Our big day

An autumnal colour scheme of brown, emerald green and mango made Gemma and John's wedding a picture perfect one. Images by Expression Photography

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Early days…

Gemma Griffin, 28, and John Richards, 29, met at a nightclub in Bristol, where they were both studying at university. "When I first saw John I thought he was totally gorgeous," reveals Gemma. "I was introduced to him by a mutual friend, and the conversation flowed so easily - we laughed constantly. I knew right at the beginning of our relationship that we had something extra special."
John admits he felt exactly the same way: "I was smitten within minutes of meeting Gem. She was smart and funny, and her smile was simply amazing. Not long after our initial meeting, I told my friends and family that she was 'the one'. My only regret is that it took me another seven years to make it official!"

The proposal…

When John finally did propose, he did it in style. After ordering a surprise champagne breakfast to be brought to their hotel suite in New York, he pulled a ring out of his pocket and popped the question. "I was so shocked and excited, I just nodded and fell into his arms," remembers Gemma.

Hen and stag parties…

To celebrate his last days as a bachelor, John went to Oxford for a weekend of fun and frolics. This included paintballing - where he was made an easy target thanks to a fluorescent jacket - and a night out on the town. "My hen do was a far more civilised affair," says Gemma. "We went to London for a Sex and the City-themed day, cocktail-making in the afternoon followed by dinner and then to Madam Jojo's for the Kitsch Cabaret show."

The venues…

John and Gemma had a religious ceremony at All Saints' Church in High Roding, followed by a reception at Maidens Barn. "We went to view lots of beautiful wedding venues in Essex, but the minute we saw Maidens Barn we both knew it was perfect for us." says Gemma. "We loved the traditional old barn feel, and the stunning space outside."

The dress…

John, his two best men Nick and James, and his other groomsmen wore black tailcoats hired from Pronuptia. To set himself apart from the others, who accessorised with champagne-coloured cravats and hankies, John had a scrunch-tie and handkerchief made out of the same green fabric as the bridesmaids' dresses.
Gemma wore an ivory satin dress with crystal and pearl detailing, bought from Pronovias on New Bond Street. She accessorised her dress with a bespoke tiara and jewellery from Natural Gems. The two bridesmaids - Gemma's sister and best friend - wore emerald green taffeta dresses from Belsoie by Jasmine.

The decorative touches…

John and Gemma's ivory cake was a three-tiered design with two layers of fruit cake and one of vanilla sponge. "The wedding cake was a real family effort," says Gemma. "John's mum is a wonderful cook and kindly offered to make it for us. Unfortunately she broke her arm a week before she was due to make the fruit cakes, so she called upon her sister to help out. John's brother Alan then helped with the icing nearer the day, and I decorated it the day before! It was simple yet elegant, and we're very grateful to everyone who had a hand in making it."

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