through was really special and intimate. The whole way it was laid out was beautiful and to have the cake in the middle of the tipi was really special too!

I had spotted a designer I liked so attempted to find shops who stocked Essence of Australia. I found a shop in my hometown in Southborne, I had spotted the one I liked however, they then brought out the dress I wore as a ‘wild card/ new dress - they had just received’ and I LOVED IT!

Every time I put it on I adored it and it just had a really simple, complimentary cathedral veil. It had a bare back with some simple detail crossover straps and then from where the bodice began, there were buttons to the bottom of the train with lace detail all over.

We just remember how fun it was! We felt so relaxed and like we were in the best hands.

Matt (our photographer) had already liaised with Sophie so he had a clear idea of their run of the day as well as what he was hoping for. The first dance in the Barn was so much fun, the fairy lights have made for some beautiful pictures too!

We also remember arriving at Lainston following our church service and there being one of the Lainston team stood by our car door with a Pimms (which I had previously said I liked) and a Peroni for Jonny - it was the the fact they remembered this detail - and they also had a plate of canapés! GLORIOUS!

Well - we had to change our plan due to lockdown restrictions! So we had previously got married legally so Lainston was our wedding celebration. But we made it like our real thing - it was the celebration.

I wore THE dress and we had all our friends and loved ones present. On the evening, Jonny had arranged for a few extra friends to arrive when we knew others couldn’t attend so this was special for me!

A highlight was the cheese tower on the evening.

Just get all of the vendors booked early… especially at the moment.

We were really surprised at how relaxed everyone was, so just remember to leave some space where you can for yourselves and your guests before the evening reception. If you can in the evening, have a live band and a DJ - the live band gets people moving!!

Photographer @matt.weddings
Florist & Styling @arcadeflowers
Photobooth @smileybooth_hampshire
Band @fascinationlive
Naomi's Dress @chameleonbride
Jonny's Suit - Skopes Suits
Videographer - Dickiebow Films