The Love Story Continues
As her first anniversary approaches, beloved Granada News icon Lucy Meacock reflects on her joyous English country wedding to partner Jonathan
It’s been almost 12 months since much-loved journalist, Lucy Meacock, said ‘I do’ to husband Jonathan at the beautiful St Mary’s Church in Eccleston. Chosen as the couple wanted a ‘Vicar of Dibley’ style wedding, Lucy reminisces: “From the moment I woke up that morning, I knew it was going to be the happiest day of my life. The sun was shining. I was marrying the love of my life and all was good in the world.”
Planning
The broadcaster admits that organisation is not her strong point, but she had a team of close friends - including Fiona McClements and Carolyn Hughes - supporting her throughout her planning and on the big day. Lucy comments: “Because of my dithering, we only found caterers three weeks before the event. At one point, I thought guests might have to bring their own sandwiches! It was Cheeky Chilli Events based in Neston who saved the day. The food was awesome, piping hot and everything was delivered with a smile.
“Fiona never panics. She calmly kept ticking things off our list: tablecloths, glasses, cutlery, napkins from Corkscrew Hire, Tarporley, chairs from Wirral Table and Chair Hire. I watched in awe as she shopped for cheese and charcuterie boards to soak up the booze in the evening.
“Luckily, Carolyn is another one who never panics – she calmly found the pretty lights for the village hall, someone to hang the bunting, extra flowers for the room, the lost wedding rings and even found time for a glass of champagne with me to steady my nerves the night before.”
The Personal Touch
Thoughtful touches were woven into Lucy and Jonathan’s big day. Lucy shares: “The flowers took my breath away. Another close friend, Celine Jackson, went to painstaking efforts to create my ideal wedding bouquet, the buttonholes and all the table flowers – they couldn’t have been better. It took her hours - she even added one of my Dad’s favourite flowers to my bouquet so he was effectively with me when I walked up the aisle. All the pretty little vases on the tables were found by my friend Jennie Phillips and my friend Mary Davies spent weeks designing individual place cards to match the bunting in the hall, that’s something we will never forget.”
Radiant Bride
On the day, Lucy ditched the transitional gown for a stunning sparkly wedding dress from Maria Morris Couture. The popular presenter fondly remembers: “Fiona and myself found Maria Morris Couture in Gatley purely by chance. As a mature bride I didn’t want anything too fussy (certainly not a meringue for me). I wanted something modest and something I could dance in all night. As soon as I met Maria I knew I was in the right place. I only collected my dress a couple of weeks before the big day but I just knew it would be fine. It was silver silk with a fine champagne lace overlay and a fitted skirt. It was the ideal choice for me.
“Again, leaving everything to the last minute, I bought my gorgeous silver shoes just the week before, but I knew exactly where to get them - Sarah’s Shoes in Tarporley. Sarah has never yet sold me an uncomfortable pair of shoes!
“Our bridesmaid, Evie Cracknell, had a matching silk sash to go with her fabulous white dress and sparkly shoes chosen by her lovely Mum Louise. Evie was as pretty as a picture.
“We all loved having our hair done in the morning at DD Hair in Chester and then the magic of Liverpool’s make-up artist extraordinaire Harriet Maguire began. Yes, she worked another complete miracle.”
Highlights Of The Day
Lucy and Jonathan’s magical day was filled with incredible highlights, beginning with a special performance from a close friend. Lucy comments: “My dear friend Matt Baker played the piano and the organ for us. When we emerged into the October sunshine, the church bells were ringing out and a smiling Matt was waiting to surprise us with his choir ‘A Handbag of Harmonies’. It’s a moment that will live in my memory forever – the perfect start to our married life.
“The highlight of the day was our brilliant best man, Jonathan’s son Euan. He made a wonderful speech - it was both funny and moving – a very proud moment for his Dad and me – and for his grandmother. I feel very blessed to have Jonathan’s Mum, Euan and his two sisters Lorna and Fenella in my life from now on. They are terrific company and I love spending time with them.
“The brilliant Mike Johnson, Johnny Chattell and Bob Berg made sure the dance floor was full all night and played Happy Together for our first dance. We danced all night but it all went so quickly that the next day I said I’d like to do it all over again. At which point Carolyn and Fiona drew the line. Carolyn said if I was going to do it all over again to please remove her number from my phone immediately. Hilarious.
“Of course, the most important person that day was my lovely husband. I couldn’t stop smiling in church – there was such a close connection between us. I was in no doubt that I wanted to share the rest of my life with him - and we were surrounded by people who were happy to see us happy. That meant the world.
“People sometimes ask why would you bother to get married later in life. Well, you can fall in love at any age – it took me nearly a lifetime to meet Jonathan, so we wanted our happy day with our closest friends. It was perfect.”
Happy Ever After
And how will the happy couple celebrate their first 12 months of happiness together? Lucy shares: ”To celebrate our first anniversary we will be having a special dinner at the Chester Grosvenor. It was a very generous wedding present from Rachel and Mike Hall who I loved working with for many years on Granada Reports. And so the celebrations go on…”.
IMAGES: Simon Warburton
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