Lockdown Love
Venue: Tathwell Lodge and The Priory Hotel 

After all that stood in this couple’s way, from postponements due to COVID 19 and the decision to continue with their original date to get married Anna’s smile that she wore for the whole day was simply infectious!  

Anna approached me, Amy from Amy Lauren Weddings just over a month before the date of their wedding day. Their original plans of hosting their wedding reception in a marquee in their parents garden, Tathwell Lodge, where robbed due to the coronavirus, with weddings being capped at a maximum of 30 guests. Anna and her family have always held dinner parties and family meals at The Priory by Thomas Espin, and after a phone call enquiring about holding their reception with us we welcomed the couple to view.  

The venue was currently closed when they initially came for a viewing having postponed reopened due to COVID 19, Anna and Will saw through the renovations that where happening around them and enquired for a date this year, September, just over a month away. A date that we had pencilled in for a wedding photo shoot. I explained that some of the suppliers where pencilled in to join us for the shoot but that we had not reached out to a couple to “model” for us on the day.  

The next thing that happened was that Anna and Will hijacked the shoot, acting as our model couple for the day, along with their family, and at the same time actually getting hitched!! This gave us a whole new concept, with the ability to style and design the day how we wanted and envisioned (as so when planning a photo shoot) yet with the added bonus of raw, natural and real moments, enthusiasm and pure happiness.  

Not only did it provide us with an “insta v reality” concept for the shoot (as can be seen in the photos, with the poised shots, along with the veil blowing carefree in the wind, creating the most magical moments of laughter, against the poised shot sat kissing on the hay bale, followed by the groom and best man almost tripped to lift Anna onto the bale top!)  

This shoot for many (in fact most) of the suppliers was the first wedding of the year. It was a truly magical and poignant day for all involved, and we could not have had a better couple to have experienced this day with. 

Okay so a bit about the day … Anna and Will, along with their bubble of family and friends (16 in total) got ready at Anna’s family home, Tathwell Lodge. Bridal prep took part at the family home at Tathwell Lodge, Anna’s parents, with finishing touches and the reception at The Priory by Thomas Espin.  

Rebekah, from Hair by Rebekah created a relaxed yet stylish wedding up-do with french plait weaving across the back of the head, complimenting Lauren’s, from Lauren Aisthorpes MUA, natural bridal look. Words cannot describe how beautiful Anna looked; Lauren truly enhanced her natural looks providing a perfect bridal glow.  

The dress, from Champagne and Lace, was chosen, confirmed, and fitted less than a week before the big day. Lisa, from Champagne and Lace is a true superstar. The style matched the vibe we wanted to create perfectly, and complimented Anna’s figure and height perfectly. It was the exact dress I would have chosen for the shoot.  

At the church, St Vedas, Anna walked up the hill from the roadside with her dad into the picturesque church of Tathwell, 3 miles outside of Louth. The share look of joy on both Anna and Will’s faces where incredible, they could melt the coldest of hearts, and in this situation we are going through as an industry, as a nation, was absolutely wonderful to see and be surrounded by.  

To add to the pun, corona bottles of beer where handed out as ‘favours’ to all the guests after the church service to indulge in before photos or on route to The Priory by Thomas Espin.  

Once back at The Priory additional photos where snapped of the couple and their guests before sitting at the most breath-taking of tables. We wanted to create a table to reflect the celebration and joy this shoot was guided to. The colours and vibrancy of the styling and the flowers worked perfectly. With Catkins Flowers harnessing a relaxed and “just out the garden vibe” against the coloured glassware and crystal chargers styled by Eventful Vibes. 

The styling held elements of fun and excitement with a modern-day styling twist, complimenting the indulgent tasting menu perfectly. The wedding tasting menu consists of approx 14 courses of pure heaven, from canapés to cocktails, this menu truly had it all! Cooked by Paul himself, guest enjoyed the entire evening dining, drinking, and sharing stories of nostalgic fun.  

It was an absolute incredible day. One that we will not ever forget. For everyone, this celebration captured pure happiness, which lifted the whole team at The Priory by Thomas Espin and each individual supplier. Gifting a piece of magic to the most magical couple. 

Thank you to TTS Media for photography and Videography 

Pink Peonies Inspired Shoots for Design and Direction  

Amy Lauren Weddings for coordination  

Champagne and Lace for the dress 

Catkin Flowers for floral styling 

Eventful Vibes for styling  

Hair by Rebekah for hairstyling  

Lauren Aisthorpe MUA for makeup  

Happy Hippie Candle Co for candlelight 

Anna and Will our real life, model couple