Jen & David's Secret Winter Elopement at Millbrook Estate
Real Wedding: Jen & David's Secret Winter Elopement at Millbrook Estate
February 2023 | Photography by Julia Woollacott
Some love stories begin with a grand gesture. Jen and David's began with a spontaneous Christmas photo that changed everything.
It was Christmas Day 2015, and David was visiting the care home where Jen worked. Although he'd seen her before, they'd never spoken — until a festive photo moment changed everything. As staff were taking pictures to mark the day, Jen playfully jumped onto David's lap for a snapshot. That spontaneous moment — fun, warm, and completely unplanned — caught David's attention, and it stuck with him.
Jen was off work for a few weeks with the flu, but when she returned, David suddenly found himself the subject of interest among the staff. It turned out Jen had asked for his number. Delighted, David approached her directly to check if it was true. With nothing else to hand, he wrote his number on the back of a card from The Prince William pub in Brixham — and hoped.
The next morning, a text from Jen came through. They met up, talked for hours, and quickly bonded over their shared lives — and their beloved dogs, Mojo and Scratch, who thankfully hit it off just as well. Within a few months, Jen and David had moved in together, the start of a life full of laughter, love, and countryside adventures.
A Secret Worth Keeping
After a long engagement and several life hurdles — including caring for elderly parents and navigating the pandemic — Jen and David decided 2023 was their time. Planning a big wedding felt stressful and unnecessary; they wanted something calm, intimate, and completely about them… with their beloved dogs, Mojo and Scratch, by their side.
Millbrook had always been on their radar, and after a Sunday evening email to Bob, everything quickly fell into place. "Bob's calm, reassuring manner put us instantly at ease — nothing was too much trouble. It felt right."
They booked quietly, shared the secret with just one person for dress support, and enjoyed a 101-day countdown filled with subtle social media hints before revealing everything after they said "I do". If you're wondering how to handle telling family and friends, our guide to announcing your elopement has lots of ideas.
A Magical Day — Just for Them
Arriving at Millbrook, the couple stayed in the beautiful Wheel Room, greeted by romantic touches: fizz on ice, handmade chocolates, the scent of freshly baked bread, and Shania Twain playing softly in the background. "It was like walking into a dream — every detail had been thought of."
The ceremony in the Summer House was filled with emotion and laughter — including a perfectly-timed bark from Mojo during the vows! Julia Woollacott captured their day with relaxed, natural photography, including lovely moments with the dogs. You can find all our recommended elopement photographers on our suppliers page.
Afterwards, they celebrated with an exquisite afternoon tea and private evening dining experience by Justine Wood in the candlelit Summer House — all to the soundtrack of their own Spotify playlist. "It was so romantic — no stress, no travel, just us in the moment." Take a look at our elopement dining options if you'd like to add something special to your day.
Why Millbrook?
"Everything felt effortless and full of love — from the stunning grounds to the warmth of the team. The day was truly ours, and that made it perfect."
Jen and David returned for their anniversary, and only wished they had stayed longer the first time. "Millbrook isn't just a wedding venue — it's a place to reconnect, relax, and make memories you'll never forget."
Inspired by Jen and David's story? Browse our elopement wedding packages, explore our dog-friendly elopements, or check our last-minute wedding availability. You can also read more about why winter is such a magical time to elope.
Ready to start planning? Get in touch by email or call 01769 629069 — we'd be delighted to help.
