Danielle and Alex’s romantic nuptials had the backdrop of Gorse Hill setting the scene Images courtesy of Shaun Peters Photography Danielle and Alex met at the start of lockdown on the app Houseparty. “Alex could see his friend Charlie was in a chat with a few people (me being one of them) so Alex asked to get involved in the chat,” recalls Danielle. “Alex entered the chat and the night was spent talking rubbish between us all and getting to know one another.” From that conversation, however, the couple realised they had actually met a few months earlier! Love soon blossomed for the pair, and a proposal was on the cards. “Alex always had a plan to propose on the weekend of his 30th birthday, as he wanted to do it when I would least expect it,” recalls Danielle. “The plan was to propose by the river in Richmond where we had our first date, followed by dinner at Guachos. Although thoughtful plans had been made, Alex never considered how he’d be feeling after celebrating his birthday the previous night,” laughs Danielle. “Alex woke up early, a bag of nerves weighing heavily on him, and the thought of doing this in public was becoming unbearable. Alex had no plan B! The time came for a picture in the garden before going out, and Alex decided in that moment now was the time. He messaged my mum (who was taking the picture) to say he’s doing it now. I then saw Alex suddenly get down on one knee confessing his love while tearfully asking me to marry him. The weekend suddenly turned into surprise engagement celebrations that night and the following evening.” The big date was set 19th July 2025. After looking at several locations, the scenery as you drive up to Gorse Hill was what sealed it for the couple. “I liked that the venue didn’t feel too old-fashioned, and having a separate building from the hotel for the wedding ceremony was a real bonus. It was also large enough to accommodate more guests,” shares Danielle. “I loved the outdoor ceremony area, with all the greenery and the mansion house in the background. All the staff were friendly and welcoming from the moment we arrived and throughout our visits. We had also heard good things about the food, and it certainly lived up to expectations.” Wanting a modern look, with flowers being the main feature throughout the day, Danielle based the theme on the colour of the bridesmaids’ dresses. “We chose champagne gold, white, and cream, which I felt worked beautifully for a summer wedding,” says Danielle. “My amazing florist, Oakwood Flowers, helped bring my theme to life by guiding me in choosing the white and cream flowers for the moon arch, table centrepieces, top table and large ceremony urns. For the table centrepieces, we had a mix of taller arrangements on gold stands and lower centrepieces, which worked really well together. At the last minute, I decided I wanted foliage on the ceiling, which Catherine, the florist, sourced and arranged for us. I made the signage and some of the stationery myself, while the remaining pieces were purchased online to match the overall wedding theme.” Danielle wore a Dando London gown for the wedding. “I originally chose a different dress, but three months before the wedding I found out I was pregnant and I ended up choosing another gown called Demure. I cried when I tried it on, my mum and auntie both started crying too! I felt so comfortable in it, and you couldn’t really tell I was pregnant!” Alex looked dapper in a blue Sawyers & Hendricks suit which matched those worn by groomsmen, while the bridesmaids wore different styles of dresses in a champagne hue. “I love live music and wanted every part of the day to include some form of entertainment,” shares Danielle. “We had the talented singer Chess perform during the ceremony and wedding breakfast. During the drinks reception, we had the brilliant saxophonist Shagzy, whom all of the guests loved because of the great variety of music he played. We received so many compliments about both throughout the day. “In the evening, we had a band called The Banquet entertain our guests and keep the dancefloor full.” Having enjoyed every moment of the day, there were too many favourite memories for Danielle to choose from. “The morning spent getting ready with the bridal party, with Shaun and the team taking photos that we still look back on; seeing all our family and close friends having a great time – everything was amazing. From all the entertainment we arranged to our first dance and cake cutting, every part of the day felt special. “The main highlight would have to be walking back up the aisle together as a married couple. Seeing everyone clapping and cheering was beautiful. It is a moment that we will cherish in our hearts forever.” With this ring… REAL WEDDINGS 33
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