Weddings in Rutland
College sweethearts Jade and Dan tied the knot at Normanton Church before celebrating with family and friends at The Barnsdale’s newly refurbished barn
Image: Sky Photography, 07913 11 20 11, www.skyphotography.co.uk.
There’s nothing like a good debate to stir the spirit, and there was plenty in the A-Level politics class attended by Dan and Jade, headed up by Godfrey Jennings. Their teacher was popular with students and has ensured countless classes questioned, debated and found inspiration in law, politics and social affairs.
Dan and Jade’s spirits were stirred, too, by one another and the two found themselves forming a great friendship which soon blossomed into a relationship. Jade was born in Leicester and raised in Oakham, while Dan lived elsewhere but moved to Uppingham as a teenager and has lived in Rutland for over a decade.
Having made things official in November 2016 the couple fell in love, and in 2022 Dan planned a surprise anniversary trip to Venice, secretly setting up his phone in a restaurant to capture a truly special moment —getting down on one knee and proposing.
He’d already asked Jade’s mum for permission, and presented her with a platinum band set with a pear-cut diamond, flanked by two delicate emeralds, with a tiny ruby hidden on the inside of the band.
Of course Jade was thrilled and wedding venue hunting began early in 2023… not that it wasn’t a foregone conclusion. The couple quickly fell in love with the idea of a ceremony at the iconic Normanton Church, as would most people given that it’s a stunning setting for a wedding. They also chose a reception at The Barnsdale where they were one of the first couples to use the beautifully renovated new wedding barn.
Jade chose a timeless A-line satin wedding dress with a bateau neckline, created by local dressmaker Clara Lockyer of Skeffington.
Inspired by the elegance of Meghan Markle, Audrey Hepburn, and Disney princesses, it featured clean lines and a long train with subtle detail across the bodice. Jade’s bridesmaids wore romantic rose-pink floral lace dresses sourced online.
The groomsmen looked sharp in suits from Eden Menswear in Spalding. The groom wore a sage green tweed whilst his groomsmen wore grey tweed suits with sage green waistcoats to tie everything together while allowing the groom to stand out.
Kellie’s Flowers provided beautiful florals for the day whilst catering and live entertainment came courtesy of The Barnsdale’s wealth of suggested suppliers and wedding professionals.
The couple’s classic wedding transport was courtesy of a lovely white Austin Princess and a sage-coloured frog-eye Austin-Healey Sprite, lent by a family friend.
Photography was captured by Simon at Sky Photography, who they say was fantastic and helped create the relaxed, natural shots they wanted.
The day was full of personal touches and little moments that made them smile… though not all went entirely to plan! As guests left the church to head to the reception, the poorly little Sprite broke down and the couple had to call for back-up.
A touching moment came during their photo session by the church, when Dan showed Jade a card she’d written him on the morning of the wedding.
He’d kept it tucked safely in his pocket all day. Dan and Jade say they’d like to thank their families, friends Alex and Laura for being witnesses, Simon the photographer, and the Barnsdale wedding team for making everything run smoothly.
Local Suppliers
Wedding Ceremony: Normanton Church, 01780 686800, [email protected].
Wedding Venue: The Barnsdale, The Avenue, Oakham LE15 8AH, www.barnsdalerutland.com.
Images: Sky Photography, 07913 112 011, www.skyphotography.co.uk.
Wedding Dress: Clara Lockyer, Skeffington, 07946 269 208, www.claralockyer.co.uk.
Makeup: Hayley Standen, Oakham, 07496 484381.
Florist: Kellie’s Flowers, Market Harborough, Northampton Road LE16 9HB, 07876 635349.
Wedding Transport: 01536 771999, bridalcarriages.co.uk.
See more images from Jade & Dan’s wedding in our July edition at https://issuu.com/pridemagazines/docs/rutland_pride_july_2025