Jodie and Sam’s love story began on a lively night out in Brentwood.
“I was with a uni friend who knew Sam from school. We started chatting and instantly clicked. I was 23, he was 28, and our shared experiences - big families, similar upbringings - made everything feel natural.”

Bonded by their love of house music and London life, their connection grew quickly. “We moved in together just six months later. It felt easy, familiar and fun. We knew early on that this was forever.”

The Proposal

Sam’s proposal was magical and completely unexpected.
“He proposed at my 30th birthday party. The day had been emotional as our dog Alfie had been injured, so I wasn’t expecting anything, but at the end of the night Sam stood up and thanked everyone for coming and then started talking about his love for me and our daughter, Isla, before getting down on one knee. Everyone was in tears as he gave me a 1.7-carat square-cut diamond on a simple platinum band - classic, elegant, and so sparkly!”

Wedding Planning

Mulberry House in Ongar was the natural choice for Jodie and Sam’s wedding venue. “We loved that it allowed us to have all 130 of our guests, plus the children, but there was also a personal link. Sam grew up in Ongar, and one of his best friends, Nick, is the head chef there,” Jodie explains. “Sam spent much of his teenage life at Mulberry House, so it felt nostalgic for him and knowing how incredible the food would be sealed the deal!”

For her bridal gown, Jodie turned to designer Suzanne Neville.
“I’d already seen my dress online and fallen in love,” she says. “When I went for my first fitting with my bridesmaids, plus my mum, Jennifer and Sam’s mum, Nicola, we got a bit tipsy beforehand,” she laughs. “I only tried on that one dress as it was perfect!”

Over four fittings, Jodie saw her gown come to life and even met Suzanne herself during the process. “It was such a pinch-me moment!”

The Big Day

Jodie and Sam envisioned a wedding bursting with energy and music. “We wanted everyone to leave saying, ‘That was the best wedding I’ve ever been to!’”

The big day was filled with love and laughter. Sam looked sharp in a bespoke Sartoria Rossi suit, while bridesmaids Helen Graham, Eden Kendall, Kelly Donovan and Amy McCabe shone in soft, romantic tones. Groomsmen Jason and Adam Pelosi, Tom Shilton, and Samuel Hart added charm and fun, while flower girls Isla and Jodie’s goddaughter Olivia Howard melted hearts as they scattered petals down the aisle.

Jodie’s entrance on the arm of dad, Daniel, was to an acoustic What Dreams Are Made Of - a playful nod to her 2000s youth. Even Alfie had a starring role, trotting down the aisle before diving into the pond. “My stepbrother had to fish him out by his bow tie - absolute chaos, but hilarious!” Jodie laughs.

The Reception

After the ceremony came cocktails, canapés, and live acoustic music in the sunshine. Adding a playful twist, Jodie and Sam treated guests to mini golf and fresh oysters served by an oyster meister.

During the wedding breakfast, musician Zoe Alexandria filled the room with soulful melodies as guests enjoyed chef Nick’s show-stopping menu including lobster ravioli followed by honey and soy glazed duck with pak choi. “We didn’t want a standard roast; we wanted something memorable and full of flavour,” Jodie says.

As evening fell, a saxophonist played while the marquee was transformed for the night ahead. From 8pm, Function Republic took over with their high-energy band and sax solos. The most emotional moment came when they performed Bamboléo by the Gypsy Kings - a tribute to Sam’s late father. “Everyone was up dancing and crying at the same time,” Jodie recalls.

Throughout, Toastmaster Guy Wade ensured everything ran seamlessly, while Mark and Rachel from Expression Photography captured every laugh and teary smile. “Both our photographers and videographers Elevate Media completely understood our dynamic and were brilliant,” Jodie adds.

Of course, no wedding is without surprises. “My new sister-in-law Becky managed to pull me over on the dance floor. I landed on top of her in my dress and spilled champagne over a bridesmaid! It was hilarious.”

The After Party

When Jodie and Sam discovered that Mulberry House was free the day after their wedding, they booked it for a day two party!

The couple hired Essex Softplay Co. to set up an enormous ball pit with double slides and a bouncy castle, while Josh Gernon, an acoustic guitarist, played throughout the afternoon.

Guests were told to embrace long dresses, wedges and relaxed summer chic. Mulberry House served their signature high tea, with towers of sandwiches and cakes, as children played on the lawns.

Just a few days after the celebrations, Jodie, Sam and Isla jetted off to Dubai for a sun-soaked mini-moon, but the real adventure awaits in June 2026, when they’ll embark on an Italian road trip. “Sam’s half Italian, so we wanted to explore his roots,” Jodie says. “We’re planning to drive through Italy, tasting everything along the way - and Alfie’s coming too!”

Jodie’s advice for future brides

“Plan as much as you can in advance and focus your budget on food and music - that’s what guests remember. Don’t stress about the little things, and if you want people up dancing all night, invest in an incredible band and a free bar!”

Behind The Scenes

Venue: Mulberry House
Pics: Expression Photography 
Videography: Elevate Media 45 
Dress: Suzanne Neville 
Grooms suit: Sartoria Rossi 
Flowers: Beautiful Blooms 
Cake: Sugar and Spice 
Make-up: Kourtney Hammet 
Hair: Wedding Hair by Charlie 
Mini golf: Putt-Putt Golf 
Oysters: Oystermeister 
Ice cream: The Sundae Cycle 
Pianist: Zoe Alexandria 
Acoustic duo and band: Function Republic 
DJ/light up letters/photobooth and dancefloor: Aurora Pearl
Toastmaster: Guy Wade