After having their dream day cancelled due to Covid, Jon and Claire finally got to say ‘I do’ in style earlier this year. Molly Miller catches up with the happy couple to find out why they were so happy to tie the knot in the elegant surroundings of One Warwick Park Hotel
It all started before the era of swiping left or right, within the cosy confines of their local pub. A quick pint set in motion a series of dates that evolved into a fledgling romance, and before long, Claire and Jon were destined to spend forever together after he popped the question during sunset on a trip to the West Coast of America.
“After six years together, I couldn’t wait to pop the question” Jon tells SO Magazine.
“I knew the trip would give me plenty of opportunities but I didn’t have a specific place in mind. That was until we stopped to watch a beautiful sunset as a pod of whales were putting on a show – it was truly perfect, not like the ring size which I’d definitely over estimated!”
The couple started planning a traditional wedding but just as the big day was looming cue Covid – and the duo’s dreams came toppling down. Yet, as life often unfolds, it appeared that every twist of fate happened for a reason.
Two years later, a new wedding theme and a new baby, which Claire says gave her plenty of time to plan at 3am in the morning, the bride and groom-to-be were finally on their way to the day of their dreams.
“We knew we wanted something light, bright, and modern, but with a bit of character, and not a venue dependent on the weather. We researched a ridiculous number of venues online but then found One Warwick Park Hotel and it ticked all our boxes,” the couple recall.
Modern, luxurious and the perfect black canvas for those who want to stamp their personality on proceedings, the boutique, four-star hotel on Chapel Place was an obvious choice.
Style was certainly ramped up a notch or two at this wedding. Enlisting the help of her mum and sisters, Claire took it upon herself to transform the venue into something pulled straight off Pinterest.
Having undergone an extensive refurbishment in 2016, One Warwick Park Hotel brims with luxury, combining modern, marble infused interiors with original character.
The Function Room’s bare brick walls, exposed timber beams and double-height vaulted ceilings create a sensationally stylish space to tie the knot, where hundreds of ceremonies and receptions have taken place over the years.
For Claire and Jon’s big day the venue’s beautiful interiors were complemented with a palette of white, rust, and dusty pink, creating a dreamy wedding setting that transitioned seamlessly from day to night.
During the ceremony, the room was flooded with natural light, with foliage draped over the grand fireplace. Then for the evening reception the venue glistened with twinkling fairy lights and candle lit tables.
“We took the reins ourselves when styling our wedding, but our co-ordinator Karen was a fantastic support, ensuring we had considered everything in advance” Claire explains.
“On the day itself the team were involved a lot more which meant we could just enjoy our wedding without any stress. They took care of everything and ensured it all ran smoothly.”
Boasting 39 stunning suites and hotel bedrooms, One Warwick Park Hotel offers an utterly luxurious weekend wedding experience which Claire and Jon more than made the most of.
Overlooking the hotel’s iconic glass atrium, Claire spent the morning of her wedding in the lavish Junior Suite, accompanied by her bridal party.
With its elegant period features, complimentary Temple Spa products, monsoon rain shower and fluffy white robes, it made the perfect space to rest, relax, and slip into her gorgeous bridal gown which was heavily embellished with long sleeves.
“I actually wore two dresses, because hey, if you’ve had two dates you get two dresses, right?!” she laughs.
Perfectly complimenting Claire’s boho styling, the bridesmaids were dressed in flowy, rust-coloured gowns, while the flower girls wore soft, dusty pink. The groomsmen, equally poised, were head-to-toe in navy.
Wedding party ready, it was time for the ceremony: “In the words of our co-ordinator, I was the calmest bride she’d ever seen, and it was kind of freaking her out,” Claire says.
“Knowing all was in hand and surrounded by my friends and family was exciting and not actually too nerve wracking.”
Set to the gentle melodies of an acoustic guitar, the function room was peppered with pampas florals, creating an elegant backdrop as the couple exchanged their vows.
“I was surprisingly calm too,” adds Jon. “I couldn’t wait to see Claire, and I was excited to stand up and cry in front of everyone.”
For such a stylish soirée, only the best wedding photography suffices and for Claire and Jon they chose award-winning photographer Katie Rodgers to capture their special day.
The couple were spoilt for choice with beautiful backdrops to choose between – from the cobbled charming streets of Chapel Place where the hotel is situated, to the contemporary elegance that radiates throughout its interiors.
Meanwhile, the celebrations flowed seamlessly into the Terrace Bar before a delicious wedding breakfast was served back in the Function Room. This was handcrafted by the hotel’s talented team of chefs and specially selected by the bride and groom.
“We turned our pre-wedding tasting session into a date without the kids and really enjoyed everything we tried! Ultimately, we landed on a menu which we thought would be a crowd pleaser.”
The duo’s first dance to ‘Lucky’ by Jason Mraz followed, leading onto a night of throwing shapes (we’re looking at you Jon), and celebrating the start of forever with those they loved most.
Suppliers
Venue: One Warwick Park Hotel
Photographer: Katie Rogers
Dress: ASOS and H&M
Hair stylist: Kate Beaumont – hero hairstylist
Makeup artist: Lydia Rae
Bridesmaids: ASOS
Suits: Moss Bros
Floristry: The bride herself!
Entertainment: Mint DJs
Venue styling: The bride, her mum, and sisters
Wedding cake: The groom’s mum
Stationery and signage: The bride and groom (“But mostly the groom!” says Claire)
