Nearly three years after meeting on the dating website Bumble, Emma and Jamie were married on December 5th 2020 at The Queens Hotel in Southsea. Forced to make many changes due to COVID restrictions, Emma and Jamie still managed to celebrate their special day in style! If you're stuck for ideas and have to make last minute changes then check out the Guides for Brides wedding ideas so you can get inspired.
COVID Challenges
Emma and Jamie met on Bumble and were together for a year before getting engaged. 18 months later, they were married at the historic and sophisticated Queens Hotel in Southsea. However, this was not the couple’s original venue. Due to COVID restrictions, Emma and Jamie had to postpone their wedding and change their original plans. The engaged couple had to have a new venue, a new menu and even a new wedding dress for Emma! Also, due to the change of venue and COVID limitations, Emma and Jamie were limited to just 13 guests. So, they, unfortunately, had to tell 32 people they could no longer celebrate with them. However, after much stress and adaptation, they were rewarded by finally being able to celebrate their special day.
The Wedding Day
Southsea is Emma and Jamie’s favourite place, and, with such spectacular views, it’s easy to see why! Due to their December wedding date, the gorgeous hotel was decked out in festive decorations, such as enchanting Christmas trees. So, their venue was further transformed into a magical and special setting. Carla Mortimer, the couples wedding photographer, captures the ambiance of the day perfectly.
The Outfits
The bride wore a stunning Anna Sorrano Breanna, a sparkling, princess-style dress with an A-line silhouette, illusion lace keyhole back and embroidered sleeves. She also had a beautiful, glittering tiara in her hair to complete the royal look. Emma had three bridesmaids who wore full-length, Grecian-style floaty dresses in dusty pink, complimenting the wedding colours of pink and ivory. The groom wore a navy blue, three-piece suit with a white rose buttonhole. This buttonhole matches his bride’s and the bridesmaid’s bouquets, as well as buttonholes and pins worn by the wedding party and guests.
Ceremony and Favourite Moments
The ceremony was emotional for all involved, but especially Emma, who says that walking down the aisle to Jamie, realising they were finally able to tie the knot after so many obstacles, was one of her favourite moments. Another favourite moment was when Emma’s daughter delivered a speech for the happy couple. While the couple were disappointed they couldn’t have everybody they loved present on the day, their guests who couldn’t attend were able to be part of the day from afar thanks to the Guides for Brides Livestream feature.
Celebrations
After the ceremony, the celebrations continued with a festive-themed menu at the wedding meal, to match the festive decorations throughout the hotel. The enchantment continued with a magician for entertainment and candles with sparkling mirrored coasters as favours. While they had to cancel their band, the Fugitive Orchestra recorded the music for their first dance so they could still have it ‘live’. What’s more, the newlyweds successfully managed to escape on their honeymoon to Cuba in December as planned following their wedding. We wish them very many happy returns for the future.
Suppliers
- Catering and Venue: The Queens Hotel, Southsea
- Transport: Splitty Wedding Hire
- Band: Fugitive Orchestra
- Magician: Sean Boon
- Hair: Karen Clarke Wedding Hair
- Make up: Rosie Howard Make up Artist
- Photographer: Carla Mortimer Wedding Photography