Katie and James
Katie and James celebrated their wedding at South Lodge surrounded by their closest friends and family, their beaming smiles say it all.
Photography by: Nord Creative
How did you both meet and how did the proposal occur?
We met at the Pheasant pub in Buckland. Five years later, James proposed on Valentine’s Day—which also happens to be my birthday—at Acres Down in the New Forest. It is an incredibly special spot for us, as it is our absolute favourite place to walk our two miniature dachshunds.
What did you love the most about South Lodge?
We had our first-ever staycation at South Lodge and dreamed of getting married there ever since. The venue is absolutely stunning and has long been our favourite escape for birthdays and brunch, making it the perfect fit for our wedding day.
Did you have a particular theme or particular style for your day?
Our vision was always a classic English countryside wedding, brought to life with a timeless sage green and cream color palette. Above all, we wanted the day to genuinely reflect us as a couple and serve as a beautiful celebration of our love. The florals were the true centerpiece of this vision, and I will never forget the breathtaking moment of walking down an aisle filled with gypsophila.
Tell us about the dress!
My dress was by Justin Alexander from Anna Bridal in Ringwood, a truly special boutique in the New Forest.
It was incredibly meaningful to source my dress from the New Forest, as it is where my mum is from. Remarkably, it was only the third dress I tried on. I instantly fell in love with the classic silhouette and the exquisite jacquard fabric. The long, dramatic train coupled with the veil created a look that surpassed everything I had ever dreamed of.
What do you remember most about the day itself?
Two moments stand out above all else. The first was walking down the aisle in such breathtaking, natural surroundings to my absolute favorite song played on the violin, locking eyes with James and knowing it was the most special moment of our lives. The second was sitting at dinner, looking out at a room full of our closest family and friends, and feeling so incredibly grateful to share our day with everyone we love.
Were there any special moments on the day itself that made it unique & personal?
One element we would highly recommend to any couple is taking a day during the planning process to choose your wedding scents together. We took part in the Jo Malone 'Scent Your Wedding' experience, and now, every single time we wear those fragrances, it instantly transports us right back to our most special day.
