Benjamin and Jessica Hayward’s wedding on Friday 18th August 2023 was a joyful celebration filled with personal touches, laughter and unforgettable moments. Jess, a primary school teacher who loves reading and dancing, met Ben, an assistant film and TV director with a passion for gardening, while working together at the Disney Store back in 2012. On Jess’s very first day, the team took part in a staff quiz. Jess told Ben the correct answer to one of the questions—but he didn’t listen. Their team lost by a single point, and Jess has never let him forget it!
Ben’s proposal was incredibly thoughtful and full of meaning. He created a series of word searches, each containing clues that led Jess to places connected to their relationship and where they met friends and family. The final destination was St Martin's Church, right by the Bullring, where they used to meet between shifts at the Disney Store. After Ben proposed, Jess turned around to see friends and family running out of the Bullring to celebrate with them—making the moment even more special.
The couple chose the beautiful Thorpe Garden as their venue, a stunning location that perfectly suited their vision. Ben wanted a garden setting while Jess dreamed of fairy lights, making it an ideal choice and a dream location for a wedding photographer in Staffordshire to capture natural, romantic moments. Guests complimented the venue all day, and its outdoor setting created the perfect atmosphere for their celebration.
Jess remembers feeling pure excitement rather than nerves while getting ready with her friends. One unforgettable moment was their nephew refusing to remove his sunglasses to walk down the aisle and clinging to Jess’s dad before running back to her. Seeing Ben at the end of the aisle holding back tears was incredibly emotional, especially as she hadn’t expected him to be so moved. Their ceremony also included a special reading from Ben’s uncle, who had memorised the entire piece, bringing both of them to tears. The registrar even finished by saying “that’s a wrap,” a perfect nod to Ben’s career in film and TV.
The reception was filled with incredible food, heartfelt speeches and a lively dance floor—something particularly memorable as Ben rarely dances, yet spent the entire evening celebrating with guests. Later that night, after everyone had left, the couple walked the grounds of Thorpe Garden together, lit by fairy lights. Jess’s feet were sore from dancing, so Ben carried her on a piggyback as they reflected on their perfect day.
Their honeymoon began in Florida, visiting the Disney parks as a tribute to where their story first began, before travelling to Mexico. There they enjoyed incredible experiences including swimming with turtles, cave diving and exploring cenotes.
And the couple’s story continues to grow—Benjamin and Jessica are now excitedly expecting their baby girl in early September, beginning the next chapter of their adventure together.
