Jack Ryan and Faye Harniman
Hengrave Hall, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
28th March 2025
Jack and I were introduced by mutual friends 15 years ago when we were just 17. We clicked instantly - alike in so many ways yet perfectly balanced in others. I’m the overthinker and planner; Jack is calm, steady and kind. We grew up together and our love only deepened with time.
I’d been dropping hints about marriage for a while, and while Jack was happy just being together, he knew how much it meant to me. Knowing how particular I am, we designed my engagement ring together, using the diamond from my grandma’s ring. The result was a stunning yellow gold solitaire with diamonds on the band, handcrafted by a friend. Jack proposed in the Dominican Republic. No big gesture, no audience - just the two of us. It was perfect.
Though I’m not religious, I’d always dreamed of a church wedding, and when we found Hengrave Hall and saw the chapel, it was everything I’d imagined: romantic, elegant, timeless. It was the first venue we saw, and we just knew it was the one.
Planning the wedding with my mum, Liz, was so special. We poured so much heart into every detail. My dad, Kevin, was an incredible support every step of the way, and I couldn’t have done it without my matron of honour, Katie Sherrington and my amazing bridesmaids Natalie Knight-Ibekwe, Nicola Allen and Lauren Paton-Smith. Jack chose his brother David as best man, with his brother Sean and close friends Chris Barber and Jack Boreham standing by his side. His parents, Angela and Patrick, were also wonderful throughout, and it truly felt like two families becoming one.
On the morning of the wedding, emotions were already running high. Seeing my dad cry when he saw me in my dress is something I’ll carry with me forever. I was shaking with nerves, but the moment I saw Jack waiting for me at the end of the aisle, I felt completely at peace. I walked down the aisle to Pachelbel’s Canon in D, a piece I’d adored since childhood. Our first dance was to Islands in the Stream, Jack’s favourite country song, which felt just right for us, and Dad and I danced to My Girl, a moment we’ll both treasure for the rest of our lives. He still says it was one of the best days he’s ever had and walking me down the aisle was one of his proudest.
It wasn’t all without heartache. I’d lost my lovely grandpa just before the wedding, and Mum had recently lost her childhood friend so their absence was deeply felt. During the speeches, Dad, Jack and I spoke from the heart and made sure everyone, especially those no longer with us, knew just how much they meant. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
We were so lucky to have the most incredible team of people around us. Our photographer, Jason Little who I’d known from my modelling days captured the emotion of the day so beautifully that looking back through the photos left us speechless. Our videographer was equally brilliant, preserving the spirit and love of the day in a way we’ll treasure forever. One of my favourite memories was when the venue staff quietly pulled Jack and me aside for five minutes alone. In the whirlwind of it all, that brief pause to just be together meant everything.
If I could go back, I’d remind myself to slow down and soak up every second. The little things fade, but the emotions, the faces, the feeling of being surrounded by the people who love you most -that stays with you. Our wedding was everything we’d dreamed of and more. I’ll always be grateful to my incredible parents for making it all possible, to our family and friends for the love they wrapped around us, and to Jack -for being my calm, my home, my heart.
