Marrying just after New Year ensured Louise & Francis could take advantage of low winter sun, dazzling off the surface of Rutland Water, and the couple\u2019s ceremony at Normanton Church ensured Louise could feel close to her grandparents<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We all have fond memories from our childhood, and for Louise Ashwell (N\u00e9e Lynam) one such memory was being able to visit her grandparents in Rutland, enjoying walks around Rutland Water, where she would admire the views of the reservoir and the sight of Normanton Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Little did Louise realise back then that her return to Normanton Church would see her walk down the aisle on the Twelfth Night, marrying fianc\u00e9e Francis surrounded by family and friends, followed by a wedding reception at nearby Normanton Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The couple met by chance one day in a local pub, in the good company of Francis\u2019s new border collie and Louise\u2019s sister\u2019s retriever puppy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Louise and Francis\u2019s eyes met over a couple of waggy tails and a first date was swiftly arranged. Fast forward a couple of years and the couple were enjoying a romantic break to King Arthur\u2019s old stomping ground, Tintagel Castle in Cornwall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The romantic beach proposal planned by Francis was unfortunately scuppered by a rogue Weever Fish who decided to take a bite out of Francis\u2019s foot, so the couple instead moved to a clifftop location where, with the backdrop of a sunset and stunning views of the Cornish coast, Francis proposed over a picnic complete with a bottle of Champagne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The couple viewed Normanton Church and immediately fell in love with the place, which surprised Francis who thought he\u2019d opt for a more traditional looking church. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy grandfather is a retired methodist minister and settled in Egleton where he and my grandmother became very active in the local church community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe visited the area again a few months later and noticed that there was a couple celebrating their wedding at Normanton Park Hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe had a look around and thought what a lovely place it was, so close to Normanton Church. It was the perfect place for our reception!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Louise chose a Romantica dress from a boutique local to her, with layered A-line skirt, beaded appliqu\u00e9 bodice and fur bolero jacket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Louise\u2019s bridesmaids were niece Emilie and also her sister and her best friend who wore emerald and champagne gowns respectively, whilst Francis opted for evening wear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe bolero jackets were lovely and warm but actually we were very lucky with the weather,\u201d says Louise. \u201cAnd because it wasn\u2019t high summer the reservoir was really full, ensuring that the sun sparkled off the surface of the water and looked amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur photographer, Ben Davis, was really lovely to work with and captured some lovely images but among our favourites are those he captured by photographing us through our wedding bands which gave a lovely golden halo to the images.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The couple\u2019s flowers reflected their colour scheme with traditional white roses and foliage including eucalyptus and gypsophila, created by Oakham-based floral designers Pollen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their three tier wedding cake was created by Hyacinth Cake Design although Louise gave sweet-toothed guests an additional treat by creating her own sweet table featuring the couple\u2019s favourite confectionary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe whole day was absolutely perfect and we were so grateful to have all of our family and friends with us,\u201d says Louise. \u201cRutland always held a special place in my heart but we\u2019ll always look back on the day and feel a special connection to Normanton now!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Local Suppliers<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Photography: Ben Davis Photography, 07515 776526, www.bendavisphotography.com.
Wedding Ceremony: Normanton Church, 01780 686800.
Wedding Reception: Normanton Park Hotel,01780 720315, www.normantonpark.co.uk
Dress: A-line with scoop bodice by Romantica.
Wedding Flowers: Pollen, Oakham, 01572 724404, www.pollenfloristry.co.uk.
Bridal Hair:\u2008Louise Sarah, www.louisasarahuk.co.uk.
Makeup Artist: Rebecca Chantrell, 07841 622366,\u00a0www.makeupbybecca.co.uk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n