Jessica and Evan married at Rochester Cathedral on 8 August 2026, before celebrating with family and friends at The Vines Rochester. Their wedding brought together the significance of a cathedral ceremony and the wonderfully familiar stories of a life already shared: a first date at Bluewater, kitchen singalongs and a weekly ritual of finding a new snack to try together. From Jessica’s letter on the morning of the wedding to the speeches and their first dance, their own words gave the day its character.
A letter before the ceremony
After two years of planning, Jessica’s message to Evan was a reminder to enjoy the day they had worked towards. “Let’s be present together and embrace every second,” she wrote, looking forward to seeing him waiting at the end of the aisle. It was a lovely way to begin the film, with the anticipation of the ceremony expressed in her own words.
With Jessica getting ready at The Vines and Evan preparing separately, they had arranged to open letters to one another that morning. Those few words offered a moment just for them before they came together in front of everyone they loved.
Wedding vows at Rochester Cathedral
The ceremony took place in the cathedral’s nave, with readings that brought members of both families into the service. Evan’s grandfather read Terah Cox’s An Uncommon Love, his aunt read from 1 Corinthians 13, and Jessica’s brother read passages from the Song of Solomon. Together, the readings spoke of patience, friendship and a love strong enough to weather whatever comes next.
There was humour alongside the solemnity. The welcome began with a last-minute correction from “good afternoon” to “good morning”, and the address looked back to the couple’s first date at Bluewater before turning towards their future. Their family and friends were described as their “fan club”, there to support them not only on their wedding day but in the years ahead. Jessica and Evan joined hands, exchanged their vows and rings, and left the ceremony as Mr and Mrs Finnerty-Stokes.
Celebrating at The Vines Rochester
The reception at The Vines gave everyone time to settle into the celebrations, with speeches thoughtfully divided around the wedding breakfast. Jessica’s dad, Gary, spoke first, followed by the bride and groom. After the meal, maid of honour Maya and best man Nathaniel took their turns. It made space for each voice, from a father’s affection to childhood memories and the stories only close friends can tell.
Jessica began by thanking their guests, then asked to hold Evan’s hand while she spoke to him. Her speech found its heart in the ordinary things he does to make her feel loved. While working away, Evan had started bringing home a different snack each week, saving it for them to try together. “You turn these ordinary moments into memories,” she told him. There were memories of dancing around the kitchen and singing far too loudly, followed by a simple promise: “I promise that I’ll never stop choosing you.”
The gentle giant and the pocket rocket
Evan’s speech introduced the pair as “the gentle giant and the pocket rocket”, a description he returned to with obvious affection. He recalled first messaging Jessica on Instagram, then taking her on a date to the restaurant where she worked at Bluewater. His admission that he had also made use of her staff discount was a particularly good detail.
He spoke about their different approaches to planning, his enthusiasm for timings and spreadsheets, and Jessica’s determination. Beneath the jokes was a heartfelt appreciation of the person beside him: someone who challenges him, looks after the people she loves and makes his life brighter. His closing words were beautifully direct: “Marrying you is the greatest privilege of my life.”
Maya brought the story back to primary school, including an Alice in Wonderland performance and an unfortunate encounter between Jessica and a basket. Nathaniel’s speech offered another memorable glimpse of the couple: on a trip to Paris, Jessica had wandered off, but Evan knew exactly where to find her, looking at strawberries at a fruit stall they had passed. It was a funny story with an affectionate point about how well they know one another.
A first dance and a family moment
After cutting their wedding cake, Jessica and Evan took to the floor for their first dance. A second, equally personal moment followed as Evan danced with his mum, Joanna, before guests were invited to join them. It was a fitting way to move into the evening after a day in which family and friendship had been so present.
Afterwards, the couple told us: “I genuinely felt like you were just part of our wedding guests, you made us so relaxed, excited and feeling wonderful.” That means a great deal. Thank you, Jessica and Evan, for welcoming us into your day and trusting us to preserve these memories.
Wedding suppliers
- Ceremony: Rochester Cathedral
- Reception, catering and entertainment: The Vines of Rochester
- Photography: Chelsey M Photography
- Floristry: Claire Leydon, Wild Fern Floristry
- Dress and suits: Morgan Davies Bridal & Aristocracy
- Cake: Sue, All Shapes and Slices
- Make-up: Makeup by Hali
- Wedding transport: Aarion Wedding Cars
- Wedding film: Talking Fly Wedding Films