07/06/2026
With Mr & Mrs Baker-Dale’s passion for music and dance the soundtrack to their day had been so carefully considered and their choices were perfect for every aspect.
Our bridal party arrived from home with Celebration Cars in immaculate classical inspired vehicles setting the scene for a day full of classical elegance. What could be more appropriate transport for your bridal party than a “mascot”? Our bride and her proud father followed in their Landaulette arriving safely at Southwood Hall where in the preceding hours we desperately tried to achieve the open-air ceremony they wanted but the weather toyed with our plans.
Just as we committed to moving decor outside a final light shower put paid to our hopes, luckily our gorgeous thatched barn is the most stunning inside ceremony space and we were soon ready for the Groomsmen to find their place at the top of the lovely dry aisle. A white aisle carpet from KWF was laid beneath a dramatic drop curtain and between stunning urns of beautiful blooms from Jasmines Flowers Little Plumstead with posies tucked into chair ribbons lining the way. The scent from delicate peonies was decadent setting such a romantic space ready for our ceremony to take place.
Martin’s nerves grew with every song that played in anticipation of his Bride’s arrival. With thoughts gathered and final preparations made. 🎶 I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day🎶. As the instrumental version played we couldn’t help but sing along as there couldn’t have been a more fitting bridal march chosen.
🎶I guess you’d say, what can make me feel this way? My girl 🎶. Our grooms nerves instantly melted away once he caught sight of his bride in her stunning bridal gown with lace overlaying a sheer bodice that flowed into layers upon layers of tulle. Emma’s hair was beutifully curled, a sparkly hairpiece holding it back from her face matching the sparkles within her dress. Looking effortlessly radiant our bride slowly but surely made her way down the aisle to stand beside her husband-to-be. At 2.28pm our couple were finally reunited at the top of the aisle.
Giving his lovely daughter away Dad Gary gave her a sweet kiss before finding his seat as their ceremony was underway. With bright blue skies finally appearing behind them their ceremony was beautiful and made so special by the personal touches added. Rose felt priveledged to read their favourite story “Guess how much I love you” that was delivered with panache as children and adults alike looked on enchanted by the tale. As our Registrar read “Marry your best friend” time stood still for just a little while as guests appreciated the special moment.
🎶 Let’s stay together. I’m so in love with you. Whatever you want to do is alright by me ‘cause you make me feel so brand new and I want to spend my life with you 🎶 entertained guests as the marriage schedule was signed before Natalie Cole sang them back down the aisle 🎶…this will be the one I’ve waited for…🎶 and although slightly later than planned their gorgeous ceremony was complete.
A waiting Pimm’s and Prosecco were appreciated as our couple headed out under the bright blue skies as the song played through 🎶you brought a lot of sunshine into my life🎶 exactly on cue. Guests were ushered towards baskets of confetti preparing to shower our couple with love and petals.
In a day that can feel frenetic spending some quiet time together can make for one of the most memorable parts and so our couple made the most of the stunning car at their disposal and now, with the roof drawn back they went for a drive to enjoy those precious moments. Guests were well looked after enjoying the drinks and canapés offered to the soundtrack curated by our couple. No detail was overlooked in their planning as touches of the engagement in Taormina, Sicily were included with delicious wild mushroom and tarragon arancini on truffle aioli, limoncello spritz available at the bar and in intricate wooden table names reflecting their favourite places, so perfect for their favourite people to find their seats.
Our newlyweds were welcomed into the barn by best man Thomas as they danced their way through the barn to their rightful seats at the heart of their top table where Father of the Bride (and gym buff) Gary was first to say a few words. Thanking guests that had travelled from near and far to celebrate his funny, sporty, kind and selfless daughter on her special day. Life in a house with three women means he seldom has an opportunity to speak and so he made the most of every minute with his witty one liners (although he did keep it under 2 hours as threatened!). He couldn’t be prouder of the lovely young lady Emma has become as she goes into the next chapter of her life, nor to officially welcome Martin to their family at long last.
With the help of Tom the IT dude, Gary presented a side splitting slide show complete with gags, the Emmerdale soundtrack and plenty of photo props. He even presented our newlyweds with an origami house replica, one of his many specialty skills. Married for forty years himself, Gary had plenty of wise words for the newlyweds. Take heed Martin, if you forget your wedding anniversary once, you’ll remember it for the rest of your life! Happy wife, happy life and a sweet toast to love, luck and good fortune for the Bride and Groom.
Our bi-lingual Bride welcomed guests from the Netherlands in their native tongue, while Martin gushed about the wonderful wedding party that had helped them bring the day to life. If it wasn’t for Toni and Tony’s matchmaking skills, they wouldn’t even have been here! Who knew when they arrived for that double blind date 9 years ago that they would one day be married.
Martin was full of loving words for his beautiful Bride; she took his breath away when he first saw her, her beauty equal to her generous heart. Emma is the kindest woman Martin has known (except maybe when their is a game or sport involved when she becomes the beast from the East!. Her meals are full of love
Jokes seem to run in the family and so Martin had a special ‘Emma Joke’ ready “Did you hear about the two mobile phones that got married? The reception was amazing”🤣. Our couple are so well matched as Emma soon quipped “Martin works in IT, so he understands upgrades. Today he got the biggest one of his life; wife 1.0. No refunds, no warranty and definitely no uninstall or upgrade option” 🤣
Best man Thomas shared the honour he felt to be his brother’s best man and was even more impressed they managed to make it here on time as they are always naturally late. Emma has fitted with their family so well and brought fun to nine years of Christmases, parties and the many game nights. Brotherly tales of growing up when Martin proved he was kind and patient even when his boundaries were pushed - like the time Thomas chased him round the house with Snickers bar even though he’s allergic to nuts! Presenting our happy couple with artwork showing where they first met we are sure he is forgiven.
Speeches gave way to a sumptuous wedding breakfast as Broadland beef braised in Adnam’s ale, roasted chicken supreme and puy lentil Wellington were delivered to grateful guests. Topped off with lemon posset, chocolate brownie, vanilla cheesecake and ice cream sundaes for younger guests their first meal as husband and wife was complete just before The Claire Barker Band arrived to help them dance of the energy.
After mum’s wonderful cake was cut (and soon devoured) guests gathered to watch just how those dance lessons have brought our couple together. A romantic 🎶 When the night has come and the land is dark and the moon is the only light we see 🎶 (apart from the many magical fairy light softly twinkling overhead)soon blended to 🎶we gon boogie oogie-oogie, wiggle and dance🎶 as Fireball raised the tempo ahead of the bands first set.
A night enjoyed on the dance floor, refuelled by a sausage sizzle cooked under the barbecue lodge, was so befitting of their story and we can see where those moves were inherited from 🥰. Louis Armstrong was honoured to provide the final piece in the beautiful soundtrack to their day as for a final time everyone headed to the dance floor 🎶 We have all the time in the world. Time enough for life to unfold the precious things love has in store 🎶
We hope your feet are recovering from all the dancing and that you have had the best weekend of your lives surrounded by family and friends 🥰