Slow burn: Emily and Graham’s elegant wedding at Hothorpe Hall

Emily Kay and Graham Nichols were just sweet 16 when they met at school – a decade later they made it down the aisle.

The Lutterworth, Leicestershire pair, both now 26, were friends at school, only noticing the spark between them after they had headed to different universities. It wasn’t until 2011 when they met up at a pub near their old school that things got serious.

“We have been together ever since,” Emily says. “We have similar personalities and work really well together as a couple.”

Graham proposed while the pair were on holiday in Mexico and, while still on vacation, they began planning for an elegant wedding with a rustic twist.

The conveyancer and surveryer wed in their local Lutterworth church, St Mary’s, on July 11, 2015 in front of 100 guests.

Celebrations continued at the grand Hothorpe Hall with 150 guests. Having exclusive use of the venue allowed the couple and guests to stay overnight, making the most of their time together. “It had everything we were looking for,” Emily says.

Acoustic duo Mango performed earlier in the day’s celebrations and a DJ took over later in the evening, with a photo booth providing additional entertainment.

“We loved every minute,” Emily says of the big day. “I don’t think we stopped smiling or laughing for the whole day, we absolutely had the best day of our lives.”

Photos courtesy of Catherine Bradley Photography

Emily says she tried on more than 80 dresses before finding this stunning Pronovias design from Courtyard Bridal Boutique, which also supplied her shoes and accessories. “I would wear my dress again and again if it was appropriate attire!” she says.

The bridesmaids were lovely in lavender with one-shoulder dresses from Bradgate Brides.

“Graham was amazing with the wedding preparations,” Emily says. “I said I loved the light-up love signs, knowing this, he went out one weekend and made them for us. He is so thoughtful and caring.”

The couple says that one of the things that they loved about their big day was that a lot of things, from the invitations to the cake and the candy bar, were handmade. “The wedding had our own personal touch,” Emily says.

Emily chose romantic pink blooms for throughout the wedding and in her bridal bouquet.