John Clarke & Sarina Stokes

until we say I do!

Welcome to our wedding website!

We are delighted to be sharing our special day with you all.

Below you will find just about everything you need to know, as well as a WhatsApp group invite for when 'just about' isn't enough.

Don't forget to RSVP!

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Our Story

In July 2022, for reasons that will become clear during the speeches, Sarina and John found themselves simultaneously on Bumble — one of the less pervy dating apps. It soon became apparent that they shared a desire to live life to the full, as well as a passion for all things aviation. From their first date taking in Top Gun Maverick to the most recent dogfighting in Spitfires, their love has grown. It seems almost preordained that they should spend their lives together.

And we haven’t even mentioned the horses yet!

The Proposal

There is a beach in Barbados famous for the racehorses that are brought down from the local track every morning for a dip in the water. Given Sarina’s lifelong connection with the equestrian world, where better to pop the question?

Wedding Party

Since we were children my sister and I have had two great loves, art and horses.. thats what brings us together, a great love for animals and creativity,

Suki has accomplished so much with her beautiful talent for Ceramics. This love has turned into a career of inspiring young kids to use their brains and hands for better use as a teacher in the fine art of Ceramics and more.

In the world of horses she is not only an accomplished rider, she is also an accomplished horse keeper.. Her career in dressage has been littered with wins and not always on horses that most riders would see as a dressage prospect, bringing a new life and perspective to many other riders and judges who look no further than the more traditional dressage mounts.

She will be there on the day to remind me that family is all and we time travel together sometimes whether we like it or not and although we come from very different directions we always meet with love and respect.

According to ChatGPT, Buter isn’t just your average best man. He’s a former U.S. Marine, a deep sea diver, and an airline pilot — because apparently, doing one dangerous job at a time just wasn’t enough.

He’s jumped out of planes, swam with sharks, and flown commercial aircraft through turbulence that made passengers reevaluate life choices — all without spilling his coffee. Somewhere between surviving boot camp and navigating 747s, he also became a master of bad dance moves and even worse advice.

Schedule

While those of us intrinsically involved in the wedding are running around like headless chickens and trying to keep the wheels from falling off, feel free to kick back in the Lounge Bar. Although nothing is formally planned, the bar is a great place to relax and mix with other guests.

Please take your seat in the Italian Garden for the wedding ceremony.

The ceremony begins at 1pm. Obviously, we are all fantastic timekeepers so this need not be said, but please be seated by 12.45.

Only the bride is allowed to be late!

A glass of fizz on the terrace to toast the newlyweds 🍾🥂🍾

Dine in the fabulous Rose Garden room.

Our evening guests arrive to join the party. Music provided throughout the night by a DJ who claims to have a God-given talent to read the room! Guests have use of a private bar should this not be the case.

Another opportunity to line stomachs. Evening guests may want to pre-game a light meal if 9pm seems a little late!

All good things must come to an end, and now is the time to see how many pumpkins there are.

Once again, nothing formally planned. However, we are hoping there will be the opportunity for those who can face it to check out and then meet up. The hotel has a lovely terrace where guests can say goodbye or take the hair of the dog.

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Your Meal Selection

Pictured below are the meal choices available for the Wedding Breakfast. Apologies in advance for the quality and composition, but I'm an airline pilot and not a food photographer!

Starters

Roasted vine tomato & watercress soup

Terrine of ham hock

Main Course

Glazed pork belly (lush!)

Pan fried corn fed chicken breast

Wild mushroom and spinach pithivier

Dessert

Glazed chocolate mousse

Pear and frangipane tart

Where To Stay

Wedding guests are offered a preferential rate plus use of the spa during the stay. Please contact Eastwell Manor direct using the email or phone number in the link.

For those who want to stay in a more traditional accommodation, the New Flying Horse is a delightful pub just 10 minutes from Eastwell. Rooms are limited though, so do hurry!

The Travel Lodge, Eureka Leisure Park is just 10 minutes from the wedding venue. At the time of writing this was by far the most economical option.

Premier Inn also has a hotel in the Eureka Leisure Park

Getting There

For those unable to simply stagger back to (hopefully) their own room, this is the company the hotel recommends for your transport needs. Cars can be booked in advance by using this link.

Registry

As we live in a two-bed semi with very little storage space, our lovely house is already full to bursting! Should you wish to offer a wedding gift, we have created a fun registry where you can contribute towards our two hopes for the near future: a honeymoon in Japan and trying to keep the horses alive! 😉

View registry