Welsh international football star Jessica Fishlock MBE recently married Tziarra King, an American professional soccer player, at Sant Ffraed House in the heart of her home country, Wales. Jessica is renowned as the first Welsh football player to earn 100 caps for the national team and has been named Welsh Footballer of the Year five times. We caught up with Jess and Zee about their gorgeous wedding.
How did you first meet?
We met at football; we were both on the same team. Zee and I played professionally in America at the time. I was back home playing for Reading on loan during the pandemic, and then during that time, Zee got traded, and I missed the preseason. When I returned, my best friend said, ‘I can’t wait for you to meet Zee. You’re going to love each other’ She didn’t mean it like that, but we did.
Where did you get married?
Sant Ffraed House
What attracted you to the venue?
Zee wanted to marry in Wales, which was a definite choice. Due to my schedule, I was at camp and couldn’t visit Sant Ffraed House. Feeling jet-lagged after returning home, I sent my mum and sister to check out the venue.
I had given my card to my mum, and when I noticed a charge on it, I called to ask what happened. They convinced me not to look for another venue, saying I wouldn’t find one like it. They took videos for Zee and me to review.
A month later, I finally saw the venue. I loved it from the videos, but it was even more stunning in person. When Zee came home for Christmas, we visited together, and she was equally amazed. We didn’t consider any other venues; it was perfect and unmatched.
What did you have for food, and how was it?
The food was incredible! We started with a garden and French onion soups. For mains, I had pork, and Zee had lamb. We then had pavlova and a chocolate choux bun for dessert.
Overall, the food was beautiful, and the service was exceptional. Many people commented on how seamless the staff were as they moved around the tables. It was truly impressive!
What did you wear? Tell us about your gown
Zee wore a plunge-neck, backless, lace dress with a gorgeous train and an incredibly beautiful long veil. Both our dresses had lace and a little bit of sequins.
Mine had a high neck and long sleeves. The back was cut out but attached at the top, and I had lace detail all down the side of the dress. I had an obscenely long train; it was so big, I loved it!
Tell us about your bridesmaids, who they were, and where you got the dresses from.
I had six bridesmaids, and Zee had five. Their dresses were from the American website Azizie, which specialises in all things bridal.
We were initially going for champagne-coloured dresses. Zee and I were travelling one day to a game, and whilst on the flight, Zee texted me, and I’m sat right next to her. Her message said she wanted to change the colour ways. She thought I’d go mad, but I was open to the idea. It was three months before the wedding, but the team at Azizie was great, and I’m so glad we did change them because the mix of green was so beautiful.
What was your best memory of the ceremony?
There are so many! Honestly, I think saying our vows was incredibly beautiful, and I loved the string quartet; I could have listened to them for hours. Zee and her mother had a mother-of-the-bride dance, which was amazing and super emotional. You could see how strong their relationship was through the dance.
What was your first dance song?
Sweet Sympathy by Joy Oladokun and Chris Stapleton
How did you entertain your guests?
We had a band, Summer Sons and a DJ, Boutique Disco
What was the cake like?
We had a three-tier cake. One tier was a sponge cake, one was carrot cake, and the other was coffee.
Have you been on your honeymoon yet? If yes, where did you go and how was it?
We went on a five-day mini-moon to LeMat in Switzerland, and once football season is over, we’ll go on our proper honeymoon.
What’s your top tip for future couples getting married?
Our wedding wasn’t traditional; we wanted to enjoy every moment together. When Zee was getting ready in the Honeymoon suite at Sant Ffraed House, I popped in to see her, but not for long, only to say good morning. We wanted to experience the day together, so after the ceremony, we stayed together, and we saw everybody together. We made an effort to visit each guest’s table, which was nice for us and the guests.
Remember, the day is a celebration of you both. The more you can enjoy it together, the more it will enhance your day.
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