Real Wedding at The West Mill Venue, Derbyshire
Your Love Story?
Karl and I met when we were 11 years old on our first day of school, for me it was love at first sight. Karl took a while to warm up! Let’s be honest, straighteners and make up we’re not important at this point!!!
We were in the same class so we saw a lot of each other and over time became best friends along with the rest of the wedding party. We have all pretty much grown up together which is so special as it made our day so much more amazing! We got together after school when we were 17 and have been since then.
Karl and I go to Cyprus every year and summer of 2017 we went with family. Karl proposed at our favourite harbour by passing me a ring and saying…’do you want to marry me?’ Haha!
I cried, even though I knew he was going to do it! I just know him so well, I knew exactly when and where it would be, before it even happened. Much to Karls annoyance!
We couldn’t wait to get back to family to tell them as we had been together for 13 years at this point and my mom was beginning to give up hope. Everyone was so happy for us!
What was your inspiration and vision for your day?
We didn’t really have one in all honesty, apart from keeping things simple. White and gold were a big deal and I knew that I wanted balloons to be a big feature and candles everywhere as it was a November wedding and I knew we’d lose the light early. The venue is so beautiful without anything so I didn’t want to take away from that, just enhance it!
Why did you choose The West Mill Venue?
Well what can I say…
We viewed the West Mill once and booked the same day! We just knew! We even compromised on dates and the month we originally wanted to book as we knew that we wanted to get married there.
The venue is so beautiful. I don’t think you fully realise how amazing it really is until after the wedding when you look back on photos and hear your guest saying how much they loved it. It’s versatile, practical and relaxed and the staff are the best! Especially Abi, our wedding coordinator. Nothing was ever too much for her and she was so chilled out which is just what we wanted!
Did you do any DIY projects?
None at all!! I wanted to be totally stress free and I’m so fussy I knew it was best to leave it to the professionals. Everyone that was involved in making the day pretty, I had full trust in so was happy to leave it in their capable hands.
Tell us about the details…
I didn’t want flowers to be a big deal but I wanted something to hold so my mom made me a dried flower bouquet. I loved it!! We had lots left over so I used them around the venue alongside the tea lights and balloons.
Our balloons were another level of amazing. We had them involved at every stage of our wedding. The giant balloons and balloon hoop were our favourite.
Our stationary and invitations were made by a family friend which was amazing as it took the pressure off, it was a relaxed experience. She did a great job and gave us advice along the way, I was happy for her to just get on with it!
Cake…I really wasn’t too fussed about the whole cake cutting so we chose 4 separate bundt cakes that the West Mill team cut up for our guests to help themselves at the reception. We also had brownies, red velvet cheesecake and bakewell slices left out for people to help themselves during our drinks reception. These went down so well! The cake company we used we were already a fan of and it was so nice to see people enjoying them as much as we do.
What was on the Menu?
Drinks we had a gin bar, prosecco with elderflower or cassis and beers. Our favours were Cafe Patron shots!!
Food we chose smoked salmon to start, roast lamb and pesto gnocchi with kale salad and asparagus for main and a mini brownie, scone with cream and jam and rhubarb panna cotta for pudding.
Evening food we had fish finger sandwiches.
Everyone said how much they enjoyed the food and we loved that we could create our own menu from scratch. The Jenkinsons staff we also amazing!!
What was your favourite part of the wedding?
I loved the ceremony, that for me was the best part. Karls was the evening reception. We both loved the speeches, so funny and emotional at the same time!
Do you have any advice for future brides & grooms?
Have the wedding YOU want and don’t over think it! It’s a day with your best friends and family, they will love whatever you do!
Click Here To See Jerry & Karl’s Wedding Video
If you’ve been inspired by Jerry & Carl’s wedding and would like to know more about The West Mill, we’d love to hear from you! Feel free to download a Wedding Brochure or get in touch.