Real Weddings: Ruth and Sebastian

September 12, 2018 | Events | 6 minute read

Ruth Johnson, 40, married Sebastian Spitz, 30, at Holkham Hall, Norfolk on 14th July 2018. She says:

I have loved Holkham since my first visit over 15 years ago, Seb feels the same. There was never another venue in our minds. The Marble Hall was the only choice for the ceremony – such a beautiful, opulent, open space, filled with history and light streaming in. We chose the Lady Elizabeth Wing for the reception. The contrast of the history in the Hall and the modern Lady Elizabeth Wing was just fabulous.

I got ready at The Victoria Inn with my three bridesmaids, I don’t remember everything about it as I was so nervous!

My dress was my something new. It was from Unique in Castle Rising. It was the second one I tried on and was very ‘me’. Elegant, simple, not too fussy. I had dreaded shopping for a dress in case nothing suited me. The team at Unique, however, were just wonderful.

My friend Chloe from Crafty Crochet made me a blue forget-me-knot that I carried in my clutch bag, which was borrowed from my best friend and chief bridesmaid Ellie.

My something old was the best though. I sadly and very unexpectedly lost my Mum four months before the wedding. She was my best friend and most awe-inspiring role model. In the lead up to the wedding, Ellie asked if she could have a picture of my Mum. I didn’t know why. I chose one of me and my Mum from when I was about four years old. She then had Hello Halfpenny (a good friend of mine, who also made the bridesmaid gifts) make a small portrait charm featuring the picture of us both, to attach to my bouquet. That way, my Mum could be with me on my very important day.

Once I walked into the hall I could relax a bit. We got married in the afternoon, followed by drinks in the Saloon and then reception. We had a party in the evening, with a live band and lots of dancing.

My vision for the day was relaxed and rustic with a bit of a vintage look, plus tea lights and more tea lights. The most important thing for me was to everyone have fun and laugh. The day was everything that I imagined and more – largely thanks to the epic team at Holkham and their dedication and attention to detail.

DRESS: Ruth’s dress came from Unique in Castle Rising.
SHOES: Ivory glitter shoes by Rainbow.

BRIDESMAIDS: The three Bridesmaids words Dessy dusky pink floor-length gowns and two flower girls wore dresses from the Next Bridal range.
FLOWERS: Ruth carried a bouquet of Lovelace pale pink roses, eucalyptus, veronica, astilbe and gypsophila.

FOOD: Their guests ate rustic chicken and salads with arancino and wonderful displays of Eton mess with mini chocolate brownies for dessert.

DANCE: Ruth and Seb’s first dance was ‘At Last’ by Etta James.

Suppliers

Food – Julie Abbs catering
Trees – Posh Plants
Photography – Alison Armstrong Photography
Flowers – Deb’s Florist
Dress – Unique, Castle Rising
Band – Matt Strafford Duo
Pianist – Archie Bonham
Styling – The Little Lending Company
Confetti – By Mitre Farm