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Real Wedding: Imogen & James

Real Wedding: Imogen & James

Amongst a meadow of wildflowers, an afternoon of timeless elegance

Boundless elegance, infused with the sweetness of wildflowers and the vibrancy of the countryside — join James and Imogen as they celebrate their love in the picturesque wildflower meadow of Coworth Park, Ascot. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the British countryside, their wedding was a symphony of romance, warmth and natural elegance. The air was filled with the sweet scent of countless flowers, perfectly complementing the neutral color palette that adorned every corner. Imogen's second strapless gown with its silk skirt and trendy updo danced in harmony with the gentle ambience, capturing the essence of a timeless and elegant love story. Join us as we unravel the magic of their day and enjoy the beautiful images captured by our talented member Agnes Black.

Tell us a little about yourselves. How did you meet? What do you do for a living? What are your hobbies?

James and I met when we were 16 and 17, on a train back from sixth form college. It was my last day before I was to head off to university, and we were crammed into a tiny carriage with a group of mutual friends. James proceeded to steal my train ticket (after which I received a fine — and which he still denies to this day), and the rest is history. Twelve years later, I guess we call ourselves childhood sweethearts, which sounds a little cliche, but is also true. We’ve been through everything together. A long-distance relationship for five years — James studied medicine in Plymouth while I studied the History of Art in London — all of life’s ups and downs, which, after so long, I can’t really remember to be honest. Which is the point really, as when you have the right person by your side, it just all goes away. Which is what James is, my absolute rock.

We adore spending time together, and we think it’s okay to say we are busy when we just want to have a day to ourselves, something we really value post-wedding. Aside from that, we are both very much into fitness and cooking. I love to run, and have done so for over 15 years, and James has recently found a love for a three-minute ice bath (which I can’t relate to). We both do a version of CrossFit at a local boot camp and are doing a HYROX together in November, and thereafter a marathon in April. I can’t cook very well, so I just get us through the week. But James very much gets us through the weekend with his labor of love over recipes such as Cacio e Pepe — wonderfully simple and also our favorite. We also love to sing, watch musicals, and go to the theatre. I think James knows every word to Alexander Hamilton…Hamilton is our absolute favorite. James is a doctor specialising in Radiology alongside working within Artificial Intelligence and HealthTech. I am the UK Head of Marketing for a British skincare brand called Medik8.

Can you share your engagement story?

After 9.5 years of being together, James proposed to me in a private room at our favourite restaurant, where we had been coming for years. He had decorated the room with flowers and candles, designed a bespoke menu, and proposed with the most beautiful yellow diamond ring. For some reason, I asked him, ‘Are you serious?’ when he proposed. He had always told me he didn’t want to get married, but he assured me, ‘Yes, I am. I love you.’ Then I proceeded to interrogate him about whether he had spoken to my parents, etc., of which he reassured me he had. He then had to remind me that I needed to say yes or no…

Did you have any pre-wedding events, like a rehearsal dinner or bridal shower?

We both went to Greece for my hen and James’s stag! To the exact same place, although not together or at the same time…James claims that none of the groom’s party knew they had copied my hen destination. I can’t say I believe them.

Where was your wedding? Why did you choose this venue?

We got married in Coworth Park, Ascot, in the middle of a wildflower meadow. We had wanted to get married at a manor house in Italy, but due to elderly grandparents unable to fly, we were on the hunt for our own version in the UK. Coworth is the enchanting British countryside at its most dreamy. Flowers everywhere. Horses, ducks, swans, you name it. We knew we wanted to get married outside and we knew we wanted to feel as though we were in our own little universe, and that’s exactly what Coworth offered us. While not Italian-themed, it just felt like us, and it’s that cliché thing of saying when you know, you know. Luckily, Coworth is just 30 minutes from where we currently live, and as our special place, we are able to go back whenever we please.

What was the concept behind your wedding and how did you find your inspiration?

We didn’t really have a hard and fast concept. We just knew what we liked and didn’t like. We took inspiration from Coworth and the wildflower meadow, infused with the neutral color palette of the exterior building and interior decor. We knew we wanted everything to feel romantic, warm, and welcoming, which is what I think we achieved. Starting in Italy and moving to the British countryside, we ended up having a bit of a blend of the two.

How long did it take to plan your wedding? Did you encounter any challenges during the planning process?

We found the venue in April 2022 and got married in June 2023. We didn’t feel like we rushed or waited too long. It felt perfect and just happened rather naturally. We knew we wanted to get married in June, and that was it really. The only minor issue was that I forgot to organise our wedding cake beyond delivery, so we had to frantically try to find a cake delivery company, which is much harder than you’d think (especially one day before the wedding).

How many guests did you have? And what was the seating arrangement at the wedding like?

We had 70 guests and sat them at long banquet-style tables. We’re not fans of round tables, although we know it’s a matter of personal preference. We felt banquet-style seating enabled more engagement and less isolation between guests. We also felt like we could see everyone!

Tell us about your outfits. How many different styles have you tried?

I actually got my dress before we set a date or chose our venue. I have a work relationship with Kate Halfpenny and Halfpenny London, and the Halfpennys invited me to their boutique pretty soon after we got engaged. I had two outfits: a more traditional, somewhat angelic-style gown made up of separates for walking down the aisle and the drinks reception/wedding breakfast. Think organza overcoat with a mikado silk cuff, a gorgeous oversized mikado silk bow, strapless bodice, and then a gorgeous mikado silk flowy skirt. Then, for the evening, I removed the overcoat and changed my skirt for a slinky evening number with my gorgeous bow in tow, plus my trusty white Gucci horsebit slingbacks, which were the perfect day-to-night bridal shoes. James wore a classic bespoke black tuxedo from Cad & The Dandy with white braces and Crockett & Jones Cap-Toe Oxfords.

What was your first dance song? Did you choreograph or improvise?

“LOVE” by Nat King Cole. We love “The Parent Trap” — it was an easy choice. No choreography; I have two left feet and no rhythm, so there was no point. We just held hands and moved together in a way that felt right. I stood on James’ toes a few times. It wasn’t perfect, but it was perfectly us, full of laughter and love.

Did you have any special performances or entertainment?

The best choice of the whole wedding (apart from getting married) was having West End singing waiters! They were absolutely amazing. For those who know us well, it would have been no shock that we wanted to scream and laugh the night away to our favourite songs. The guests looked so shocked when it began — it was a huge surprise.

What was the most memorable moment from your wedding day?

Imogen: For me, walking down the aisle, I just felt absolutely beside myself with happiness. I was just so, so happy that I was marrying my best friend. I love you, James.

James: I know what it was for me — it was Imogen walking down the aisle. It was a much longer walk than I thought, and I really got to enjoy it.

Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?

Georgina Lawton was our wedding planner at Coworth Park, and she was absolutely incredible, no questions asked. We adore her. Coworth, of course, was also outstanding. It’s now our favourite place in the world. Our photographer, Agnes Black, and her 35mm film shots are just breathtaking. I am so pleased we had her. And Dan Dolan, our videographer, I just love all his work. I’m so pleased James bullied me into agreeing to get a videographer! Alicia at Wessex Flower Company was such a lifesaver and really helped our vision come to life. Finally, the West End Singing Waiters, Neil and his team, stole the show.

What advice would you give to couples who are currently planning their wedding?

You hopefully get married once, so do it for yourselves and no one else. We’ve realised that the only people who truly care or matter are ourselves. It’s your day and no one else’s. Everyone else’s day will come.

Did you make a gift for guests, and what was it? What did you give each other as a gift?

A tequila shot each for guests. There’s an infamous story about Imogen getting blackout drunk in central London after far too many tequila shots. James ended up fireman-lifting me through Mayfair, and a passerby asked if he was kidnapping me — that’s how drunk I was. James thought it would be a good idea to remind everyone of this. James gifted me some diamond hoop earrings and a handwritten letter. I wear them every day and wore them on our wedding day. Imogen gifted me some silk socks, chocolate cigars, an Elton John t-shirt, and two commissioned artworks for our home featuring Elton John song lyrics on limited edition china plates (we love Elton John).

What gift from guests do you remember the most?

Imogen: My grandmother’s engagement ring as my something blue (gifted from my lovely mum).

James: My socks…Imogen bought me a pair of proper dress socks for the wedding day and had them delivered to my room. Somehow she knew I would forget to bring some.

What helped you cope with the anxiety before the wedding?

Imogen: I don’t remember feeling anxious, just excited?

James: I just remembered that it wasn’t about the wedding day or a wedding; it was just about marrying the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. As long as Imogen walked down the aisle (and said “I do”), I was happy.