YANGZI & JIAN AT SOMERLEY

There are some weddings that aren’t just worth the wait, they are so incredible that you’ll always feel that the wait somehow made them all the sweeter. This was certainly the case with one of my last weddings of 2022, Yangzi and Jian’s glorious celebration at Somerley, planned with such grace and precision by Katrina Otter Weddings and captured by Rebecca Searle Photography.

a bride and groom take their wedding vows in a celebrant-led ceremony at Somerley

Delayed numerous times by the pandemic, Yangzi and Jian’s wedding was nothing short of incredible. I mean, just take a look at the florals! All For Love London filled Somerley with towering, cascading arcs of roses, blooms and greenery that were the most perfect backdrop to this longed-for celebration.

a tearful bride during a celebrant-led wedding ceremony

Somerley is also a remarkable wedding venue. If you’ve watched recent series of The Crown, you might well recognise it but let me tell you, when you approach the house, making your way down the long drive, it really does take your breath away.

a bride wearing a veil and carrying a bouquet looks at her groom

But there is no doubt that it was Yangzi and Jian who, quite rightly, got all the attention on the day. They are a truly lovely couple - gentle, heartfelt, and emotional and being with them was such an honour. Their ceremony spoke of love across the miles, hopes for the future and their roots in their shared histories. Beautifully chosen music from Apollo Strings added yet more atmosphere to the occasion and there were definitely more than a few tears of happiness that afternoon.

a bride wearing a floral dress stands in an archway of roses

As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait and Yangzi and Jian deserve the very best of everything as they, finally, get to enjoy married life.