Hannah & Tom, Rosedew Farm

Tell us how you first met? Who what when where why? Give us all the dirty details. On the 5th September 2014, in a classy cocktail establishment in Cardiff, Hannah and Tom’s paths would cross for the first time. Their meeting was no mere coincidence; the wonders of the internet allowed a Swansea boy the opportunity to connect with a girl all the way from Newport. Mutual appreciation of each other’s profile pictures led to cautious messages, which in turn led to an active what’s app exchange fizzing with witty banter and expert flirting techniques (on both sides). Tell us about your first date? A date was inevitable. Tom arrived early in order to imbibe some dutch courage. Hannah arrived late due to an ill-thought out combination of heels and slippery tights. Their first encounter was a blur of beaming grins and nervous laughter. During an interlude at the bar, where Tom was buying what would be the first of many Bacardi and cokes, he text a friend: “can’t come out tonight, I’m on a date with a girl who is way out of my league.”When did you know he/she was the one? Was there something he/she did? Drinks went well. The meal after went better. Tom, through the expert use of hilarious anecdotes, brought Hannah to tears of laughter. A feat which he would later learn was not as exceptional as he first thought. However, the connection was instant and undeniable. Conversation flowed between hanging skewers of meat and over mounds of deep-fried cauliflower. Upon Hannah’s return home, she relayed events to her mother and, though she was unable to convey just how funny Tom really was, she confirmed in an oracle-like fashion: “I met my husband tonight.”The rest, as they say, is history.

How did your partner propose?

On the 12th August 2018, amidst the sun-soaked landscapes of Gran Canaria. Hannah had suspected that Tom might propose during their trip, but a last-minute call about the ring still on hold had dashed her hopes. As a result, she spent the holiday trying to hide her disappointment, convinced that the proposal wasn't happening. There was no grand spectacle, just Tom, a ring and their favourite band playing. Hannah, genuinely surprised despite being proud to be part of a 21st-century couple who had mutually decided that marriage was for them, welcomed this little romantic surprise.

Tell us the one thing you love most about each other.

Hannah: What I love most about Tom is his unwavering optimism and his incredible drive. He listens to me, walks with me, and grounds me, allowing me to be vulnerable in our relationship. His talent and the way he uses knowledge and logic in emotionally warming ways are things I admired from the very beginning. Tom’s dedication to our family and his loving nature as a father to Hector make me feel known, understood, and cherished every day.

Tom: What I love most about Hannah is her kindness and caring nature. She always thinks about how others feel and does everything she can to make them happy. I treasure our conversations, whether they are deep discussions about philosophy or light-hearted chats about kitchen tiles. Her patience in truly knowing me is something I deeply appreciate. Hannah’s value as a wife and mother is unmatched, and her love and care for our family inspire me to be the best husband and father I can be.

If you feel comfortable, share with us something silly or quirky the other person does.

We both have our unique quirks that keep life interesting. Tom has a habit of mysteriously 'finding' new guitars and bringing them home. As for me, Tom often comes home to discover that I've spontaneously redecorated a room! Keeps life full of surprises!

What’s your favorite trend for weddings right now?

We have lots of little guests at our wedding and so we decorated some of our son’s ride on cars with “Just Married” signs with tins trailing behind. I loved my bridal fedora! Tell us about your wedding? Originally planned for 2020, postponed due to Covid until 2021 and then postponed a second time partly because of Covid and partly because of the arrival of our son Hector! Our wedding at Rosedew Farm had a relaxed vibe with its stunning setting and huge amounts of accommodation for all our family and friends.

We were lucky with the weather, and with 100 guests, including our large extended family, the celebration was incredibly special. The day began with a beautiful ceremony under a huge wooden triangle arch made by my stepdad, Ray.

We wrote our own vows and a family friend, Amanda, officiated making the ceremony deeply personal.

After the ceremony, canapés and drinks were served, featuring delights like pork belly skewers, mini Yorkshire puddings, and mushroom arancini. For the main course, we opted for a street food sharing platter that catered to all tastes, including vegan and vegetarian options like chunky veg and halloumi skewers, Southern American rice, and BBQ jackfruit sliders. Desserts included chocolate brownies with berries and ice cream.

In the evening, we enjoyed a cheese and charcuterie buffet from Farmer’s Pantry, which was a hit. The entertainment was a highlight, with our best men giving a Robin Hood-themed speech ending with a Bryan Adams rendition and a surprise musical duet from our mothers, Jen and Jenny. We danced all night with a DJ, and even had a half-hour country interlude where everyone joined in a lively kale-style dance.

Decorating and setting up the barn ourselves added a personal touch, making our wedding day a memorable celebration of love, family, and friends.

What inspired your décor or theme?

Our wedding decor was a beautiful blend of rustic charm, personal touches, and a creative twist. Inspired by the natural beauty of Rosedew Farm, we aimed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. I crafted all the pampas grass table sprays and a large arrangement to go with the wooden triangle arch made by my stepdad, Ray. My auntie Julie provided fresh eucalyptus, adding a lush, fragrant element to the arrangements.

For the bridal bouquets, I used pampas and eucalyptus, ensuring a cohesive and natural look for myself and my bridesmaids. Inspired by our love of "Yellowstone," I really wanted a bridal cowboy hat. I added the same flowers from the table sprays to my hat, making it a unique and personal accessory.

We wanted the day to be relaxed and far from 'hoity-toity,' so we added a creative twist to our table names, inspired by "Harry Potter" and "The Princess Bride." Each table had a small token, like a Ford Anglia for the Burrow, representing different places from these beloved stories. Concerned about the waste often associated with weddings, we used dried and silk flowers wherever possible. The eucalyptus from my auntie Julie's tree was ready to be pruned, ensuring nothing went to waste. Decorating and setting up the barn ourselves allowed us to infuse our wedding with these meaningful details, making it a memorable and unique celebration for us and our guests.

Suppliers

Dress: My dress was the Jenny Packham 2017 ‘Daisy,’ purchased from a bridal cancer research charity shop in Whitchurch, Cardiff, which has since closed down. Originally used in a catwalk, I had it stored since our original wedding date in 2020, which was postponed due to COVID.

Hair: Wishbone and Comb

Makeup: Francesca Maunders

Groomsmen Suits and Shoes: Men’s Hire Bristol

Flower Arrangements and Bouquet: I made my own floral arrangements.

Photographer: Peter Morgan

Venue: Rosedew Farm

Catering: Rosedew Farm

DJ: Party Pioneers

What’s one thing you wish you would have known earlier in regards to planning?

We were very fortunate to book our sons nursery staff to come and help. Our son is 3 and this was invaluable and I wish I had them come sooner! Besides getting married - what’s the one thing you are looking forward to on your wedding day? Eating lots of great food!

Finally We chose Morgan James Photography because of their exceptional portfolio. On the day, our photographer, Peter Morgan, brought a lot of enthusiasm and energy, which helped in setting a lively mood. Lots of guests said they loved his lively approach. Additionally, his attention to detail and dedication to positioning everyone perfectly ensured we got the best possible shots, even if it required some extra time and patience.

The photos we've seen so far are incredible, and we are eagerly awaiting the rest. A particularly memorable experience was our drive to the nearby cliffs with Peter. This break provided a refreshing moment of peace and quiet amidst the busy day, and the scenic backdrop added a special touch to our photos.

Overall, the quality of the photos and the unique moments captured made our experience with Morgan James Photography truly memorable and worthwhile.