Elliott Mariess | Photography

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Jessica and Graham’s Big Day: Meeples, Pumpkins, and Gorgeous Guernsey Vibes

Jessica and Graham’s wedding on October 26, 2024, was a heartfelt gathering of family and friends, a tribute to the things that bring them joy, and a masterclass in how to plan a wedding that feels genuinely personal.

Held at the stunning Les Cotils in Guernsey, their ceremony in the Reading Room and reception in the Harry Bound Room brought everyone together for a day that was equal parts elegant and relaxed. Guests traveled from as far as Canada and Scotland, making it a truly international celebration, but the thoughtful details ensured the day still felt intimate and uniquely theirs.

Les Cotils Guernsey wedding

A Quiet Morning and a Thoughtful Setup

The day began with a calm, purposeful energy as Jessica and Graham prepared for the celebrations ahead. The Reading Room was set for the ceremony, with its inviting atmosphere enhanced by touches of orange and green—a nod to their autumnal theme.

Pumpkins were scattered thoughtfully throughout the décor, adding warmth and charm without ever feeling overdone. These small, stylish details reflected the couple’s attention to creating a welcoming space for their guests.

Les Cotils Guernsey wedding

A Venue That Feels Like It Was Meant to Be

Les Cotils provided the perfect backdrop for the celebration. The Reading Room’s intimate charm set the stage for the ceremony, while the Harry Bound Room welcomed guests for a relaxed and elegant reception.

Outside, the gardens were glowing with autumn colors, offering endless opportunities for stunning portraits and candid moments. Whether it was golden leaves underfoot or the soft light filtering through the trees, every scene seemed to echo the warmth and connection of the day.

A Ceremony Full of Heart

The ceremony was an emotional highlight of the day. Surrounded by the people who mean the most to them, Jessica and Graham exchanged vows in a space that felt both intimate and elegant.

Their young daughter played a memorable role in the proceedings, bringing joy and spontaneity to these heartfelt moments. Capturing the expressions on their faces—love, pride, and just a hint of nerves—was a privilege.

Les Cotils Guernsey wedding

Les Cotils Guernsey wedding

Les Cotils Guernsey wedding

Portraits in the Les Cotils Gardens

After the ceremony, Jessica and Graham took a moment to themselves in the Les Cotils gardens for their couple portraits. With the autumn leaves providing a gorgeous backdrop, these photos captured both the romance of the day and the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Their daughter joined them for some of the portraits, her playful energy adding a lovely dynamic to the shots. From giggles among the leaves to quiet family moments, these images will undoubtedly hold a special place in their memories.

Les Cotils Guernsey wedding

A Reception with Personal Touches

Moving into the Harry Bound Room for the reception, guests were greeted by thoughtful details that reflected Jessica and Graham’s personalities. The custom meeples from Carcassonne, used as nameplates, were a playful and personal touch that sparked plenty of smiles and conversations around the tables.

The autumnal theme continued to shine, with the warm color palette and creative use of seasonal elements creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It was clear that every detail had been chosen with care, making the space feel like an extension of the couple’s love story.

Les Cotils Guernsey wedding

Les Cotils Guernsey wedding

Speeches, Laughter, and a Family-Focused Celebration

As the meal unfolded, heartfelt speeches brought laughter and tears in equal measure. These moments of connection—between the couple, their families, and their friends—highlighted the close bonds that made the day so special.

Their daughter’s presence added an extra layer of joy to the celebration. Whether she was sitting proudly with her parents or running off to explore, she brought a sense of fun and spontaneity that made the day feel even more alive.

Les Cotils Guernsey wedding

Dancing the Night Away

As the evening began, more guests arrived, and the energy in the Harry Bound Room shifted to pure celebration. The dancefloor came alive with music, movement, and laughter as everyone let loose and enjoyed the moment.

Photographing these moments was all about catching the joy in motion—the laughter during an ambitious dance move, the quiet sway of a couple sharing a song, and the excitement of little ones twirling in the crowd.

Les Cotils Guernsey wedding

A Day to Treasure

Jessica and Graham’s wedding at Les Cotils in Guernsey was a beautiful celebration of love, family, and the details that make every wedding unique. From the heartfelt ceremony to the playful meeples, and the golden gardens to the lively dancefloor, the day was filled with unforgettable memories.

If you’re planning your own wedding in Guernsey, I’d love to help you capture every moment, big and small. Let’s create a collection of photos that tells the story of your day in all its beauty.