Amy & Jack Whittaker 9 July 2022
Amy & Jack tied the knot with a beautiful wedding in the Radcliffe Room on Saturday 9 July 2022. With 120 guests in total (60 of which flew in from America), it was the perfect celebration and merging of two cultures. Champagne towers, a London Bus and neon signs are just a few of the finishing touches but really, no stone had gone unturned as the couple considered everything and created such a perfect day
Read on to find out how they fell in love, chose their suppliers and had a clumsy mistake involving a wedding dress and an espresso martini...
We hope you feel inspired!
Amy & Jack's stolen moment, captured by Kamila Nowak Photography
So, how did you two meet?
Jack and I met upon his arrival in America in January 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. While here for work we met prior to the Covid-19 shutdown. While the world was chaos, we found comfort in each other and fell in love during the world wide lockdown. We’ve continued to stay in Cincinnati since we’ve met but continue to make frequent trips over to the UK
When did you know they were ‘the one’/ how did they pop the question?
I think we both knew after our second date.
They always say “when you know, you know” which couldn’t be truer.
Jack proposed 9 months after our first date at a private rooftop bar in Cincinnati overlooking the city skyline with our close friends from Cincinnati present. I was led to believe we were going to the rooftop to celebrate a friends recent elopement. I was SO surprised (I had no idea!)
What was the biggest MUST HAVE for your wedding?
Hard to pick just one! We were always big on wanting a stunning venue that had everything on site (ceremony space, wedding breakfast space, reception space and hotel) so guests could just walk back to their rooms at the end of the night. I did not want to have to travel to and from venues on our day. A great photographer, videographer, and florist were also key pieces to making such a memorable day. Finally, I HAD to have the double decker vintage bus as a shuttle. It was such a statement piece of the day!
Arriving in style!
Other than saying ‘I do’ what is the most unforgettable moment from the day?
The most unforgettable moments of the day were seeing both sides of our families and friends gather to celebrate us and our love for one another. You would have thought everyone had known each other for years. It was so incredibly special being able to bring everyone together to spend time and share stories and create new everlasting memories
Which supplier was a real stand out for you? The unsung star who deserves a special mention.
Honestly, we can’t pick one- they were ALL incredible beyond words.
The finishing touches
What was it in your eyes that gives Rudding Park the WOW factor?
The grounds and hotel are simply just stunning. I actually found Rudding Park first when I began prematurely searching for wedding venues and I fell in love. I told Jack this was where I wanted to get married. When we began to formally sit down and review other venues and ask for dates, etc. we circled back to Rudding Park and it turned out you all had the date we wanted. It was kismet! Not only are the grounds beautiful, but the staff, the amenities, the Rudding House, the spa, I mean everything is absolutely gorgeous.
I should also mention, the FOOD and courses. It was incredible…we received SO many compliments about how amazing the food was. (Some said the best they ever had!)
Golden hour
Rudding House
How did you style the space? Did your wedding day have a theme?
We didn’t have a specific theme. However, we went with colors champagne, blush, light pinks, gold, and lots of gorgeous greenery. I wanted something to compliment the summertime and keep everything fresh, and timeless.
What is your funniest memory from the day?
Hard to choose, but probably spilling a whole espresso martini on my dress before we were called to cut the cake. The staff rushed to grab soda water and I had about 6 people vigorously scrubbing my dress to get it out. Everyone was a rockstar and got it out. For those who know me personally would say that was very “on brand” – I’m very clumsy. LOL
Phew - No sign of the spilt martini
What’s your best advice you could give to couples who are about to tie the knot at Rudding Park?
Live in the moment and soak in every single minute of the day. It can go by quickly if you don’t! Allow the wonderful staff at Rudding to take care of you and you’ll be set for a fairy-tale.
And finally, we’d love to hear about your experience with Rudding Park…
A dream come true; it was something that we’ll cherish forever. As mentioned above everything is honestly perfect at Rudding. We can’t wait to come back to Rudding when we are in the UK to spend time at the hotel and spa. It’s become one of my favourite places in the world!
Supplier Dream Team:
Photographer: Kamila Nowak
Florist: Leafy Couture
Cake: Poppy Pickering Cakes
Band: Tuxedo
Pop Up DJ: DJ Hilliard (Cincinnati, Ohio USA)
Entertainment: Trio Vivo: Ceremony String Music
Wedding Planner: Linda Abrahams & Co - Luxury Event Planner
Lights/Dancefloor: Events Music Co